Leandro Higo plans to finish Danny Sabatello in Bellator grand prix quarterfinals

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Leandro Higo has arguably the stiffest test of his career Friday, but he’s not too concerned.

Higo (21-5 MMA, 4-3 BMMA) takes on the brash Danny Sabatello (12-1 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) in the quarterfinals of the bantamweight grand prix at Bellator 282. Sabatello is more than a 5-1 favorite in the fight.

But Higo said Sabatello can talk all he wants. He plans on heading into the semifinals not only with a win, but with a finish.

“I’m always excited to fight everyone – be it Sabatello, be it (Raufeon) Stots, (Magomed) Magomedov,” Higo told MMA Junkie at Wednesday’s media day. “Whoever’s there, I’m always excited to face them. I’m not here to talk trash. I’m here to be the champion. The time for me to talk … is Friday night, because once that door closes, I’m going to punch him in the mouth.”

Check out Higo’s full media day interview in the video above.

Bellator 282 takes place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.