Bassil Hafez is looking to return to the win column this weekend at UFC 302 When he takes on Micky Gall. Bassil Hafez’s last trip to the octagon saw him lose due to a split decision against Jack Della Maddalena. Before he goes and takes on Micky Gall, Combat Sports UK was able to get a word in with him.
Bassil Hafez Belives in his Experience
Hafez has been able to get his hands on some titles before being able to get himself into the UFC. Hafez was able to clinch the Cage Fury, Fury FC and Maverick MMA welterweight titles. Being a champion represents being the best in the organisation. Everyone will be expecting big performances when you enter the octagon due to this. This is the same in the UFC as being known as the top organisation everyone expects a big performance when the fighters enter the octagon. I was able to ask Bassil if coming into the UFC holding these titles has helped prepare him for this big stage. Bassil responded by saying;
“I definitely believe my experience throughout my career has helped me become ready for the spotlight now. I will only become better as my career goes on.”
Bassil believes that while being champion has helped him prepare for the big stage. It has been every fight that he has fought in that has prepared him. Hafez doesn’t think it is just the title fights that has helped him. Bassil believes he can only push on the become a better fighter with every fight. When I went on to discuss how he is handling the pressure of competing on the big stage he explained;
“The pressure is always there and I’ve gotten better at how to react to & handle the pressure. I know that if I believe in my preparation and what I do well, my resilience will help me conquer any task”
Fighting on the big stage can be very nerve-racking due to having all the big lights focused on you. Hafez believes that the most important thing is preparation and if he is able to prepare well he will be able to handle the pressure and get the victory.
Reflections from the Jack Della Maddalena Fight
Bassil made his UFC debut on 3 days’ notice when he went up against one of the welterweight’s up-and-coming prospects. This was when he took on Jack Della Maddalena. Even though Bassil wasn’t able to get a training camp in to prepare for this fight. Hafez was still able to put in an impressive performance. However, he wasn’t able to get the result losing due to a split decision. Speaking about that fight with Bassil I was able to ask what he thought about the fight and what he has taken from it. Hafez responded by saying;
“I was happy with my ability to keep it a close fight with Jack and almost win even though I was definitely definitely compromised because I was not in fight shape. I took the fight on three days’ notice and cut 30 pounds. What I took from the fight is that my chin is a lot tougher than I thought and that even at my most tired, I can still compete and be strong-willed enough to push for the victory.”
This shows that Bassil wasn’t able to prepare fully for this fight. This is because he had to make sure he was able to make weight. Even though that was the main focus and wasn’t able to fully prepare he was still able to go out and test Maddalena. Bassil was able to walk out of that fight knowing that he was able to take more strikes than he thought which would make him more comfortable to stand trade with his opponents. Bassil has been able to come out of the Maddalena with more knowledge about himself. Hafez will be able to utilise this when he takes on Mickey Gall.
Training Camp
I was able to try and get an idea of how his training camp was going since this was the first one in the UFC. Hafez is finally able to study his opponent to try and find any weaknesses to exploit. When I asked Bassil how his training camp had gone he replied by saying
“This has been my best training camp to date. I’m excited to showcase what I can do off of a full fight camp.”
Bassil has finally been able to have a full fight camp and will be able to go out and showcase his true ability. He will be able to go out and try and secure the finish to show UFC fans he truly belongs in the UFC. When trying to find out what Bassil has found out regarding weaknesses of Mickey Gall he was looking to exploit. Bassil Hafez was able responded to what he found when he said;
“There are a few areas I feel I can exploit with Mickey. I’m excited to show that come fight night. I believe I am a better fighter in all areas.”
Bassil Hafez was keeping his cards to his chest however, has said he has seen some weaknesses. Hafez will be able to showcase these this weekend. This is when he looks to get the finish to start his UFC career.
Bassil Hafez Prediction and Next Fight
I was able to ask Bassil about how he thinks this fight is going to go. I was also able to get a wee prediction on how the fight will finish. Bassil explained by saying;
“I see myself finishing Mickey Gall inside of 3 rounds”
We have the official prediction on how Bassil sees this fight going while we may not have an exact round prediction Bassil is predicting a finish. Bassil will be looking for the finish to be able to prove to UFC fans he belongs in the UFC. I was able to ask Bassil about who he is looking to fight next if he is able to get the victory this weekend. Explaining who would be next Bassil said;
“I’m looking to climb the rankings and hopefully get that rematch with JDM one day. Until then I will continue to earn my keep with every single fight, one fight at a time.”
Bassil is looking for a revenge fight with Jack Della Maddalena to be able to avenge this defeat. However, he does realise this victory may not guarantee this fight so he will take it one fight at a time until he can get this re-match.
Featured image credit to Embed from Getty Images