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MacDonald back in the OctagonTitle shot at stake against Okami |
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UFC News
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MMA News Written by Scott Zerr
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Monday, 15 October 2007 |
 Alberta’s own UFC star Jason “The Athlete” MacDonald makes his fifth trip into the Octagon on Saturday night with a lot on the line. MacDonald, who represents Pro Camp Sports Management, squares off against Japan’s Yushin Okami in a bout that could very well determine who the next top contender for the UFC middleweight crown will be. On the same card, UFC 77: Hostile Territory, middleweight champion Anderson Silva defends his belt in a rematch against former title-holder Rich Franklin. The winner of the MacDonald-Okami encounter will be at the head of the line to face the champion.
“I’m looking forward to beating him and then moving into real contention for a title shot,” said MacDonald, who is now Cincinnati, Ohio, the site of Saturday’s fight.
“I plan on pushing the pace against Okami. I usually start a fight a bit on the slower side and then pick up as the fight continues on. But I’m going to get right in Okami’s face and make him fight my fight. I want him to fall right into my game plan and then I’m going to get to work.”
While both MacDonald (20-8) and Okami (20-4) are known for their endurance and uncanny ability to improve as a fight moves on, MacDonald has no intention of getting into a war of attrition against another top contender.
“I’m going to make sure he never hits his stride,” said MacDonald, who also trained with MFC light heavyweight champion Roger Hollett in preparing to face Okami. “I’m going to push him and push him and when he makes a mistake I’m going to capitalize and hopefully finish the fight right then.”
Manager/trainer Mark Pavelich has seen MacDonald’s preparation for the fight first-hand and likes the look on his fighter’s face.
“Jason is in the right mood and in the right zone for this fight,” said Pavelich. “Jason fights so much better when he sets the pace. When he determines the direction a fight is going to go, he’s like a man possessed. It’s his will, it’s his way. And that’s when Jason fights his best.
“This is a huge opportunity for Jason to get himself at the front and centre of the title picture and Jason isn’t the kind of guy who wastes big opportunities. He proved he was no stepping stone when he dominated Ed Herman and then he showed that he was no fluke when he finished off Chris Leben.
“He rebounded from his only loss in the UFC against Rich Franklin by proving he still belonged at the top with his win over Rory Singer. I don’t doubt for a second that Jason is going to show the world exactly where he belongs when he beats Okami.”
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