Takeya Mizugaki had two back-to-back losses and his back against the fence before entering the UFC Fight Night 75 event.
Mizugaki has no problems thriving under pressure. The Japanese fighter, who has a record of 21-9-2 MMA and 8-4 UFC, won over George Roop by unanimous decision in last Saturday’s event. Mizugaki was able to outpoint Roop during all three rounds. The event was aired on FOX Sports 1 from Saitama, Japan.
He managed to impressively win five-straight fights in the UFC starting from 2012 to 2014. Because of this, he was able to make himself a top contender in his weight class. This japanese fighter also ranked No. 13 in the NOS Energy Drink MMA bantamweight rankings as well. Unfortunately, things turned around when he lost to Dominick Cruz and Aljamain Sterling.
The 31-year-old had never experienced losing consecutive bouts in more than half a decade while being a UFC and, at the same time, a WEC competitor. This was why the knockout to Cruz and submission loss to Sterling raised questions regarding his skillset despite the fact he had more than 30 pro fights under his belt.
In order to stop the speculations about his competitiveness, MMA fighter Mizugaki knew that he had to win and beat Roop in Japan. After the fight, Mizugaki got emotional and cried in the octagon. He explained the reason why he cried during the post-fight conference at the UFC Fight Night 75 event.
“I considered this as my last fight. I tried to give everything that I have. So I’m relieved now,” Mizukagi said.
He made it clear, though, that retirement was never an option for him, but he took the fight as if it was his last. During his 17-year career in the MMA, Mizugaki was able to go against fighters who were the best in the bantamweight division. When he learned that he will be fighting Roop, he admitted that he prepared for the fight with drive as if it will be his last fight in the octagon.
Hard work indeed pays off.
“I decided to give everything as if this was my last fight. But I’m not quitting,” he said.