Diego Ferreira is motivated by his family to perform at his best in his upcoming UFC fight against Mateusz Rebecki, aiming for a victory via submission or knockout.
Diego Ferreira is all set to face Mateusz Rebecki at UFC St. Louis. It’s a big night for him.
Why?
Well, Ferreira’s got a lot riding on this fight. He’s fresh off a knockout victory against Michael Johnson, which was a much-needed win after a three-fight losing streak.
But it’s not just about the win.
Four months post his victory, Ferreira and his wife welcomed their first daughter. Now, a father of five, Ferreira’s perspective on his career has shifted.
He explains, “That’s why I’m back. It’s given me a new drive. I’ve got a family to provide for. This sport, brutal as it is, secures my family’s future.”
Ferreira’s aware of the harsh realities of the sport. He knows his time in the UFC is limited. He’s been in it for a decade, after all.
He admits, “I see the end coming. I don’t want to, but I know it’s there. My family, my kids, that’s why I fight. I have to give it my all in the octagon for my four boys and my girl.”
After his win against Johnson, Ferreira took a year off. He even asked UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby for an advance on his purse to cover bills.
Now, he’s back.
And he’s got his sights set on a $50,000 check in St. Louis.
Ferreira’s no stranger to tough fights. He was supposed to fight Clay Guida at UFC 302, but Guida got injured.
Ferreira recalls, “I was focused on fighting and needed the money. I was behind three months in the gym, I had a newborn, so I had that pressure. I wouldn’t miss the opportunity.”
Rebecki’s got a 3-0 record in the UFC, with consecutive wins over Loik Radzhabov and Roosevelt Roberts in 2023. But Ferreira’s record is impressive too, with victories against Anthony Pettis, Mairbek Taisumov, Rustam Khabilov, and Olivier Aubin-Mercier.
Ferreira’s not underestimating Rebecki, though.
“He’s a tough guy,” Ferreira acknowledges. “But this fight is perfect for me to show I’m still here. I want to fight for the belt one day. This guy has 19 wins but hasn’t fought anyone with a name yet. It’s going to be a first for him, the first experienced opponent he faces. That’s the difference between him and I.”
Rebecki’s only MMA loss so far was to Pawel Kielek, ten years ago.
Ferreira, a decorated jiu-jitsu black belt, sees opportunities on the ground for Saturday’s fight.
“I want a submission,” he declares. “Especially after the knockout last time. But nothing’s certain in this business. Still, I’m confident I’ll win with a submission in the second round. If not a submission, I’ll knock him out.”
And that’s Ferreira for you. Ready to fight, ready to win.