UFC on ESPN+ 13: Andre Fili thinks he's reached next level, wants only big names now
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Andre Fili beat Sheymon Moraes with a first-round knockout Saturday night on the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN+ 13 in Sacramento, Calif.
Take a look inside the fight with Fili, who picked up a $50,000 performance bonus for the first time since 2015.
Result: Andre Fili def. Sheymon Moraes via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 3:07
Updated records: Fili (20-6 MMA, 8-5 UFC), Moraes (11-4 MMA, 2-3 UFC)
Key stat: After decisions in six straight fights, going 4-2 in that stretch, Fili got his first finish since November 2015.
Fili on the fight’s key moment
“I visualized this moment so heavily for three months. Team Alpha Male has been raising me up since I was a kid. The fight went exactly how I envisioned it. I’ve been doing a lot of visualization and mental coaching. I just feel sharp everywhere. I saw it going this exact way and feel like I manifested the result. I’m on another level right now.”
Fili on the importance of winning in Sacramento
“Other than the day my little sister was born, this might be the best day of my life. Getting to give something back to this city and my team is a huge feeling. Everything I do, I do for the people around me. There are a lot of people around me who didn’t grow up with much else but fighting. So to put this performance on for them, I’m overwhelmed right now.”
Fili on what he wants next
“I want a top-10 opponent next. It doesn’t matter who, because I’m going to beat everyone in the world right now. I want to keep knocking dudes out. I want big names.”
To hear more from Fili, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For complete coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 13, check out the MMA Results.