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Ilir Latifi has recently made the switch to fighting at heavyweight after being a light heavyweight for so long. The UFC fighter is a bit undersized as he's 5'10 while most fighters in the division are well above 6'0.
UFC Columbus sees Ilir Latifi continue the heavyweight journey against Aleksei Oleinik and he has no plans on changing anything. The Swedish fighter is fully committed to never cutting weight again.
“This is my home now at heavyweight,” Latifi told MMA Junkie at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 33 media day. “I actually started my career at heavyweight. I did two or three fights. But I feel good at heavyweight and I think weight cutting, in the long run, is not healthy for the fighters. For me, it feels better.
“It was very taxing (making light heavyweight). If you do it once a year, maybe it’s OK. But if you’re going to fight two or three times a year, with time, it takes a toll on the body. The body wasn’t recovering as it should. I was cutting around 33 pounds, 34 pounds each fight. It didn’t to me any good.”
Not cutting weight also has a big advantage on Ilir Latifi's performance. The UFC heavyweight feels much better physically.
“Strength, stamina, recovery – everything,” Latifi said. “Weight cut takes a toll on the body – not only on your power, but your endurance and your ability to endure strikes.”
UFC Columbus will be Ilir Latifi's opportunity to prove he belongs in the division as he faces a very tough test. His ground game is going to be put to the test.
“Oleinik is probably the most experienced guy on the UFC roster – almost 100 fights (and) wins over very big, notable fighters,” Latifi said. “He’s a guy that comes to fight (and) puts the pressure (on), and he’s a very tough opponent. We trained at American Top Team – not very much. Still, we spent some time there – (he’s) a very respectful, great guy. (He’s) very well-rounded and not afraid to challenge and take the game where he needs.”
