Mitrione: I have the power
Former Giants and Vikings defensive tackle Matt Mitrione is targeting a third straight win when he lines up at UFC 119.
Last Updated: 25/09/10 5:50pm
Former New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Matt Mitrione is targeting a third straight win when he lines up at UFC 119.
Mitrione has won his first two fights since turning pro but he will face his toughest test against Joey Beltran in Indianapolis on September 25.
However the 32-year-old heavyweight is used to being an underdog after coming through The Ultimate Fighter and then dominating Kimbo Slice at UFC 113.
And Mitrione is confident that he has what it takes to overpower his rival.
"I feel that Joey has a tremendous amount of heart and pretty good cardio," said Mitrione.
"I think the best part of his game is his takedown defence, and that he seems to have some kind of power, but I can't tell you how much power until he punches me.
Outclass
"He's also got strength in his chin. But the fact that his takedown is the best part of his game - that I've seen, at least - is bad for him because I'm not trying to take anyone down.
"I respect him, but I'm going to outclass him. I'd be really surprised if he could bully me around. Come next week, he's going to experience grown man strength.
"I'll be punching and kicking - that's the kind of stuff I'm looking to do, so that's going to throw his game right out the window.
"When it comes to touching chins and having power, I think I'll always have the upper hand. I believe in my hands. And I definitely believe in my shins. When I go for the inside of your leg, it's going to land."
