Having Felt the Heat of the Bright Lights, Jason Saggo Ready to Stake UFC Claim | MMAWeekly.com

Looking back on his TKO win over Josh Shockley in his UFC debut in June, lightweight prospect Jason Saggo couldn’t be happier with the way the preparation process went and how he feel he performed in the bout.

“We had a great training camp and everything went smoothly,” said Saggo. “In the fight, I just let my body take over and it went well. He was a challenge.

“(Shockley) had a good jiu-jitsu game, good wrestling defense, and some decent strikes in the beginning. It went to the floor and I ended up finishing him with a TKO ground and pound with three seconds left.”

As he gets ready to return to the UFC this Saturday night in Halifax, Canada, Saggo feels he has an opportunity to improve upon his performance in June. Anyone picking against him is taking a bigger risk than in a casino card game by going against him.

“Joining the UFC has been a goal of mine for so long, so it was an incredible feeling to have a win inside the Octagon,” he told MMAWeekly.com. “It was kind of surreal to do the interview after the win.

“I think this time I’ll be even more prepared and know what to expect. I know what the bright lights are like shining on you as you walk to the Octagon. I’ll be more prepared going into this fight.”

This Saturday at UFC Fight Night, Saggo (10-1) will face another tough test when he goes up against fellow up-and-comer Paul Felder (8-0).

“He’s definitely a tough opponent and has a lot of wins by knockout, so he’s a good striker who likes to keep things standing, so I’ve got to mix it up,” said Saggo of Felder. “I’ve got to use my footwork, make sure I’m always moving around and make it difficult for him.

“I’ve got to make it a true mixed martial arts fight and have the standing, the wrestling and jiu-jitsu – have it all.”

A native Canadian, for Saggo, not only is this Saturday night an opportunity to advance his career, but also a chance to represent his country.

“It’s a huge deal for me represent Canada,” said Saggo. “I’m the only fighter from Prince Edward Island, and I’m proud to be representing them on the card.

“I think this win will be huge. It will be a huge boost of confidence having two wins in the UFC, with them hopefully both being finishes as well. I think this will bring me to a bigger scale and will open more doors of opportunities.”