Luiz Firmino plans on WSOF title shot with victory over Brian Foster

Despite three straight wins over WSOF notables, Luiz Firmino was passed over for a shot at the promotion’s lightweight belt. He doesn’t plan on allowing that to happen again.

“We’re going after that belt,” Firmino told MMAjunkie in his native Portuguese. “It doesn’t really matter to me how I win, as long as I win. I really want that belt.”

Firmino (19-6) meets Brian Foster (26-9) on the main card of Friday’s WSOF 33 event, which takes place at Kansas City Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. The evening’s main card airs on NBCSN following prelims on MMAjunkie.

The night’s main event sees undefeated lightweight champ Justin Gaethje (16-0) put his title on the line against Ozzy Dugulubov (8-2).

Firmino thought he might be considered for that opportunity following his January win over Caros Fodor, but that wasn’t ultimately in the cards.

“My last fight in WSOF, I took on two weeks’ notice,” Firmino said. “For this next one now, against Brian Foster, I’m very well trained. I’ve been getting ready for three months. For sure, I’ll win this fight, fight for the belt, and bring that belt back to Brazil.

“Without a doubt, winning via submission or knockout will make me stand out even more, so I’ll give my best to make that happen.”

Firmino has been competing professionally for more than 16 years. Still, the Brazilian believes he’s only now reaching his peak, training with Florida’s famed Blackzilians team.

“I train with the best fighters in the world,” Firmino said. “There are several fighters in my own weight class – Michael Johnson, Gesias Cavalcante, Gilberto ‘Durinho’ Burns. Vicente Luque also helped me out. I’ve never felt better before a fight. We have great new coaches here for wrestling and kickboxing. I feel 100 percent ready.”

But all that preparation ultimately comes down to his performance on Friday night. Riding a six-fight winning streak, Firmino certainly has built a case for a title shot, but he didn’t do quite enough to get the call. “Buscape” believes his phone will certainly ring next time.

“I’ve trained with Brian Foster before, so he knows my game,” Firmino said. “He knows what I plan on doing. Brian Foster is extremely tough – one of the toughest I’ll ever face – but I’m in top shape. I’ll look to win as quickly as possible and leave no doubt that I deserve to fight for the belt.”

For more on WSOF 33, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.