Latvian heavyweight Skabarnieks eyes tougher opponents after quick win
Latvian MMA heavyweight Arturs Skabarnieks knocked out Luis da Silva in the first round, improving his record to 12-0, and now wants to test himself against stronger fighters abroad.
Latvian heavyweight MMA fighter Arturs Skabarnieks won by first-round knockout over Luis da Silva, nicknamed Frankenstein, at the ″Bazara 0 Fight Club IX″ event. In a post-fight interview with Sportacentrs.com, he said he was pleased with the quick victory but wants to test his skills at a higher level.
The 33-year-old fighter improved his professional record to 12 wins without a single loss.
Training camp despite injury
Skabarnieks revealed he arrived at his training camp in France, where he worked with UFC fighter Cyril Gane, while nursing a back injury. He described feeling very unwell, struggling even to get out of bed or put on socks. Despite the pain, he never considered withdrawing from the fight, since he had dealt with similar back problems before and knew he would recover in time for the bout.
The injury kept him from training properly for nearly a week, and he had to proceed cautiously even afterward. He got fewer sparring sessions than he wanted, though he noted the camp still had value, as he got the chance to work with Gane.
Fight details and future plans
At the weigh-in, Skabarnieks was nearly 20 kilograms heavier than his opponent, but he explained after the fight that he could not afford to force a clinch too often, since his opponent was lighter, faster and more experienced. He acknowledged taking several solid hits himself, including to the elbow.
Skabarnieks noted that none of his fights have ever reached a second round, and this one was no exception. Looking ahead, he mentioned plans to travel to Poland or the Netherlands, or possibly join a training partner heading to train at American Top Team in the United States, in order to gain experience against stronger opposition.
