Pat Sabatini talks mindset, future in UFC, Indian fans & more ahead of Joanderson Brito clash [Exclusive]

The Philly native wants to get a decisive win this Saturday!

UFC Featherweight Pat Sabatini is ready to enter the octagon for the first time this year following his dominant submission win over Jonathan Pearce last year. The dominant win came following his second UFC loss against the current 145 title challenger Diego Lopes.

Sabatini is now set to take center stage against Joanderson Brito in the co-main event of the UFC Fight Night which will be headlined by fellow Featherweights Josh Emmett who will battle Lerone Murphy, as the Octagon returns to the UFC APEX this Saturday.

🇺🇸 Josh Emmett vs Lerone Murphy 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Who you got on Saturday?! #UFCVegas105 pic.twitter.com/YjhTY3mWYk

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) April 1, 2025

While Sabatini is coming off a great win following his loss to Lopes, Brito on the other hand, who is known for his aggressive style, bounced back from a debut loss with five straight finishes before dropping a decision to William Gomis. Now, he aims to reset in 2025.

Ahead of his fight on April 05, Pat Sabatini sat down with Khel Now for an exclusive interview. Pat discussed the mental side of fighting, his pick for the UFC Featherweight title clash at UFC 314, his upcoming match, his future in the UFC, and more.

Also Read: UFC Fight Night Emmett vs Murphy: Fight card, time, telecast, live streaming info & more

The Philly native is excited to get back in the octagon against Brito

Sabatini expressed his excitement for his upcoming fight and highlighted how he and his coaches pushed to another level during this fight camp. While acknowledging Brito’s aggressive style, Pat believes he presents an even greater challenge for him.

“I think this fight camp, my coaches and I really pushed to another level and I’m excited to showthe world that on Saturday.”

“I know a lot of guys don’t want to fight him, but as much as I saw him as a bad matchup for a lot of people, I think that I’m a very bad matchup for him.

Sabatini expects a well-rounded fight that could play out both on the feet and on the ground, “Both of usare going to bring out the best in each other. I think it’s going to be a little bit everywhere and it could stay on the feet, it could go to the ground. Only time will tell. You know, I think we’re both prepared for each other very well and I think we’re going to put on a great show for all the fans.”

Why do you think talking about mental health is still a taboo in MMA?

While emphasizing the importance of the mental side of fighting Sabatini noted that many fighters struggle with it but often let ego prevent them from improving in that area. Pat believes that success isn’t just about being the better fighter, it’s about performing when it matters most.

“I think a lot of fighters struggle with that part of the game and I feel like a lot of fighters let ego get in the way and, you know, they don’t do the proper things to get better in that aspect of the game. And I think it’s at this level, it’s the most important part of the game because it’s not necessarily the betterfighter who wins, it’s who can perform at the time it comes down to it.”

What’s it like fighting at the Apex? Do you prefer the intimate setting?

While venues with live crowds provide an unprecedented level of excitement, Sabatini also likes the intimate setting of Apex where he is able to hear instructions from his coaches.

“Honestly, I like both. I think each one, I like the big events because, you know, there’s a big crowd, there’s a lot of energy to feed off of. But at the same time, I do like the Apex a lot too because you can hear everything going on from your coaches, you can hear their instruction very well. And yeah, you know, either way, it’s great.”

A potential match with Nate Landwehr & predictions for UFC 314

While Sabatini isn’t picky about his opponents, if the UFC offers him the match against Nate Landwehr again he will definitely accept. Sabatini was set to battle Landwehr last year in March, but he had to pull out of the bout due to unknown reasons.

“If it’s offered to me again, absolutely. I’ll say yes, for sure. But I’m not very picky on opponents. I let the UFC do that for me.”

When asked about his pick for the upcoming vacant Featherweight title clash between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes at UFC 314, Sabatini revealed that while he is a big Volkanovski fan, he can see the fight going either way.

“That’s tough, man. I could see it going either way, You know, I’m a big Volkanovski fan. I’ve been watching his fights for years. But Diego’s super tough, super dangerous. So, man, it’s gonna be a really good fight. I actually don’t know who to take in that one.”

Sabatini trains alongside UFC Welterweight Sean Brady at Renzo Gracie Philly and Brady recently picked up a dominant win over former Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards at UFC London. When asked how impressive was Sean’s performance, Sabatini stated that while people were shocked, his team knew it was gong to happen.

“Man, it’s funny because I feel like the whole world was surprised, but our team was not surprised. We knew that was going to happen. We knew Sean was going to go in there and just totally dominate and own the moment. And it was so nice to see it come into fruition.”

Long-term goal in the UFC, fight prediction & message of UFC fans in India

Sabatini wants to continue his momentum and continue rising through the ranks, he also would like to get a number in front of his name.

“I just want to keep rising. I would really like a number in front of my name at some point in the next year or so. And I just want to keep climbing in the ranks. I just want to keep building on my legacy, keep getting better, keep becoming a better mixed martial artist and keep becoming a better person.”

Sabatini is looking to finish Brito using his extensive arsenal, “I think the prediction for this fight is going to be a submission.”

Pat appreciates all the love from Indian fans and revealed that they had a couple of people from India who went and trained with them in Philadelphia. While lauding Indians for their hard work, he also welcomed anyone from India to train with them in Philadelphia.

“India, love you guys. You guys have a very good fan base. We actually had a couple people from your country come over to train with us. I think last year, very, very hard workers, very great training partners. Anytime any of you guys want to come through over to Philadelphia, you guys have a home with us to train.”

Watch UFC Fight Night – Emmett vs. Murphy on 6th April 2025 at 6:30 AM IST LIVE On Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)

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