Before “THE” Ryan Sanders throws down with Luis Felix again for the CES MMA Lightweight Championship in the main event of CES MMA 36 on June 10 in Lincoln, R.I., live on AXS TV Fights, he caught up with ProMMANow.com to talk about the first match and how the highly anticipated rematch will play out.
ProMMANow.com: How bittersweet was your first fight with Luis Felix?
Ryan Sanders: It was nice to get the win. It was kind of bittersweet because I was handling myself well against the No. 1 guy. It was bittersweet because how I won. Him getting injured wasn’t a definite win.
How excited are you for this rematch?
I am beyond excited. I’m so excited. I’ve been busting my ass in the gym, and I’m mentally ready. I’m just ready to go. I look forward to showing that I’m the real deal. June 10 is my destiny and I’ll be leaving the cage with my belt.
Before that, how will this fight end?
I’d like to win by knockout. I’m always working on my striking. But wherever the fight goes, I know I’m going to be victorious. There’s nowhere where he beats me. I’m ready to break his will and finish this fight.
How’s it going to feel to walk out of that cage with the belt around your waist?
It’s going to feel great. It’s going to be another step in the right direction, another step up the ladder.
Would you be interested in a third fight with Luis?
It really depends on how this goes, but I’d like to challenge myself against other guys. Nate Andrews is on a tear and I’d love to fight Julian Lane. I wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to a third fight with Luis, but that all depends on how this goes.