In an exclusive interview with RG, Daniel Frunza, the highly anticipated UFC newcomer, discussed his recent victory in Dana White's Contender Series, his upcoming debut in the UFC, and his aspirations for the future.
Frunza expressed his excitement about the newfound attention of being a UFC fighter.
"It's been amazing," he said. "I got a lot of attention, something that I still need to get used to. But it's nice. I love it. What can I say? It's all good. I cannot wait for my debut. That's all I can say about it."
Transitioning to the UFC spotlight presented a significant step up in competition for Frunza. He acknowledged the pressure of facing a more experienced opponent but emphasized his ability to stay calm.
"Because of how important it was, I tried not to think too much about it," he explained. "The pressure was, or it can be, extremely overwhelming. So I just, I just took the fight as a fight, as any fight, you know, it did not matter for me if it was in front of Dana White or in some third-category league, to me, it meant nothing. I knew what was at stake, but I tried not to think about it. I tried to keep calm because that pressure can strangle your performance, you know? It can choke you. It's a double-edged sword."
Frunza then delved into the specifics of his fight against Vadim Kutsyi, highlighting his opponent's aggressive approach and his own strategic response.
"He came in kind of shy, kind of like he was trying to see what I'm going to do, and I just started to put hands on him like quick and rock him twice before he even threw a punch on me, you know? So I think that took him by surprise a little bit, me starting really quick."
Frunza's strategy proved successful, forcing his opponent to take him down and adopt a more defensive posture. Frunza explained, "He just tried to kill me because he knew on the feet, if we get back on the feet, it was over for him."
Reflecting on the fight's entirety, Frunza acknowledged the initial difficulties but remained confident throughout.
"During the fight, obviously knowing how I even made it to the fight because of some injuries and stuff like that," he said, "finishing the first round and the way the first round ended, I was happy. I was so happy the way the first round went. I took a few shots, but it was worth it, 100%. In the second round, I looked at him and it was not the same fire in his eyes, you know? So I knew at some point in the second round I was going to finish him."
Looking towards his UFC debut, Frunza remains grounded yet ambitious. "Listen, I think, and I know for a fact, I just need to prove it, but I think I'm top 15 material, 100%. So if I think that and I have this belief, I should be able to walk through everyone until I get to that top 15. And that's what I'm gonna do."
Frunza identified his relentless pressure style as a key factor in his success.
"The way I am now, if I'm 100%, let's say, fit to fight, I can still take and drown half of that division easily," he declared. "They don't hit harder than me. They don't walk around heavier than me. They're not faster than me. So we are all equal. But the only difference is the pressure that I put on you, like, for how long you can do that? I can do that for five rounds easily. Can you still be there?"
While eager to showcase his skills, Frunza understands the importance of proper healing. "I'm gonna leave that to the UFC," he said regarding his next fight. "Obviously, my job is to stay ready. I would have liked something for December, but most likely it won't be possible from what I've heard. So I think I'm going to fight somewhere January or end of January."
When asked about his ideal matchup, Frunza displayed a fearless attitude.
Daniel Frunza's journey to the UFC has been marked by unwavering determination and exceptional talent. With his recent victory on Dana White's Contender Series, Frunza is poised to make a significant impact on the welterweight division. As he prepares for his UFC debut, fans can expect to witness a fighter who is not only skilled but also fiercely competitive and dedicated to his craft. Frunza's combination of pressure fighting and relentless pursuit of victory is sure to make him a fan favorite and a formidable force in the octagon.
Garrett Kerman is an American sports writer specializing in MMA, boxing, and betting news. He has established himself as a prominent voice in combat sports journalism, providing expert analysis and breaking news. Kerman has covered major events and conducted interviews with notable figures in the industry, showcasing his extensive knowledge and passion for the sport. His insights are widely sought after by fans and bettors alike.
