After a two year break Stipe Bekavac is back in the ring. He easily scored a victory at FFC Futures 1 in Opatija defeating his opponent Laj Calvarus.

Stipe Bekavac could not hope for a better return to the combat world. Although he did know a thing about his opponent, he reached his goal.

"For me it was the most important to score the victory. My return was successful. Prior to the fight I did not have any expectations, I did not think about the duration of the fight. I wanted to impose my own rhythm and it all ended up well. I did not know almost anything about my opponent, but I guessed he would try to take me down as soon as possible. And that's what happened indeed. However, I reacted great", said Bekavac who fought against a heavyweight fighter, but he did not even feel the difference in weight.

"I did not feel the difference in weight because it ended really fast. He did not manage to use that in his advantage. He did not get nor opportunity nor time for that."

Despite the fact that he did not fight for two years he never stopped training.

"That's my lifestyle. I was constantly training. And honestly, I missed fighting. That's why I'm back. A break can affect any fighter. However, it can all be made up by the right approach to the match and training. It all starts in the head. That's the key when you prepare for the match."

Just a month after Opatija Bekavac will step into the ring again. At FFC 11 in Osijek he is to fight former UFC fighter Eddie Sanchez. He had a short break and spent some time with his family and friends and now he is back to work.

Bekavac was to fight with Sanchez in Opatija, but the American fighter did not show up…

"Yes, he did not show up, but I did not have time to be disappointed because it all happened so fast. He cancelled the match and I had to focus on the new opponent. I did not care who will be in the opposite side of the ring."

This time he is to fight much better and more experienced fighter than Calvarusu. However, Bekavac knows the tactics to score a new victory.

"In the beginning I will try to land as many precise punches as I can. I have to impose my own rhythm. I will be careful about his wide punches he will surely try to land. I have to be careful about all the details during the fight and I have to avoid difficult situations on the ground", said Bekavac who does not think too much about what is ahead of him this year.

"I will simply do match by match and see what happens. I do not have a special plan. It's most important that I stay healthy. Anything can happen then. That way you can also make plans and then reach your goals."