Marjanović on his FFC 25 match: ‘I almost fell asleep, but then…’

June 17th, 2016

Marjanović on his FFC 25 match: ‘I almost fell asleep, but then…’

Denis Marjanović fought in Springfield at FFC 25 and scored his third win in the FFC ring. “Lumberjack” flew to the US with big motivation and well prepared game plan that helped him to defeat dangerous Youssuf Saidi.

In fact, Marjanović and Saidi were the only European match-up on excellent fight card which was quite visible from the match they delivered.

“I am happy with the way I did the match. I recalled some of my old techniques and I controlled the match all the time. My opponent has a good score. 29 wins and 3 losses. So I knew I cannot do any mistakes if I want to win. I was very motivated and I wanted to avoid defeat at any cost,” said Marjanović upon his return from the US.

Two times close to KO

“My game plan was to impose my rhythm with strong punches and inflict as much damage as I can, looking for an opportunity to knock him out. I felt it twice and I attacked but I did not manage to finish the match. Once it happened via punches and second time via low kicks, meaning he is tough and experienced regardless of his physique that was not that impressive.“

Confirmation that European kickboxing is ahead of American

“It was the only European match and another confirmation that European kickboxing scene is more developed than the American. I think we demonstrated a good level of kickboxing. Saidi was no problem for me at all. He was taller, but I neutralized him, closed the distance and I punished him with heavy punches.“

It was Denis’ sixth match and third win in the FFC ring. He made his FFC debut in 2014 in Zadar and believes it is clear FFC is going in the right direction.

“This was my sixth match in the FFC ring since my debut in Zadar. The quality level of FFC improved tremendously, they are unrivaled when it comes to the production, roster is bigger and now they moved to other continents.“

Jet let problems, wakeup call

“The hardest part of fighting in the US was jet leg. I could not get used to the time difference and I was terribly sleepy before the match. My match was about to take place around 11 PM, which is 5 PM in my country. But when I saw my friends by the ring, I woke up immediately and nothing could stop me until I finish what I came for.”

Fans coming from afar

“Yes, I had big support from my fans and some of my friends who live in the US travelled 1400 kilometers to see me fight here. My coach and I were more than happy they came and I could not disappoint them.”

Future plans

“I got some new offers. One big organization invited me to fight this weekend already, but I will let it all calm down a bit, I don’t want to rush since I have some minor injuries and the trip was quite exhausting. I will stay in shape and I will wait for new challenges.“

In the end, Denis revealed he did not come back only with memories about his match, but he also had some time to travel and sightsee. He admits it would not be possible without help from his friends and colleagues who live and work in the US.