Punahele Soriano has so far delivered one of his most composed versions at UFC 320 and achieved a decisive victory over Nikolay Veretennikov on Saturday evening to extend his profit track to three.
Soriano (12-4) was candid about the mixed emotions that followed. Although his performance marked a step back in the right direction, the Hawaiian middle weight admitted that the victory did not bring the relief he had expected.
“I feel physically good. All the glory for God. I am healthy, I have the victory,” Soriano told reporters including Cageside Press at his scrum after the fight.
“I have been sad emotionally. Disappointed all the time. Seeing Edmen (Shahbazyan) is like the only thing that made me super happy. That was really cool.”
Soriano thought about the emotional weight he worn during his recent struggles. Despite the win, he was not satisfied with his performance in the Octagon. The striking central weight admitted that the fight did not reflect the aggressive, crowd-mighty style that he is known for.
“I am ashamed of all the people who had to see me fight like that. That is not the way I fight. I normally go outside and I don’t know, cool versions,” he said.
“Maybe the pressure touched me or something.”
“I would say:” I am worried that I am next to the title fight! “Like a joke. I can’t say that.
“I just have to try to find a way to make myself happy tonight and enjoy the victory.”
With rumors about a potential event in Hawaii, the thought of missing that chance was never far from his thoughts.
“That was also part of the pressure,” he laughed.
“I was like a man, I don’t want to be switched off and cut before the UFC goes to Hawaii!”
View the entire post-fighting scrum with Punahele Soriano above.
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