Dennis Siver | Source: MMAWeekly.com
Just a week and a half ahead of his pivotal UFC 127 bout with George Sotiropoulos, German dynamo Dennis Siver spoke with Tapology’s Steven Kelliher about the most important fight yet of his UFC career.
Siver is currently in the midst of his second stint with the world’s top MMA promotion. He was cut from the UFC in 2008 after back-to-back losses, but has since gone 5-1 in his most recent stretch. Above all else, Siver attributes his current UFC turnaround to focus and experience.
“I think nowadays I’m more [used] to fighting in front of so many people,” Siver said. “I’m also more focused on my preparation. As you might have seen, I’m improving all the time, and I’m a more experienced and well rounded fighter than I was back in the day.”
In addition to rising steadily up the stacked lightweight rankings, Siver has transformed into one of the most consistent finishers in the division.
“It’s always my goal to finish the fight as soon as possible,” Siver said. “If I can knock my opponent out, and the fans are satisfied, that is such a great feeling. But of course the most important thing is to win the fight.”
While Siver’s offensive style has made him a force to be reckoned with in recent fights, Sotiropoulos marks a significant step up in competition for the European striker.
“My style is mostly based on boxing and kicking,” Siver said, adding, “but my ground game has become even better, so I’m more prepared to fight on the ground as well. I can punch and kick out of any angles and my counters are very dangerous. I think I’m ready to fight someone from the top five, so George is great for my next test.”
Siver roughs up UFC vet Spencer Fisher | Source: MMAWeekly.com
Asked if he was concerned with his opponent’s vaunted ground game, Siver was dismissive.
“George is a really nice guy and a great fighter, and his BJJ is amazing,” Siver said. “I think his game plan is to take me down. His ground game is so high level, so only a few guys can compete with him on the ground and not got submitted. My ground game is underrated, and this is good. My opponent will be surprised when the ‘kickboxer’ can choke him out.
“I don’t see this fight going over the judges scorecards. My game plan is to fight him in stand up; this is where I feel dominant against a ground specialist, but of course if we end up on the mats, we will fight there as well.”
With Sotiropoulos rapidly closing in on a title shot, Siver has a rare opportunity to leapfrog some of the top contenders in the division with a victory.
“It would be such on honor to get the title shot and my biggest dream would come true,” Siver said.
Siver even said he would welcome a subsequent fight with Jim Miller if it was presented to him following a win over Sotiropoulos.
Finally, Siver was asked whether or not a move to the UFC’s new featherweight division could be in his immediate–or eventual–future given his relatively short stature for the lightweight division.
“No, I feel great at lightweight,” Siver said. “Dropping my weight down to 145lbs would not be healthy. Also, I love to eat cakes, and this would make that much harder.”
(Special thanks to Karsten Wuerz for translating.)
