https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/carlos-felipe-calls-out-raphael-pessoa-again-after-ufc-on-abc-1-video
Carlos Felipe calls out Raphael Pessoa – again – after UFC on ABC 1 win
Matt Erickson and John Morgan
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ABU DHABI – Carlos Felipe beat Justin Tafa with a split decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC on ABC 1 in Abu Dhabi.
Take a look inside the fight with Felipe, who won for the second straight time after a loss in his promotional debut.
Carlos Felipe vs. Justin Tafa
Result: Carlos Felipe def. Justin Tafa via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Updated records: Felipe (10-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Tafa (4-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC)
Key stat: Tafa outstruck Felipe 86-52, including 21 leg strikes – but failed to get the nod from the judges.
Felipe on the fight's key moment
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 17: (L-R) Carlos Felipe of Brazil kicks Justin Tafa of Australia in a heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 17, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
"I didn't expect such a battle and for the fight to go to the third round. I said before in some interviews that I didn't expect him to keep up with my pace, but he did. He surprised me in the first round. He didn't come in the way we expected, but it's what I always say: We have to be prepared for anything. But yes, he surprised me. He won that first round, but we were able to bounce back. I love these battles, I feel great. For me, it was better than winning by knockout, because I love this war-like atmosphere."
Felipe on having an in-fight motivation
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 17: (R-L) Justin Tafa of Australia punches Carlos Felipe of Brazil in a heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 17, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
"I prefer fighting in front of an audience. I feed off their energy. Even if the fans are rooting against me, I like it – it's even better, actually. In the first round, I felt they liked him better and were cheering more for him and I think that helped me because I like the adversity. I was obese when I was younger. I know what being bullied is like, so I know there's nothing that can stop me or put me down."
Felipe on what he wants next
"I want to fight Raphael Pessoa. Every fight I've had, I said the same thing and I will say again: Raphael Pessoa, let's bang! What are you afraid of?"
To hear more from Felipe, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
UFC on ABC 1: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
UFC on ABC 1: Official scorecards from Abu Dhabi