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Tom DeBlass: My mind was always on fighting in Sweden

Roar Rookie
10th April, 2012
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Undefeated Light Heavyweight Tom DeBlass (7-0) was asked to make his UFC debut last week, just 12 days before a fight against Frenchman, Cyrille Diabate.

However, the ring of combat fighter, bizarrely, has had visions of making his UFC debut in Sweden for months.

“I had visions of me fighting Diabate in Sweden for a few months,” DeBlass revealed to The Roar ahead of his UFC debut fight on April 14 in Stockholm, Sweden.

“My thoughts where when an opportunity presents itself like this, I have to take it.”

DeBlass has signed a four fight deal with the world’s biggest MMA promotion and will replace Jorgen Kruth on the UFC on FUEL TV 2 card in Sweden who has been forced to pull out of his fight against Cyrille Diabate due to an injury suffered in training.

“I’m a fighter that loves to fight, I don’t feel any pressure or nerves ahead of the fight.”

With taking fights on short notice comes the additional pressure of making weight, but this has been made even harder for DeBlass who had been resting an injury before his manager received a call from UFC matchmaker, Joe Silva.

“I just got back into training last week,” said DeBlass. “I never let myself get out of shape, I’m a true student to martial arts.”

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“I feel that I will cut weight just fine.” 

DeBlass currently sits at 217lbs and with a long flight to Sweden tomorrow he hopes to be at 221lbs when he arrives and cut the additional 18lbs prior to the weigh ins on Friday.

Heavy handed, Diabate will be the toughest opponent so far for DeBlass and he is wary of his opponents stand up skills.

“He has a good left hand and throws with lots of power. He also has a good kick but has been rocked by Alexander Gustafsson and Luiz Cane.”

“I hit hard and move fast,” said DeBlass. “I will close the distance to make up for his height and reach advantage.”

Diabate’s latest outing saw him rock Australian, Anthony Perosh in round one before the Frenchman was taken down by the long-limbed Perosh and choked out in round two.

Although DeBlass comes into the fight on a limited preparation he had one more statement to make before stepping in the cage. 

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“What has he [Diabate] done to adjust to fighting me instead of a kickboxer!”

UFC Sweden Gustafsson vs Silva on FUEL TV Sunday April 15. Prelims 2:30am and main card at 5am.

UFC Sweden Gustafsson vs Silva weigh-ins on FUEL TV Saturday April 14 at 12:00am

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