Emmanuel Sanchez has been waiting a long time to get another crack at Daniel Weichel.
Three years after the split decision on the German competitor, “El Matador” will meet Weichel for the second time in the Bellator featherweight Grand Prix quarterfinals early next year.
Sanchez decided to fight Baichel in the Grand Prix bracket selection at Bella Tor 228 on Saturday. At the beginning of the lottery, Baichel chose to fight in February 2020, but at the time did not know who his opponent was. Sanchez tried to fight earlier in December or January, but that just means more preparation time is needed.
"I know he didn't hit me," Sanchez said about Weichel at a press conference after the Battle of Bellator 228. “This is certain. That's what I thought and wanted for a long time. More lines are now available on much larger platforms. And now the fight will be 5 rounds, not 3 rounds. I'm really looking forward to it. ”
Weichel politely ended the story of Sanchez, who deserved Sanchez in his first battle in the summer of 2016.
“I know for myself that I have beat him,” Weichel said. “But it was a close fight. I'm looking forward to the fight. Sanchez is one of the best featherweight players. I'm looking for the best thing. ”
Weichel reached the quarterfinals on Saturday unanimously beating Saul Rogers. He fought on two fight skids, including a title fight against Patricio Freire and a lightweight one fight-for Wechel, this was more than going on in the tournament.
“I tried not to, but I think it is impossible if it comes from two losses,” Weichel said. “But I tried to focus on Saul as a fighter. I took him seriously as I fight. ”
Weichel admitted that he started slowly in the fight, but said the situation changed as the three-round bout progressed.
Weichel said, "It took a while to find the rhythm and to get the distance to pick a better shot next year," Weichel said. "I felt a bit rough to get into the fight, but I went on while the fight went on."
Sanchez vs. Weichel 2 is Freire vs. Pedro Carvalho is on the same side as the tournament bracket as the title fight. This means the winner challenges the belt in the semifinals. Sanchez didn't think this was true, but said he didn't complain.
Sanchez and Weichel fought Freire – Weichel twice. After Brazil passes Carvalho, the semifinals resume.
"I was surprised to be on the same side as the champion," Sanchez said. "But this will be much sweeter. If you go out and win in February, you'll see the winners of Pitbull and Carvalho."