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 Q: Darius, this is your 2nd title defense at Destiny FC, and first time facing anyone other than Mr. Yamamoto. What are your thoughts on the upcoming bout with Mark Bariga?
D.K.: It will be an entirely different fight than my two previous outings, as Yamamoto was a grappler, and Bariga is a pure striker. Those two are polar opposites. My trainer and I watched some videos of Bariga and his game plan seems to revolve around throwing power shots, which is fairly predictable. I'd say his opponents have been of average quality.
Q: What will be your game plan coming in against someone who you describe as a powerpuncher? Will you try to take him down and test his ground game, or will you stand and bang?
D.K.: I'm confident in my striking and while I won't reveal my plan to you guys, I will say this: I won't shy away from trading.
Q: All of Bariga's fights ended in finishes--he was the victor 7 times, KO-ing his opponents all 7 times, while getting subbed twice, and being on the wrong end of a KO once. To Bariga's 100% finishing rate, you sport a 90% rate yourself, with 70% KO and 20% submission rate. Would you say the fans are in for a treat? Should we expect fireworks, and what is your prediction?
D.K.: I don't like predicting results, and as far as facing Bariga--I don't think he leaves opposition with many choices but to kill or be killed. I believe in my striking and physical abilities, and although I said I wouldn’t divulge my plan, I think it would be an interesting challenge to try to pick him apart using speed and precision. He reminds me a bit of Robbie Lawler, and standing in the pocket and trading with this guy could be costly. I'll utilize all of my striking, I'll kick him, I'll clinch him, I'll test his takedown defense, I'll test his chin, and I'll test his will to win. I think it will be a good fight, especially for those that say that styles make fights, as I'm looking to use my whole toolbox, which I think contains more tools than Bariga's, so I'm planning on weathering the initial blitz and going to work on this guy. He has never went the distance, and that's not a knock on him, but I want to take him into a territory that he has never been to and see how he fares with being in the deep waters.
Q: I wish both of you luck, and am going to keep my eye on this one, as it promises to deliver an interesting clash between two of the brightest prospects at Destiny, with much at stake.
D.K.: Thank you, I want to wish Bariga good luck, as well, he is a nice guy and we became friends while promoting this fight.
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