Douglas Lima: Why I'm Moving to Middleweight

Douglas Lima talks with the press ahead of his bout Friday in Paris at Bellator 296.

On opponent Costello van Steenis: “I never say no. I needed a fight, they gave me [Costello van Steenis], and I said yes. He’s very explosive. He’s hungry. He’s a guy who wants to make his name in the promotion and in the division. He’s got great training partners. I know I need to be on top of my game to win this fight.”

On the fight with van Steenis: “We’ll see. You never know until the fight starts. He throws a lot of kicks and punches, so it should be a great fight. He’s a good opponent, so let’s see… I looked at a few fights; I’m not a guy who deeply studies my opponents. He’s very aggressive, very powerful. He’s a big guy. I did everything I could to prepare for him — my coaches studied him more. There are never any easy fights, so it’ll just be another of those.”

On moving up to middleweight full-time: “I always thought middleweight would be the place for me. I feel good. I don’t think I’ll ever be the biggest middleweight, but at least I’m healthier. I was very upset with myself when I missed weight in my last fight. I definitely feel a lot healthier; I didn’t have to cut as much weight as I usually do, so I’m looking forward to it. I’m focusing just on training instead of cutting weight.”

On his recent outcomes: “For me, it’s part of the game. We play a tough sport. Everyone I fight is good; I’ve been fighting the No. 1 and No. 2 guys. A lot of times, I stepped in there and didn’t feel like myself. I don’t know why. The camps would be great, but something was off. But I’m not thinking about those losses. The biggest thing is to be at my best, so I’m doing everything I can to be my best on Friday night.”