Pat Sabatini Feels He Can "Do Better" Than He Showed at UFC 328

"“You take it in, but you don't let it get to you, you don't let it deter you from your game plan. Aware of it, but not effecting me.” Sabatini said he noticed the crowd’s reaction and the online backlash, but he framed it as something to acknowledge without changing his approach. He emphasized staying focused on the plan rather than being influenced by displeasure from fans."

"“I came in, obviously I want to go for those finishes as much as I can. It's unrealistic to expect to finish every time, I just feel like I could do better. I could be better in the striking department, better in the grappling department. So you know, I can't wait for the next one.” Sabatini connected the decision outcome to specific areas for improvement. He acknowledged the difficulty of finishing every fight while still expressing dissatisfaction with his execution in both striking and grappling."

"“He [Gomis] made very good adjustments, and I wasn't able to make the adjustments I wanted to. That's what it boils down to, that's how I'd word it.” Sabatini attributed the lack of a more decisive performance to his opponent’s tactical changes. He said the key factor was failing to implement the adjustments he intended during the bout."

"“I want a ranking, I want a number next to my name. Any time, I'm ready.” After extending his winning streak to four straight, Sabatini set a clear objective for his next phase. He focused on earning a ranking and being prepared to compete whenever the opportunity comes."

Pat Sabatini earned a decision win over Gomis at UFC 328 in Newark, NJ. The bout was viewed by many fans as a slog, leading to boos and online criticism during and after the fight. Sabatini said he takes crowd reactions in but does not let them change his game plan. He described Gomis as a tough, competitive opponent and said his own performance was not where he wanted it to be. He cited Gomis making strong adjustments and Sabatini failing to make the adjustments he wanted. Sabatini said the result motivates him to return better, improve striking and grappling, and target a top-15 ranking. He expects his next fight on a rumored Philadelphia card in August.

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