After three decisions, UFC 175's Ildemar Alcantara predicts knee-strike KO

It’s not often an MMA fighter will attempt to call his shot, but UFC 175's Ildemar Alcantara is doing just that.

When fighters are asked about upcoming bouts during pre-fight media, the answers often can skew toward the generic and cookie-cutter. Many athletes are hesitant to make bold statements and want to keep their strategies under wraps.

Alcantara (20-6 MMA, 3-1 UFC) is bucking that trend ahead of his fight with Kenny Robertson (13-3 MMA, 2-3 UFC), though, and believes he’s due for a knockout after going the distance in three consecutive fights. Specifically, he envisions a knockout stemming from a knee strike.

“My last three fights have gone to decision,” Alcantara told MMAjunkie. “I plan to finish my opponent this time around. Considering his style, I expect I can knock him out with a knee strike.”

Robertson is a tough nut to crack when it comes to the knockout category. His only loss due to strikes came against Mike Pierce more than three years ago and his only defeats since are by decision, proving his durability.

But Alcantara believes he has what it takes to stop Robertson – it’s just a matter of exposing the right opportunity to do so. Those opportunities seem to come more often for fighters with a high comfort level inside the octagon. With his fifth UFC fight just around the corner, Alcantara says he’s feeling comfortable and anticipates his best performance to date.

“The pressure of being the new guy is gone,” Alcantara said. “Making weight had been a concern, but now it’s become easier. I’m feeling great because I’m coming off a victory. So, without a doubt, I’ll be very well prepared. You’ll see an improved version of Ildemar Alcantara.”

It can be easier for a fighter to get comfortable when competing in a familiar environment, and Alcantara has done just that by fighting all four of his UFC bouts in his home country of Brazil.

That run of home bouts comes to an end Saturday night, as UFC 175 goes down from Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center. The event airs on pay-per-view prior to the preliminary-card on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Traveling to another continent to compete can be no easy task, but Alcantara is eager to showcase his skills in front of an American audience. Moreover, he believes in his potential to be one of the UFC’s top welterweights.

“It’s the first time I’m fighting in America,” Alcantara said. “I’ll be giving my all. My goal is to win by knockout or submission. I want to show that I can be one of the top fighters in my weight class. It’s crucial that I give my best so I’ll be asked to do it again.”

For more on UFC 175, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.