SPORTS

WestValleyView.com /WestValleyView For more sports visit WestValleyView.com

Vettori strives to be his country’s fi rst MMA champ

Marvin “The Italian Dream” Vettori says he’s hoping to “rewrite history” and be the fi rst UFC champ from his country. (Photo courtesy of UFC)

Mahoney Law Office, PLLC

• Trusts • Wills • Estate Planning • Asset Protection • ALTCS/Medicaid Planning

• LLC Formation & Planning • Powers of Attorney • Beneficiary Deeds • Probate & Trust Administration

Call to schedule your consultation with an Attorney who listens & cares 623.518.3513

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

West Valley View Executive Editor

Marvin “The Italian Dream” Vettori is confi dent about his sold-out Saturday, June 12, UFC match against middleweight champion Israel Adesanya at Gila River Arena.

“I work harder than anybody else,” said Vettori, the No. 3-ranked contender who fi ghts out of Mezzocorona, Italy.

“Whatever obstacle I have in front of me, I crush it. I just work hard and never take a shortcut. I keep improving myself. I show up when it’s time to, and that’s it.”

The Vettori/Adesanya fi ght is the headliner, as the co-main event is fl yweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo against the No. 1 contender Brandon Moreno.

All bouts will be streamed on ESPN+ in English and Spanish. The early prelims begin at 3 p.m. PT on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass. The prelims will be distributed on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 5 p.m. PT. The UFC 263 main card will stream exclusively on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View starting at 7 p.m. PT.

“I’m super excited,” said Vettori, whose record is 17-4-1. “Everything I worked for is on the line June 12 in Arizona.”

The 27-year-old southpaw has been into martial arts since he was young. Vettori mostly did it for fun until, one day, at the age of 16, he saw a video of Fedor Emelianenko fi ghting in Pride.

“Since then, I keep getting more and more obsessed with it,” Vettori said. “This is my occasion, and I make the most out of this dream.”

His titles include the Venator FC welterweight title, and in Brazilian jiujitsu he’s ranked as a brown belt under his coach Filippo Stabile, who awarded that to him after his last fi ght.

These days, Vettori trains twice a day, six days a week — 10 a.m. to noon and 6 to 8 p.m. with Kings MMA. In between, he eats and rests.

The Huntington Beach, California, resident says it’s meaningful to be fi ghting in the UFC.

“It means everything to me,” said Vettori, who has been a pro since 2012. “My dream has always been to be in the UFC one day, and that is why now that I have reached my first big step, I will do everything that is in my hands to stay here for a very long time.”

When he fi ghts Adesanya, Vettori promises it’s going to be action packed.

“Everything is on the line,” he said. “You can expect the best version of myself and, no matter what, I’ll come out with a win.

“He’s no easy opponent. I fought him already one time. This is my moment to make a wrong right and rewrite history and be the fi rst Italian UFC champ. There’s a lot of animosity before or during for sure.”

If You Go…

What: UFC 263: Adesanya vs. Vettori 2 When: 3 p.m. Saturday, June 12 Where: Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale Cost: Sold out Info: gilariverarena.com

Jennifer Mahoney

Attorney

2980 N. Litchfield Rd., Suite 120, Goodyear www.mahoneylawoffice.net

Visit us online at westvalleyview.com

Avondale hosting fireworks on July 4 at raceway

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

The city of Avondale, Avondale Toyota and Phoenix Raceway will host the largest tailgate fireworks experience in the Southwest Valley on Independence Day.

Gates open at 5 p.m., and the 25-minute fireworks show begins at 8:30 p.m.

The fireworks show is free, or guests can upgrade to watch the fireworks from the VIP zone at The Barn.

The VIP pass is $50 per adult (16 years and older) or $30 per child (15 years and younger); children 4 and younger are free.

The VIP Pass will include special parking privileges, entry and seating at The Barn, a private Rudy’s pre-selected barbecue party meal, and beverage tickets. Limited number of VIP passes are available and must be pre-purchased by June 28 by calling 623333-2400 or visiting avondaleaz.gov/ events. All ages are welcome to this VIP experience.

Also available is The Pitstop for Parents, a supervised drop-off area for children ages 5 and older. Cost is $30 per child and includes snacks and organized activities, led by Avondale Recreation staff.

Space is limited, and parents with youth at The Pitstop for Parents must remain on premises of the VIP area for the duration of the event. Festivities, a kids zone, food and fireworks to light up the sky are all part of the celebration. Families are invited to bring folding chairs, ice coolers and snacks for the show. Grills and open fire cooking are not allowed.

Phoenix Raceway is located at 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale.

WE’RE HIRING!

Great pay. Excellent benefits. Amazing team. Full and part time positions are filling up fast! 200 jobs available in food and beverage, cage, security, player development, facilities and environmental services, slots, and surveillance positions.

LOOP 101 & NORTHERN