Walter Goncalves shares reason for moving down to strawweight: “I always felt stronger”

26-year-old Brazilian Muay Thai star 'Iron Hands' Walter Goncalves is heading into his next fight with his back against the wall, and the Blackthai CT representative says he has no other option but to win. Against a tough opponent in Thai-Malaysian Aliff Sor Dechapan, that is easier said than done.

However, Goncalves says he has all the tools necessary for victory and is confident he will come away with the win on fight night, simply because he made the right decision to move down in weight.

A fixture in the flyweight division, and having faced many of its biggest names, Goncalves has now moved down to strawweight in hopes of snapping his three-fight losing skid.

Speaking to ONE Championship in a recent interview, Goncalves talked about the decision to move down, and what it will mean for his career.

The 26-year-old Brazilian stated:

"I’ve actually always fought in the strawweight division, but in ONE, I was fighting a weight class above my own. In the flyweight division, I thought my opponents were stronger and heavier, so I decided it was time to go back to fighting in the strawweight division, where I always felt stronger."

Needless to say, Goncalves badly needs a victory, but it won't come easy against the dangerous Aliff.

Walter Goncalves and Aliff Sor Dechapan go toe-to-toe at ONE 169 on Prime Video

Brazilian Muay Thai star 'Iron Hands' Walter Goncalves is ready to take on Aliff Sor Dechapan in a three-round strawweight Muay Thai contest at ONE 169 on Prime Video that should have fans buzzing.

The two lock horns at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Nov. 8.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event during fight week.