CFFC champ Pat Sabatini remains patient, keeps improving while waiting on UFC: It's a lifestyle for me

If he's being honest, Pat Sabatini will admit he thought he'd be in the UFC by now. After all, the reigning Cage Fury Fighting Championships featherweight kingpin already has three successful title defenses to his name, and he's widely considered one of the top 145-pound prospects in the U.S.

That said, he's certainly not letting any perceived delay affect his continued growth as a fighter.

"I hope it happens now, but guess what – if it doesn't, I'm just going to keep going forward," Sabatini said. "I'm not going to let anything slow me down."

Sabatini last saw action in May, submitting Brazil's Fabricio Oliveira in the second round. He was then scheduled to return at September's CFFC 78, but a series of opponents fell through at the last minute, and though Sabatini made it clear he'd fight anyone the promotion could line up, his appearance was ultimately scrapped.

"It was a very hectic week before that last card in September," Sabatini admitted. "I went through three opponents, and the last guy, he came in like 10 pounds overweight, and it was really tough. I didn't get to fight on the card."

Sabatini didn't sulk, though. Instead, he simply stayed in the gym, keeping himself in shape and pushing CFFC President Rob Haydak to book him again as quickly as possible.

"I've just been training, and it's basically been like two full camps back-to-back," Sabatini said.

Of course, finding someone willing to face Sabatini is often easier said than done.

"I have been putting fights together for over a decade, and I have never experienced so much difficulty in finding an opponent for a fighter as I have in trying to get a fight for Sabatini," Haydak said. "Pat and his team have always requested the toughest opponents possible, and 99 percent of those offered to fight Pat have stayed away. He's well-rounded in every discipline and a tough matchup for anyone in the world."

Still, Haydak stayed true to his word and found someone willing to answer the call, and Sabatini (11-2) now puts his title on the line against Brazilian import Mauro Chaulet (14-6) at Saturday's CFFC 79, which streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS from Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City.

Chaulet makes his CFFC debut, but Sabatini says he found a bit of tape on his opponent and was impressed by what he saw. However, he makes it a point to never focus too much on what someone else might bring to the cage.

"The guy's got a lot of fights," Sabatini said. "He's pretty scrappy. He brings a lot of experience to the cage, but I think that I can exploit him anywhere, whether it be the ground or the feet.

"I got to see his last two fights on tape, but I just like to concentrate on myself. When it boils down to it, I've got to be the best version of myself, regardless of who the opponent is."

And Sabatini believes that best version is constantly improving. Sure, he'd love to be in the UFC right now, but under the watchful eye of John Marquez at Philadelphia's Extreme Evolution Fight Camp (EEFC), Sabatini said he's getting better every single day, something his future peers in the world's biggest MMA promotion will certainly notice.

"I definitely feel like particularly the last three fights, I've probably evolved the most out of my whole MMA career, ever since training more at EEFC," Sabatini said. "I feel a different level of confidence, even enjoyment in the cage. I feel like I really belong in there. I love it.

"John Marquez just lives, eats and breathes all this stuff. He cares about all his students, all the people he coaches, including myself. He's such a great mentor for me, such a great role model, and I know when he's in my corner that I'm going to do what I need to do."

Sabatini knows another good performance could very well earn him a call to the UFC. But he doesn't believe that adds any pressure to the moment, nor any special concerns in the days ahead of the fight. He knows the path to MMA glory is not short, and he's in it for the long haul.

"I feel like I'm improving with every workout that I do," Sabatini said. "This isn't just fight to fight. It's a lifestyle for me. As long as I'm getting better, I'm happy.

"I am getting a little antsy to fight, though. I really can't wait to get in there. Just the buildup from two camps, I really can't wait to get in there and put on a show."

For that reason alone, Sabatini said you're going to want to see what he does at CFFC 79.

"To tell you the truth, I don't know exactly how I'm going to win, but I definitely expect a finish," Sabatini said. "Whether it be on the ground or the feet, whether it be the first round or the fifth round, just don't blink. Stay tuned, and expect a finish."