Pat Sabatini: 'Tough times don't last – tough people do'

One could understand if former CFFC featherweight champion Pat Sabatini was a little bitter about his past year in the sport.

After all, Sabatini lost out on three different appearances during the past 12 months due to a variety of reasons. The one time he did fight, he suffered a gruesome arm injury and ceded his title to James Gonzalez in just 46 seconds.

But that's the thing about Sabatini. There's not an ounce of frustration in his voice.

"In February, when that thing happened with the arm, that was definitely one of the worst times that I've gone through in my life, but tough times don't last – tough people do," Sabatini said.

While the arm injury looked absolutely horrific, it ended up being simply a dislocated elbow, and the 29-year-old was back in the gym less than two weeks later.

"Nothing was broken," Sabatini explained. "To be honest with you, in that fight, I was as surprised as a lot of people were. I didn't realize that I had a problem until I looked at my arm, and then that feeling set in, I was like, 'Oh, sh-t.'"

Fully healed, he looked to get back to action at August's CFFC 83 event against fellow veteran Bill Algeo. Unfortunately, Sabatini was forced to withdraw from that card when he contracted COVID-19.

"It was very light symptoms, honestly," Sabatini said. "Honestly, it wasn't that bad, I just didn't want to get any of my teammates infected or anything like that, and I had to do the quarantine, which took me like right up to the fight, so it was just super unfortunate timing."

Five weeks later, Sabatini (11-3) is ready again. He faces fellow featherweight Jordan Titoni (7-5) in the co-main event of Thursday's CFFC 84, which streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS from Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino in Robinsonville, Miss. 

Sabatini said he's excited about the matchup.

"From what I've seen, he's a pretty scrappy guy," Sabatini said. "He's from Colorado. Comes from a good camp. He's got some wrestling. Likes to push the pace. It should be a good scrap. I feel like I match up very well against him."

It's another big moment for Sabatini, who has been on the cusp of a UFC berth for quite some time but has struggled to get over the final hurdle. Sabatini knows his February setback may have delayed that opportunity a bit, but he's clear in what it takes to get there.

"I feel like I definitely have to go in, get a finish – or a couple finishes," Sabatini said. "That's what I'm prepared to do. I'm not going to fight for a decision. I'm going to look to get that finish every minute when I'm in there. I'm just going to stay ready, and when the call comes, I'll be happy to accept it."

Ever the optimist, Sabatini will look to take a step forward on Thursday. Sure, it hasn't been an easy road, but the way Sabatini sees it, nothing worth having ever is.

"I'm in a beautiful place mentally, and all I'm going to say is I'm really excited to put on a show for everyone on Thursday," Sabatini said.