On an interview with TATAME, the Karate fighter talked about his next challenge, analyzed Bader, Jon Jones and didn’t discard dropping to the middleweight class and seemed willing to be one of TUF Brazil’s next coaches, possibly against Mauricio “Shogun†Rua.
“It would be a hell of a conquer for me and for Shogun. I really respect him. Of course there’s this rivalry, but only inside the octagon. We say hello to each other and actually we’re co-workers, so we gotta respect each other. It’s going to be good, really good. If really there’s this chance of being part of TUF, I guess it can only bring good things for us and for the sportâ€.
Will you have your preparation done in Belem?
I was thinking about half on the United States, at Black House, and half in Brazil. Since he’s a wrestler, I guess it’s important to go over there and learn some things and I guess it’ll help me a lot. I’m bringing Wrestling coaches to help me out. Of course I thought about training to defend myself from his game. My goal is to strengthen my Wrestling so I can play my game easily.
What can you tell us about Bader’s game style?
We trained together once at TUF’s house when Minotauro was a coach there. We trained together and we got to know each other, but it was only one day. As a person, he’s very cool, a strong fighter, he has heart. At striking he’s been getting better and he’s a great wrestler. I don’t see him as a ground expert, but of course he’s dangerous.
You were undefeated until were defeated by Shogun, in May of 2010. From then on you fought four times and only got one win. Why would you say that caused it?
It’s hard to say. I’m fighting among the bests and a detail makes a difference for you to win or lose. I really lost those fights and it’s a part of the game. It’s just something I went through, I’ve gone through some changes and I must’ve done this on an unconscious level and it led me to lose. But I see it as an opportunity to improve. Now I have to focus and be the best I can.
Do you feel pressured for earning another win?
I guess that’s pressure on me, but it won’t actually get to me, I won’t get nervous about it. I’m cool about it. Of course I need a win, but I’m fine and I’ll fight well alright. That’s the important thing: get a good fight and bring back home the win.
Jon Jones was a big promise and now he’s became a reality. How does it feel having a champion so dominant on your division?
Well, people say he’s unbeatable, but I, as a fighter, don’t see it that way. He’s a great fighter, a great champion, but he has some flaws too and he might lose. I don’t know if it’s not or later, but I try not to focus on it that much. I try to focus on what I’m doing now, my biggest goal.
