Issue 131
November -0001
We asked four exciting Brazilian fighters for their opinions on five of the most relevant matters of the moment.
The Fighters
Q1. Do you consider Daniel Cormier as the 205lb UFC champion – or does that title still belong with the suspended Jon Jones?
Formiga
A. “The real champion is Jon Jones. I hope he recovers and comes back, because he’s an exceptional athlete. But as he’s suspended, the division needs a new champion and he’s there because he deserves it.”
Barroso
A. “Cormier deserves the title, but the real owner of the belt is Jon Jones. If he goes back to fighting he’ll get the belt back and I don’t see any other fighter that could beat him.”
Martins
A. “The great champion is still Jon Jones, who showed a lot of things inside the Octagon. It was a great fight between Johnson and Cormier, but Jon Jones is the real champion.”
Barboza
A. “Cormier is the champion once Jones was suspended. I have no doubt that Cormier is the new champ.”
Q2. What motivates your fighting career: money or becoming the best fighter in the world in your weight division?
Formiga
A. “What motivates me the most is to get to the top. Every athlete aims to be the best in his sport and to win a title, or a belt in the case of fighters. Money is just the reward for our hard work.”
Barroso
A. “If I’d think only about money I’d be down in the dumps. What moves me is my desire of becoming the best. Money helps me to keep working, of course, but I fight to be the best in my category.”
Martins
A. “Being able to help my family, changing their lives and my wife’s. Money is important but it’s a consequence of victory. It’s good to see my family happy with my results, but without money we can’t have the things we need.”
Barboza
A. “What motivates me is fighting for the biggest promotion in the world and doing what I love. Every day I go training to become a better fighter and improve my game.”
Q3. This issue we look back on some of the most effective game plans in MMA history, but what’s the most successful strategy you’ve used in a fight?
Formiga
A. “For my fight against Zach Makovsky the game plan was perfect. That was the first time I had a strategy and it worked exactly as it was planned – to strike with him, wait for the gap to bring him to the ground, then use my jiu-jitsu.”
Barroso
A. “It was in my UFC debut, when I beat Ednaldo ‘Lula’ (Oliveira). We made a perfect game plan to win the three rounds and get off on the right foot.”
Martins
A. “My game plan against Alex White was well executed. I hadn’t fought a southpaw at 145lb so my team used a strategy to keep the fight on the feet. Keeping the fight standing against a southpaw is different but I succeeded.”
Barboza
A. “The best game plan I’ve used was when I finished the fight as soon as it started because the game plan is always finding a way to finish the fight.”
Q4. We also review the potential of one current MMA prodigy this issue, but there are many young prospects today. Who is the most exciting new talent in your gym?
Formiga
A. “From Kimura Nova Uniao, Elielton Fernandes. You can be sure he’ll be emerging in national events as he’s a great talent. At Nova Uniao, Matheus Nicolau, who’s on TUF Brazil 4. He is really distinguished.”
Barroso
A. “In our team it is complicated to say only one name because we have lots of talented guys. I’d say Matheus Nicolau and Nikolas Mota who are competing on TUF Brazil 4. They’re going to make a lot of noise in the UFC.”
Martins
A. “My Chute Boxe teammate Thomas Almeida. This guy is a machine and he came to show all his potential in the UFC. I’m sure he will soon be a champion in the bantamweight division.”
Barboza
A. “Marlon Moraes. He will be the UFC champion soon. He is already WSOF champ.”
Q5. TJ Dillashaw and Renan Barao are scheduled to rematch in July, how do you see their second fight playing out?
Formiga
A. “The first fight was unique. Dillashaw had an exceptional fight and the knockdown messed up Barao. But lightning never strikes twice. This time Barao will play differently and bring the belt back to Brazil.”
Barroso
A. “Even if I didn’t have any friendship with Barao, I’d say the same thing – he’s a distinguished fighter, he’s got a very aggressive style and he’s always moving forward. Barao’s seeing red and really focused.”
Martins
A. “I expect a tough fight, but, above all, a fight in which Barao will be hungry to win, for revenge. I see he is really motivated, focused and I support him a lot. I hope he brings this belt back to Brazil.”
Barboza
A. “I hope Renan Barao can come back stronger for this fight and bring this belt back to Brazil.”
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