Issue 124

January 2015

We follow OSP through a turbulent training camp as he juggles opponents before he finally draws Brazilian legend ‘Shogun’ Rua.

WEDNESDAY 22ND

St Preux has had a month to prepare for new opponent Francimar Barroso after Rafael ‘Feijao’ Cavalcante withdrew through injury. He gets an early boxing workout at Eppolito Boxing with Justin Fisher and Scott Holtzman, before working on his explosive power in a strength and conditioning session with coach Nate Hoffmeister.

TUESDAY 28TH

The UFC light heavyweight contender continues to develop his explosiveness with some box jump drills. OSP then visits American Top Team in Atlanta to sharpen his ever-improving striking skills with some sparring.

WEDNESDAY 29TH

Less than two weeks before he’s due to compete at UFC Fight Night 56 in Uberlandia, Brazil, it’s announced that Ovince will step up to replace an injured Jimi Manuwa in the main event against Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua. “Blessings happens in mysterious ways... Thank You Lord... When preparation meets opportunity, that equals SUCCESS,” he tweets.

NOVEMBER 2014

TUESDAY 4TH

St Preux packs for his long trip to Uberlandia via Tennessee, Washington DC and Sao Paulo, for the biggest fight of his career.

WEDNESDAY 5TH

Having settled into Brazilian surroundings, OSP fulfils his media duties with interviews for Brazilian reporters and visiting journalists from around the world.

FRIDAY 7TH

It’s the day of the weigh-ins and St Preux hits the scale bang on 205lb before facing off against Rua, who is a pound heavier.

SATURDAY 8TH

The night of the fight has finally arrived. OSP walks out in front of more than 5,000 raucous Brazilian fight fans, all firmly on the side of their countryman. Undeterred, Ovince comes out fully prepared to trade with the Pride veteran and his confidence pays off. With a slick step-off left hook, he drops, then finishes Shogun with ground ‘n’ pound in just 34 seconds. The crowd is silenced and he’s back in the light heavyweight division’s championship mixer.