Issue 120
October 2014
The Brazilian 205lb’er picks a fight with UFC heavyweight king Cain Velasquez.
Q. Do you recall what made you want to become a fighter?
A. “I used to watched Mike Tyson beat those guys the way he did in the boxing ring. Then there were guys like Arturo Gatti – he was in so many great fights. They were my inspirations to get into the cage and have those types of fights.”
Q. Do you still get inspired to fight?
A. “I love this sport so much already that I don’t need much inspiration, but seeing great fights like Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson is good motivation. That was a great fight.”
Q. How do you get pumped before your fights?
A. “I’m ready long before the point of walking out to the cage. At that moment, I just hang out and laugh and have fun. Mentally, I was ready weeks ago. By the time the fight rolls around, I just let it go and have a good time.”
Q. What’s been your best MMA moment?
A. “My whole family was in Brazil to watch me beat Ryan Bader. They were right there watching. That was great.”
Q. If you could choose only one fight from your career every MMA fan should see, which fight would it be?
A. “I have a seven-second knockout win over Jorge Oliveira (0:05, PFC 6, 2008). It was so quick I could post the whole fight on Instagram.”
Q. What’s more rewarding, a knockout or submission victory?
A. “A knockout, no doubt.”
Q. If there were no weight classes, who would you like to fight?
A. “Cain Velasuqez. I know this is a hypothetical question, but the funny thing is this is a fight that could be real. I want to be champion at light heavyweight, but I would love to fight Cain Velasquez. That would be a great fight. I love the way that guy fights. Maybe I would get my ass kicked really bad, but maybe not, you know?”
Q. Who is your favorite fighter to watch?
A. “Man, there are so many. But if I was just a regular guy watching fights, I would have to go with José Aldo. He always brings it. He always puts on a great fight and a great show.”
Q. What was it like training at The Pit for the first time with John Hackleman and Chuck Liddell?
A. “Crazy. I went to meet John, but there was nothing but a plantation with avocados, lettuce and strawberries and stuff. Beyond that, I saw nothing but woods all over the place. They were literally taking me through the woods to this cage.
“I was so anxious. I thought they were going to kill me and leave me in the woods. I was so nervous that when I sparred with Chuck, I just ran at him and started swinging like crazy.”
Q. What did Chuck do?
A. “He head-kicked me and kind of dropped me, and John called for the next guy right away. That was pretty crazy looking back now.”
Q. At 44 years old, does Chuck still hit hard when you spar?
A. “Yes, and part of that is due to his timing. His timing is so perfect. You feel the punches though, too. You feel them in your arms, anywhere he hits you, believe me, you feel it.”
Q. When Chuck’s not hitting you, how do you like to relax and have fun?
A. “I really like to barbecue outside and drink beer with my friends. In fact, I’m about to do that right now (laughs).”
Q. If you could invite three people – past or present – to your next barbecue, who would be on the guest list?
A. “Denzel Washington, ‘The Rock’ Dwayne Johnson – that guy is so cool. I got to meet him and talk to him for a while recently. And the third person would be Dave Chappelle. I would ask him questions about work and just bulls**t and stuff. I am a big fan of all three of those guys, so I would just like to talk to them.”
Q. What’s for dessert after the cookout?
A. “Ice cream! I love ice cream, especially banana splits. They are so bad for you, but they taste so good.”
Q. What’s the best piece of advice you could give to a younger you?
A. “Train and believe in yourself. Take responsibility for your actions and your life. Be responsible. Those are the main things. They all came from my father. The way he taught me.
“Working with him showed me a lot. How hard you have to work to be successful. That was the best life lesson.”
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