Issue 105
September 2013
FO speaks with the young Brazilians faced with the task of following in the footsteps of legends: Wanderlei, Anderson, ‘Big Nog’ and ‘The Phenom’
Brazil has produced some of MMA’s greatest champions over the last two decades. But with the clock ticking for so many of the sport’s biggest samba stars, just who are the next generation of Brazilians looking to follow in the footsteps of their all-conquering predecessors?
Vitor Belfort, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Wanderlei Silva and Anderson Silva are four of the most successful and idolized fighters in history. Combined, these four legends captured titles in the most important MMA organizations on the planet, yet all are now in the twilight of their careers and this will certainly be the final few years for them competing inside the Octagon.
Like so many Brazilian MMA fans, Fighters Only looks to the future and speaks with a handful of the next generation, whose own styles compare with the greats, and asks them how they feel about the comparisons and shouldering the responsibility of taking Brazilian MMA into the next decade.
CEZAR FERREIRA
Alias: MUTANTE
Age: 28
Pro Debut: 2007
Pro Record: 5-2
Team: BLACKZILIANS
Division: MIDDLEWEIGHT
Height: SIX-FOOT-ONE
Style: BJJ/CAPOEIRA
Protege of: VITOR BELFORT
Last year, Cezar Ferreira became the first Ultimate Fighter: Brazil champion, dominating the middleweight tournament despite being the marked-out protégé of Vitor Belfort. Expectations were high when he entered the house, and he absolutely lived up them, proving that growing up in the shadow of a superstar can certainly rub off on a fighter.
Ferreira admits before he met ‘The Phenom’ he hardly knew how to throw a punch. Belfort not only taught him to fight, but also advised him where to train with the best teammates. “I’ve learnt so much from him. Actually, when I first arrived in his gym in Belo Horizonte I didn’t even know how to execute a punch. But he welcomed me in and allowed me to have free access to the classes and all of the coaches, and he’s the same way today. He also passes on his experience, and always points me down the best avenue to learn and train.”
When it comes to fighting styles, not surprisingly, Ferreira matches up similarly to the former UFC light heavyweight champion. Yet Cezar sees his mentor as one-of-a-kind competitor. “He’s very strong in the middleweight division and so experienced compared to the other opponents, including myself, of course.”
Like Vitor, who fights today perhaps more than ever with an open mind, explosive power and unexpected strikes, ‘Mutante’ looks to find new ways to overcome his own adversaries. “Each fight I try to change my style of fighting. I look to use an unexpected strike because my opponent won’t be able to figure out what is prepared for him. But, like Vitor, I go all out when I see the opportunity to finish a bout.”
When asked what is needed to become world champion, Cezar answers: “Firstly it is to have focus. When I left my home at 17 years old I had a goal to be a professional fighter and I have already earned my spot in the biggest promotion in the world. But it’s just the beginning; the work has just started. I consider myself a beginner compared to these fighters who have made a great history in MMA. But with a lot of strength of will and modesty I will write my own history step by step.”
For Cezar Mutante, being touted as the heir apparent to Vitor Belfort’s throne is simply another motivational tool he can use to fulfill his destiny. And shows him he’s on the right path but must continue to dedicate himself to follow in the footsteps of a legend.
GOITI YAMAUCHI
ALIAS: N/A
AGE: 20
PRO DEBUT: 2010
PRO RECORD: 14-1
TEAM: YAMAUCHI TEAM
DIVISION : FEATHERWEIGHT
HEIGHT: FIVE-FOOT-TEN
STYLE: BJJ/MUAY THAI
PROTÉGÉ OF: ANTONIO RODRIGO NOGUEIRA
It’s not an easy task to find fighters with a similar style and abilities as Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, but one young guy has proved to be as dangerous: ‘little’ Goiti Yamauchi, who holds an impressive 14-1 fight record – of which 12 wins were scored via submission.
While the featherweight could be called diminutive when sized up next to Nogueira, Goiti places ‘Minotauro’ among the best of all time and reveals the veteran inspired him in his own career.
“Nogueira is part of MMA history. He came through so many tough fights, and always against very good opponents who were stronger than him. He’s undoubtedly one of the best,” he confides to FO.
“When I started training jiu-jitsu I frequently watched the fights from Pride where Big Nog fought, and I tried to imitate some of his techniques. But today, I think I’ve adapted my own style of BJJ for MMA and it’s pretty different from his.”
He explains: “Minotauro can play better in tight guard. The majority of his triumphs came out of that. His famous triangle astonished the whole world in Pride. In my case, I am a fighter who likes to take the back, settle the hooks and work on passing the guard.”
A native of Curitiba, Yamauchi is hugely aggressive on the mat and unlike Nogueira he believes the best strategy is to fight from top position instead of underneath, suffering attacks on the ground. “I have an aggressive guard for MMA, and believe that’s the best way to fight – to avoid anybody working any ground ‘n’ pound on me. Attack, after all, is the best defense. Nogueira and I feel at home fighting from the mat, that’s for sure,” he laughs.
Regarding the demands to become as recognized a champion as Nogueira, Yamauchi, who recently signed with Bellator MMA and will fight in their featherweight division against the likes of Daniel Straus, Frodo Khasbulaev and potentially Bellator featherweight champion Pat Curran, insists evolution in all aspects is the key to success. “What is needed is inside us. Hard work, dedication and absolutely you have to love what you do.
“Nogueira won his own way, and I will make it with my own style. I need to improve a lot in all aspects, not only as a fighter but also as a human being, because everything plays together. Becoming a champion is not as easy a mission as it seems, so I will look to evolve and I will always keep the same goal: win and be the best.”
DIEGO BRANDAO
alias: CEARA
age: 28
pro debut: 2005
pro record: 17-8
team: JACKSON MMA
division: FEATHERWEIGHT
height: FIVE FOOT SEVEN
style: MUAY THAI/BJJ
PROTEGE OF: WANDERLEI SILVA
Not only does he also roll his wrists prior to combat inside the Octagon like Wanderlei Silva, but Diego Brandao’s all-out fighting style is like a pocket-sized version of ‘The Axe Murderer’ too. And not surprisingly, Brandao admits he was deeply inspired by the aggressiveness of the former Pride champion.
“Wanderlei is one of the precursors of our sport, since it was still known as vale tudo, and faced too much discrimination from general media. He and other fighters of that era were true warriors as they had to overcome all of the negativity before managing to put MMA where it is today,” says Brandao.
“I saw him fight in Japan, in Pride, where he was a great idol for everyone – including myself. His aggressive style, the knockouts he had, all of it together touched me so much and I look up to him in everything.”
The winner of TUF 14 works hard to copy Wanderlei’s style, but he knows the only way to be successful in his own right is to be himself. “I train hard everyday to get Wand’s qualities, but I am Diego. Wanderlei has his game, it is heavier than me, so some things change. He is stronger, but I try to be as strong as possible in the 145lb division.
“I look for his aggression when I am inside the Octagon, but I also like to put my jiu-jitsu into practice. One day, though, I will be a living legend too – just like Wanderlei. It’s a pleasure not a responsibility to be compared to him. Wanderlei Silva was always my hero so I think it’s great motivation.”
Fighting like a crazy person will win you fans, but now Brandao insists he’s committed to getting a UFC title shot. “Wanderlei has a unique style and his entrance is the most awesome of all. I come in with the same music, and in that instant, I feel my will to attack is very highly concentrated.
“I was like a crazy murderer in TUF 14 when I won all the fights in the first round. But today I get into the Octagon more calm, but just as committed to win. I want to be victorious in all my fights to get the UFC belt.”
Setting their fighting style aside, Brandao believes Wanderlei’s charisma is also something they have in common. “I noticed a long time ago, Wanderlei’s charisma is very natural, he is a nice guy, always with a smile on his face outside the Octagon. Inside it, there’s no smile, only brawling! But outside he treats everybody well, even when I met him for the first time. Humbleness is not something you learn, it comes from birth. I was raised by my mother in a very humble way also and I will be humble with my fans just like him.”
YURI VILLEFORT
alias: N/A
age: 22
pro debut: 2009
pro record: 6-2
team: BLACKZILLIANS
division: WELTERWEIGHT
height: SIX FOOT
style: BJJ/MUAY THAI
Protege of: ANDERSON SILVA
Undoubtedly, the biggest shoes to fill in the eyes of MMA fans worldwide are those belonging to UFC middleweight legend Anderson Silva, widely recognized as the greatest mixed martial artist ever. It would have to be a fighter raised and immersed in martial arts and with the potential to evolve and become a complete athlete, competitor and role mode much like the undisputed pound-for-pound number one.
At 22, Yuri Villefort boasts all the qualities required to flourish under the spotlight over the next decade or so and become a champion. Another member of the exciting Blackzilians team, he wrestles and rolls daily at the highest level despite his age. And regardless of two defeats in his eight-fight career the possibilities are endless for the dynamic young welterweight.
Unsurprisingly, however, any talk of similarities to the GOAT leaves the young Brazilian blushing. “Anderson came in to the UFC in 2006 and kept on winning,” Villefort says. “He broke several records, fought in two different divisions and despite so many great challengers he has managed to keep himself on the top for all this time. That’s why he is considered the best.”
However, Yuri, who’s trained since childhood with father and master Indio, believes working with high-level coaches and teammates are the reason for Silva’s success rather than any kind of natural gift. “He never imagined he would be in this position but the difference is he loves martial arts, always trains and is focused on his goal. Anderson teamed up with all the right people and we all know what has happened since. Likewise, I have a great manager and a great team, so there’s only beasts around me. To be the champion you have to train like a champion, and that is what I do.”
They say ‘staying on the top is harder than becoming champion’ and that works for Silva in Villefort’s view. “Anderson reached the point where he is because he trained hard before getting into the UFC and even more after winning the championship. He’s always a step ahead, and, for me, you gain confidence in hard training, repetitions and training with good people. But the most important for the fighter is he has to love to fight.”
He adds: “I appreciate the recognition and I feel very happy to be spoken of in the same breath as Anderson Silva, but I still have so much work to do to get on top. But I promise I will always do my best in my fights. I love what I do, I’m focused on my goals, and I want to be the champion, just like Anderson.”
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