Issue 153
April 2017
It’s difficult to doubt your title credentials after making it through a gauntlet like this.
1. Triple threat – Three opponents in one night, Superior Challenge 1
“Before I joined the UFC, I won three fights in one night at Superior Challenge 1 in Rio de Janeiro. This was truly the moment when I started to believe in myself fully. That I could make a very good career.
It’s tough to fight three times in one night, but I did it and I did it against three fighters with much more experience than me. They were much more dangerous than me, so to win all those fights was great.”
2. Submission of the night – Chael Sonnen, UFC 95
“I have to include my fight with Chael Sonnen in London. This was a very nice fight that I liked. It was my first fight in the UK, but to beat a guy like Chael really made people take notice of me.
It was the ‘Submission of the Night’ also and that victory really put me in line for a title shot against Anderson (Silva).”
3. Turning point – Rory MacDonald, UFC 70
“This is actually another fight that I lost, but I still look back on it very happily as it was a great fight against a great opponent.
The result was very close but for me it was good to know that I could fight with Rory in all areas. Even when losing, I knew after this fight I wouldn’t lose again. It answered many questions in my head and since, I’ve only been winning.”
4. Ultimate test – Anderson Silva, UFC 112
“My fight against Anderson Silva was very important for me also. At one point in the middle of that fight I was thinking that it would be impossible for me to go five rounds.
But I learned in this fight that nothing is impossible and I can come back from anything. I was thinking I would be knocked out, his timing is so strong, but I really came back into the fight and I dominated the end of the fight.
Plus, the confidence I took from standing up to the best guy in the world for five rounds was very big for me.”
5. Statement win – Carlos Condit, UFC on Fox 21
“For sure, this is another fight I really enjoyed. It was my first time headlining a Fox card, so there was added pressure. Plus, Condit is another very good fighter who has been the champion so it was important for me to win to stay on course for the belt.
Condit is a very good fighter who hasn’t lost by submission for a very long time, so to beat him with a choke was perfect. Now I am ready for that title.”
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