Wilson Reis got himself back in the win column impressive style, and established himself in his new division, in the main event of Cage Warriors 166, with a first round submission over Toby Misech.
The Brazilian rolled back the years to put on a stunning display in San Diego and make a statement to the rest of the Featherweight division.
Speaking to Edith Labelle post fight, Reis admitted himself and his team knew the dangers that would come with Misech in the first round and expressed his delight in being able to show off some of his boxing ability before using his incredible ground game to pick up the win. He said:
"He was throwing so much heat. We were ready for that, he is a Hawaiian, a gangster, good knock out power, especially in the first round so I couldn't make a mistake in the first round or we are going to sleep. I know I train everything but I always go to my jiu jitsu but I work on my boxing every day and they landed!
"It's funny because when I fought Owen (Roddy) 12 years ago, he was a lefty too and the right hook worked, today Toby is a lefty so when I fight a lefty I am closer range. When I was there I said 'Man, I am going to get the knock out, I am going to get the knock out and he was still there. I didn't want to lose the opportunity because he might recover so I went for the choke."
The Roddy bout took place in Glasgow at Cage Warriors 50 in 2012. Reis recently spent time in Scotland, training at the likes of Higher Level MMA. The Brazilian would be keen to feature on Cage Warriors' return to Scotland on April 20th but admitted it is looking unlikely so he would like to fight in San Diego again in the summer. He said:
"I said I want to fight here (Glasgow) but I don't think it is going to happen, it's too close, but I will come back to San Diego in the summer.
"I just spoke to Ian (Dean) and he said 'I can't do it mate.' but I was like 'Please get me Glasgow, I really want to fight in Glasgow' but you know, if somebody gets hurt, please call me guys because I will be ready. April 20th, can't wait to fight in Glasgow. I really want to do it and if it is meant to happen, it is going to happen!"
Watch Reis' full interview here:
