Towards the biggest fight of his career, Brendson Ribeiro He grabbed with all his strength and confidence the opportunity to face the 12th placed light heavyweight (up to 93kg.) Azamat Murzakanov. Scheduled to perform this Saturday (7), at UFC 316, the fighter accepted a last-minute call and expects nothing more than a big victory over the 'bogeyman' of the category.
On the rise and on track for the title currently, the Brazilian, in an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, opened up about a delicate moment in the organization and dismissed any dramatic scenario when talking about the period in which he had two consecutive defeats after being hired. On the contrary, 'Gorila' as he is known, used the setback to strengthen himself in MMA and in life.
“I don’t think I experienced any drama. Of course we always want to win, I was coming off a good streak of victories. I kept working, I surrounded myself with people who wanted the best for me, I think that was what made me different. Victory and defeat go hand in hand, either defeat will lift you up or it will sink you straight away. For those who saw my UFC debut, I was dominating the fight. Zhang Mingyang, the guy's blow landed and happened. The second fight doesn't even mention it, I had the opportunity to finish the guy, but I also gave a great fight”
“I already lost before joining the UFC, I already lost in the UFC, I already lost in life too. But I always stayed on my feet, that's what's important for a fighter, for a guy who is a warrior and chases his dreams.”
Invitation to face Azamat
Called a month in advance to face the undefeated Russian, Brendson showed that he was not afraid at any moment about the challenge that was being offered. Aware of the great opportunity, the fighter revealed that the team immediately agreed to present himself at the UFC 316.
“I have some friends who say: 'You know everything about the UFC, you know everything about the fighters, the names of the guys'. I always study a lot, I always watch. I had already seen this guy's fights, he is considered the bogeyman of the category, nobody wants to face him. I know that before this fight came to me, it was sent to other guys in the top 15 and the guys didn't accept it.”
“When my mentor and Bernardo Serale (manager) called me, they already knew my answer, they accepted it beforehand. There’s nothing to say, it’s obvious that I’m going to accept it, it’s going to be the fight of my life. On June 7, I have the opportunity to beat the top 12 and be there (in the rankings) on Tuesday.”
A. Murzakanov faces Brendson Ribeiro on June 7. Photo: Reproduction/UFC
Analysis of the confrontation
Accustomed to dealing with a left-handed base, 'Gorila' guaranteed that his biggest focus is not on the skills displayed by his rival but rather on his constant evolution in the sport and in fights.
“This guy is the third left-hander I’m going to face. My last three fights in the UFC were all left-handed. I had a weapon who trained with me for six years, Wagner Caldeirão. There’s no guy who’s more tough than him who’s a left-hander, who hits hard and heavy. So I’m familiar with fighting left-handed guys. I know they say he’s the bogeyman and has a heavy hand. I’m a guy who watches, yes. But I don’t get caught up in what the guy is good at, I focus on myself, on what I’m good at. I’m going to train everything, the focus is on me.”
Next fight
Despite not adhering to the provocative and talkative style, Ribeiro did not fail to take the opportunity to express interest in a possible meeting with the former champion of the category, Jamahal hill.
“I’m not a guy who likes to challenge others. I like to say that I’m a UFC employee. If I’m ready to fight, I’ll fight. I don’t say, ‘Oh, I need X months to train,’ like those guys. No, I’m training all the time. A fight that would make a lot of sense with me beating Azamat is Jamahal hill. I met him at the UFC Performance Institute, but Hill would definitely be a guy that if the UFC sent him to me, I would accept him right away. A former champion, I think the game fits well.”
Jamahal hill is a former light heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Optimal outcome
Finally, the representative of Brazilian TKO once again expressed confidence in the triumph and promised that, at the very least, a war will take place in Newark, this Saturday (7).
“I did a very good job with my master (Dida). We worked on that hand that he (Azamat) plays, because he only has that hand there. I don’t see him taking me down, only if it’s to tie the fight, but if he tries to take me down I can finish him. In reality, I can end the fight at any time. I’m a knockout guy, a finisher, I think my record says so. So wherever the fight unfolds, I’ll be ready. If he hesitates I’ll end the fight before 15 minutes and if that doesn’t happen it’ll be a war with my arm raised at the end.”
“I have nothing to lose. I just want to fight, give my best, go out there and show my work, represent my team, my staff and have my arm raised on Saturday night. It’s going to be an incredible thing for me and my family,” he concluded.
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