How are you doing?
I’m doing good, thanks. I’m Training hard for my next fight.
On December 1st you will be taking on Chute Boxe Superstar Murilo "Ninja" Rua. When you were offered the fight how did you feel?
I felt nice and I even would say… Satisfied. Nowadays I’m in a good shape and I feel mature enough to fight for the belt of a so huge organisation as Elite XC / Cage Rage is. And when you want to become the world champion, you have to be able to fight and beat anyone of your weight division. So, fighting a big name is the way for me to prove that I want to become that champion.
You fought Pierre Guillet at the last Cage Rage event knocking him out in stunning fashion. You pretty much controlled the fight from the get-go. What would you say was your key to success in that fight?
Well, Pierre is a very good overall fighter. I would say that, the key of the fight was the fact that I had worked a lot on my physical condition. So, I was very confident because I knew I could lead the fight and change rhythm at any time I wanted because I was very ready for it.
How are you preparing for this fight against Ninja?
My preparation is hard, as usual. I’m doing my best to be ready and give the best fight I can. I’m really working in EVERY area to be sure that there would be no way I could let the victory flee away from me. If you want more details, just wait and see during the fight. [laugh]
Do you feel any pressure going into such a high profile fight and being the main event bout?
Well, fighting for the main event was not really a detail that makes me feel more pressure than other fights. I’ve already done main events (DEEP: Real Rhythm 5, Deep 25, Cage Rage 5: Valentines Brawl…), it’s not the first time. But when I fight, I just go for the win, the circumstances don’t really matter as long as they don’t take part in the performance, main event, or not… I’m only 25 and I’m planning of becoming a great champion one day, so I’m trying to get used to main events and I can tell you this one will not be my last one !
When Ninja fought Mark Weir at Cage Rage 18: Battleground. Ninja had a very hard time dealing with the taller opponent and had to constantly take the fight to the floor to gain the win. Do you think he will try and implement the same game plan against you?
He might do the same, yes. But he also might not. Murilo Rua is a BJJ black belt, he’s one of the best grappler of his team. And he’s from a school, the Chute Boxe, that is known to have a Muay-Thaï background. So, I consider him as someone that could be comfortable and dangerous anywhere. And that’s what I’m getting myself ready for.
What is the prediction of the outcome of the fight?
Prediction? [laugh] Sport is sport. You cannot predict anything before the confrontation happens. You never know… But, what is sure is that I will be there for the win and I want to win before the bell. So, you can count on me to make my best for this.
Since you are fighting such a big fight. Have you splashed out on a new costume for your entrance to the ring? [laugh]
Ha ha ha ! A woman has nicknamed me “The Professor X-Rated”. So, maybe one day I should come naked to the cage!
How’s the fight in France to get the sport legalized? Have there been any steps forward this year?
Well, fighting with MMA pro rules is still illegal on the French territory and broadcasting it on French TV is not allowed as well. Despite that, there are lots of MMA fans in our country. And they are getting more and more numerous and even the medias are trying their best to try and talk about Mixed Martial Arts as they interest more and more people.
Furthermore, some people have understood the profit they could get from MMA when it will explode in France and they are already trying to take position… So, I guess, that the French politics might maybe change their mind in a shorter time that we could expect…
Is there anything you would like to add for the MMA Universe readers?
First, I want to thank all my team, my trainer and manager Cyrille "The Snake" Diabate, our physical conditioner JIMMY RIAH, all my team mates with a special thank to Cedric Denpy for all his help. I also send greetings to the SANKUNO, a BJJ and Pancrace Club, partner of the Snake Team that helps us a lot, and PHILLIPE from the GYMSPA for all help.
I’m feeling a great wave of supports to me for this 1st December fight from people watching MMA all over the world. So I want to thank every MMA fans and every MMA UNIVERSE readers. Thank you for all.
I fight MMA because it’s a passion for me and I feel pleasure in it. But when I realise I can, when having fun, giving pleasure to people watching me at the same time; it makes me even happier. So keep watching, IT’S GONNA BE PUNISHMENT TIME!!!
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