Former Carlson Gracie Team and BTT representative, Mario "Sucata" Netto, handles WolfSlair in UK and will debut in 9/23 UFC 63 against other Brazilian Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga. Netto has been in the game since 1995 and this ValeTudo fighter will test his experience and new tools acquired in last 11 years inside the UFC's octagon.
How did you acquire this nickname (Sucata) that in English language means scrap?
This is a long history, but I'll tell you the main reason of this. Since I was a kid I had the mania of compiling everything I could. Until nowadays I've this mania, I guess this is my hobby. My mother got mad with a lot of boxes inside her home when I compiled things, she named those stuffs such as scrap (sucata). She told that to my wife and the nickname was inserted to me perfectly.
You're competing since this sport was known such as ValeTudo, now you got a place at UFC. Is this the result of long road in your career?
I've fought since 1995 and I've no doubts I reached what I always dreamed. The UFC was a dream for me and I got to grab an opportunity on this. I fought against tough fighters, I stayed in real terrible situations during a few periods of my life, and I trained in different camps until to get to stabilize me at the WolfSlair here in UK. So with a huge satisfaction and happiness I'll debut at UFC, and I can guarantee I'll do god fights.
The last light-heavyweight TUF winner is your student, Michael Bisping. How did you see his victory at the UFC reality show?
With a huge happiness, because Mike trained a lot for this moment and his victory was more than deserved.
Do you think this Bisping's victory opened the doors of UFC for you academy?
I think so, but my manager had a contact to UFC during the filmings of TUF 3 and I got the contract in the previous day of the TUF 3 - Finale. But no doubts, his participation on this show helped.
You've followed the UFC since its early days. How do you compare those days with the actual UFC?
The show developed in all aspects from the beginning to nowadays. I didn't have any notion of the dimension of the show before the opportunity of watching one at live. In my opinion the UFC is the most complete World MMA show.
The heavyweight category is one, of UFC's ones, that the insiders and fans question about the level. What do you think about?
I think all events can have a category where people don't give the enough value it deserve. To keep only high level fighters in all categories is an impossible mission. Well if people think this about heavyweight UFC division, I'll work toughly to stop with these doubts.
Looking at your resume in fight finders, we see something close to 14 fights. But I have heard that you have many more
My correct one is 15-3-0, and in my opinion my toughest fight was the first one in '95 when I faced Edson Paredao (fought against Forrest Griffin in 2004). I think it was the toughest fight because it was my first one. I didn't know what I'd face.
You're going to UFC with a streak resume of 7-0. What did change into your career since you're handling the WoflSlair Academy in UK?
Foremost, I believe in countries such as England and USA we've better conditions of training. Like for example, the places to workout and the opportunities of fighting often. Here in England I've this and a great team, with a excellent Boxing coach (Tony Quigley), and of course- the satisfaction of seeing by job to be recognized.
We know that to teach and to train a tough deal. How do you get to balance these aspects in to your life?
Without doubts due to the love and dedication I've for this sport, I love what I do. With the discipline I've I got to do a good combination. My normal day of life is to teach in the morning, so I went to train Boxing and then conditioning. Once per week I teach BJJ- and when I moved to England I brought one of my students, and he supports me in the BJJ sessions, so I can balance my training and my classes.
You'd fight against other Brazilian, Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga at UFC 63. What did you think of him and would you like to face a foreign than a Brazilian?
I watched his UFC's fight and his Jungle FC one. He's tough, good BJJer and showed he knows how to trade on the feet. I don't have preference about the fighters' nationality, I want to fight.
Gonzaga was sidelined last week and now you're going to face Eddie "Enforcer" Sanchez. What do you know about him?
I don't know anything.
So, does this opponent's change harms your game-plan and training for UFC 63?
I don't have any intention of changing my tactic against Sanchez. I'm ready for any situation.
What do you've in mind for this fight?
I'm 32 years old and I feel myself in the verge of my physical condition. I'm confident in my on the feet game and I don't believe that the Sanchez's undefeated resume will be the differential in his favor. I'm not here to disrespect him, but I don't believe this fact will harm my strategy.
Is this your first fight in a three one contract deal?
Yes, I signed for three fights and I hope to renew it with three victories.
Netto, how would you define yourself to the fans never heard about you?
I'm a BJJ fighter who followed the evolution of ValeTudo to the MMA. My school is BJJ, but nowadays I can title myself a complete fighter- I know a piece of each aspect for a MMA fighter.
What can the fans of UFC expect from you in 9/23?
A Mario "Sucata" Netto 110% prepared to finish my opponent, on the feet or on the ground.
Thanks for your time.
Thanks for the opportunity at MaXFighting.com and I'd like to thank my managers Anthony and Lee, my coach Tony, my teammates and my family and my conditioner, Dave. My sponsors EAS Supplements and Secretaria de Esporte do Estado da Paraiba for their all support.
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