Silva confident against Marquardt
Interviews
Written by F. Machado, Photo Courtesy of Cage Rage
Thursday, 05 July 2007

ImageUltimate Fighting Championship middleweight champion Anderson Silva will officially be defending his title for the first time July 7th. His opponent will be the fearless Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black belt Nathan Marquardt, who has not lost a single fight for three years. However, the Brazilian fighter from Curitiba is very confident when the subject is retaining the UFC belt. "I've watched some of his fight and I believe the UFC matchmakers did a good job. I say he has great ground skills, but on the feet, he looks very regular in my opinion," evaluates Silva, who has been developing a new system of training.

“At this time I will work on my weak points. I will not allow myself to commit mistakes during the fight and I will improve all the fundamentals of fighting that are not perfect yet” declared Silva. He promises a great show to those who attend UFC 73 at the Arco Arena, in California, to check out the main fight of the night. Still talking about Marquardt, Silva expressed his wonders of the title defense.

“I will keep doing my job ( I am) very serious and concrete. I am training really hard and I am aware of his skills. He is fighting for my title, he has shown he deserves to be there, as a challenger. I respect all my opponents, but I say he will need to be better than me in the octagon to get this title from me. I have plans to keep this belt for at least three more years. This is my goal”, stated Silva. He will be fighting on the same day his personal friend Rodrigo Nogueira Minotauro will debut in the octagon.

"In my opinion, there will be no room for other heavyweights once Rodrigo Minotauro steps inside the octagon. The party is over man! (Laughs). For me he's the heavyweight man. I hope he does in UFC the same he did at Pride. I don't believe the rule differences between two events will bother him", he believes.

Talking about rules, Silva says he will try to explore more elbow moves during his upcoming fight. "I still didn't show UFC fans what I can do. Against Rich Franklin, I tried to use them, but I missed. To be honest, he was the one who threw and thank God I was able to defend myself. I also have been training a lot of Jiu-Jitsu and in Vale-Tudo, ruling this Martial art is such a great deal. If the fight goes to the ground, it's always good to show some hidden secrets", he says.

Silva also adds the information he would like to give a new title shot to Rich Franklin. "He deserves it and I believe he is one the top fighters of the category. He is also the man and it will be nice to fight him once again", concludes Silva.

Hermes França interview

Written by F. Machado, Photo by Josh Hedges courtesy of ufc.com
Sunday, 01 July 2007

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UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk will engage in his first title defense at UFC 73, scheduled to take place on July 7th. MMA Ring Report spoke with the man who will challenge him for the title, Hermes França. Born in Brazil, França says he is ready to fight the champion and get his belt. "I have been training hard and you must be sure I will do my best in the octagon. So, I have no options and I hope I win this belt", states França, who is not concerned about the ring experience of Sherk. "Be sure, I watched his other fights and I know his game. Now I am training to surprise him", he guarantees. França also says the other Brazilians in action at UFC 73 (Rodrigo Minotauro, Anderson Silva, Diego Saraiva and Jorge Gurgel) will give him extra strength to earn the title. Know more about França's wishes during the following interview.

MMARR - Hermes. You are coming off three consecutive wins in the UFC. What are you expecting of this fight against Sean Sherk?

Hermes França - Well, I have been training hard and you must be sure I will do my best in the octagon. So, I have no options and I hope I win this belt.

MMARR - Which strong skills do you point at him? Do you know his game?

Hermes França - I know he is an excellent wrestler and he has been working very well this skill to MMA. Be sure, I watched his other fights and I know his game. Now I am training to surprise him.

MMARR - He has fought over 30 times… very experienced. What must be his concerns about facing you?

Hermes França - He must know I am coming with a lot of submissions and I'm also ready to KO. He must be aware I seek the submission and I have a heavy hand. But I will not say anymore… I will show my value in the octagon.

MMARR - How is your training for this fight?

Hermes França - It's good. I have been training everything... focused to fight Sean Sherk. But I am not putting too much pressure on myself. I just want to be healthy and feel good on the day of the fight. I will be ready to battle!

MMARR - In your opinion, what are the dangerous fighters in your division?

Hermes França - I believe all fighters are differently dangerous. Each one has a different game and there must be over 20 fighters in the lightweight division. I will not be unemployed for a long time if I keep fighting at the UFC (laughs).

MMARR - What is your call when the subject is Anderson Silva vs. Nathan Marquardt?

Hermes França - Anderson wins and retains his belt. He is very experienced and he always has control of his fights. I believe he will win. But I do respect his opponent too. Marquardt is a dangerous fight and he will do his best to get the belt.

MMARR - And about Rodrigo Nogueira Minotauro's UFC debut?

Hermes França - He will fight American Heath Herring, who he has defeated two times, so I guess Herring should be concerned to win this bout. In my opinion, Heath will not last one round with Rodrigo, who will submit him during the early first round.

MMARR - The event will also feature a Brazilian super-fight between Diego Saraiva and Jorge Gurgel. What do you expect of this fight?

Hermes França - Both of the fighters were born in my city Fortaleza (Northeastern city of Brazil) and as me, they are real warriors and I am sure they will give their best to be the last man to stand up. It will be a war.

MMARR - What do you think about the number of Brazilian fighters joining UFC's card in those last editions?

Hermes França - UFC today is a big company. Check it out: there are months we have three UFC events! And there is room for everybody. Not only fighters from Brazil, but Japan and England. This is a great deal for everybody. And it is good for professional fighters. So more important than win, is doing a great fight and please the audience.

MMARR - You fought eight times in 2006. What are your wonders to 2007?

Hermes França - Well, fighting eight times per year is great, but it makes me tired! (laughs). Nowadays I have to run the Armory team with the rest of the crew. I am responsible for training the fighters as well, acting as a promoter and help the students. So It's has been a busy time for me. But I leave 2007 in the hands of God. My year started very will with a KO over Spencer Fisher and I hope I keep doing a nice job.

Nogueira talks UFC...

Written by F. Machado

Monday, 25 June 2007
ImageFormer Pride heavyweight champion, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Rodrigo Minotauro says he is ready for a new challenge. During UFC 69, Dana White surprised the Mixed Martial Arts community announcing the Brazilian had signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. According to Rodrigo Minotauro, the approach with the UFC was possibly due to his friendship with UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva. "Anderson Silva set me up with Dana White in January. Since then we have been talking, but nothing concrete… Then when I went to the United States to be in Roan Jucão's corner at UFC Fight Night, Dana proposed a deal", tells Rodrigo Nogueira, who will debut in the octagon at UFC 73, against Heath Herring, in California, on July 7.

However, some business issues involving Rodrigo Nogueira and his team, the Brazilian top Team might become a problem. Even though he has been representing BTT for several years, Rodrigo didn't have a chance to consult his trainers about the new UFC deal. "When I was invited by Dana White, I wasn't able to reach any of the BTT leaders. So I still need to talk with my master Murilo Bustamante and clear things up", said Nogueira, who also keeps his mind straight: "I am 30 and I think I am old enough to handle my own decisions. I know what is best for me. Brazilian Top Team is an excellent place to train, but this deal I got on my own and with Silva's support. But I also know that the new deal will be good for me and if they decided to stay with me, it will be great for them too," comments Nogueira about a possible break-up between him and Brazilian Top Team.

Asked about the difference about the rules of Pride and UFC, which has creating a lot of problems to former Pride fighter Mirko Cro Cop, Nogueira states. "I started my life as professional fighter fighting in the octagon. In my opinion, the biggest difference between the octagon and the ring is in the ring, judge restarts the fight once the fight goes off the ring, and in the octagon, it does not happen. So, that is a good deal for who wants to submit or punish the opponent with ground and pound", he said adding: "To be honest with you, I am not a big fan of stomps and kicks on the ground. In my opinion, those moves look like street-fighting", he mused.

Taking about Cro Cop, I have a few things to say about his fight with Gabriel Gonzaga. I've heard some rumors the win over Cro Cop was a lucky move. So, I tell you I know Gabriel Gonzaga and in my opinion he used the perfect strategy and rocked the whole fight. It was not only a single kick… to be honest with you… if he fights Randy Couture like he fought Cro Cop, he has great chance to defeat him and get the UFC title. Napão has proved his value on the mats winning the BJJ Mundials and now he proved he is also a great MMA fighter", Nogueira states, finishing the chat by pointing to the fighters he would like to fight in the octagon. "I'm going to train to get ready to fight anyone. But I've always wanted to fight Randy Couture. I admire him as a fighter and he is one of the fighters I'd like to meet in the octagon", he concluded.

The B-Sides 2, News and Notes from Brazil, Featuring UFC Champ Anderson Silva

Columnist Archives
Written by F. Machado
Monday, 22 January 2007

São Paulo kept up the high level MMA events coming and after featuring Super Challenge, Fury FC, Demolition, Real Fight, the major Brazilian city featured the fifth edition of Showfight, on November 9. With a great fight card and great show featuring sound and lighting, around 5,000 people rooted for their favorite fighters at Ibirapuera's Gymnasium, in the middle of the town. As the same time São Paulo was rocked by Showfight, another fight show warmed up the cold city of Imbituba, in Santa Catarina. The second edition of Sul Fight impressed the audience with local fighters; proving not only major capitals have values. MMARR's F. Machado was at both events and brings now the best of happened inside the ring.

Showfight: newcomer Margarida rocks Jorge Macaco

Pride veteran Jorge Patino Macaco has experienced one of the bitterest feelings of his professional life, on November 9. The chuteboxer was defeated by former BTT's fighter Fernando Margarida by judge's decision. In a fight between two Jiu-Jitsu black belts, the audience expected as much Jiu-Jitsu skills as possible from both sides. However both of them avoided Jiu-Jitsu and almost didn’t go to the ground at all during the first round. Exchanging punches, Macaco realized he would have troubles with the Vale-Tudo newcomer Margarida. Applying a sharpened punch sequence, Margarida brought the crowd into a frenzy. In his best moment of the fight, he took Macaco down and almost caught his back. In the end of the bout, judges pointed Margarida as champion by decision.

ImageBehind the scenes, Pride Middleweight Champion Wanderlei Silva got very upset with his teammate's loss, but was impressed with the event. "I have to tell you man. From all editions I've been this is the fullest crowd ever. Besides Macaco’s loss, it's a beautiful fight night," stated Silva, who also watched former chuteboxer suffering another take down. At this time, Margarida tried to reach his back. Jose Pelé Landi also had a hard time and was defeated by local fighter Eduardo Pamplona. At Showfight 4, Pamplona had defeated Jorge Patico Macaco by unanimous judges' decision, and at this time, he was face to face with the legend of -83kg division: Cuban/Brazilian Pelé Landi.

Landi was confident about his performance after giving no chances to Croatian Damir Mirenic at World Free Fighting Championship, in Slovenia, on September 30. However, Pamplona was training hard with Brazilian Muay Thai champion Moisés Gibi and his Gracie São Paulo's crew. "I knew I would defeat him when I first clinched and put him down. It was very easy and I knew I would win the fight," stated Pamplona after the fight. With the right game, Pamplona did not allow Landi to show his Muay Thai and for several times took the fight to the ground. "I used the perfect strategy, because theses days everybody knows everything, so once he doesn't know Jiu-Jitsu, I used it against him," explained Pamplona.

COMPLETE RESULTS

Show Fight 5
Thursday, November 9, 2006
Ibirapuera Gymnasium, São Paulo

Jiu-Jitsu: Gabriel Napão defeated Gabriel Vella by 12x0;
Submission: André Galvão submitted Paulo Horito by foot-lock in 1R;
Boxing: Pedro Otas defeated Rafael Zumbano by KO in 6R;
Muay Thai: Fernando Maestro defeated Luis Sorriso by unanimous judge's decision;

MMA:
- Michelle Tavares defeated Yasmin Tahira by unanimous judge's decision;
- Thiago Silva defeated Dino Pezão by KO in 1R;
- Assuério Silva defeated Eduardo Maiorino by KO in 1R;
- Fernando Margarida defeated Jorge Macaco by unanimous judge's decision;
- Roan Jucão submitted Yoshitomo Watanabe by kata-gatame in 1R;
- Eduardo Pamplona defeated José Pelé by unanimous judge's decision.

Sul Fight 2: the value of local fighters

Those who went to Imbituba, Santa Catarina (Southern State of Brazil), on November 4 enjoyed one of the beautiful beach places in the South of Brazil and also a perfect fight night. At Olivar Francisco Gymnasium, the audience was able to watch the second edition of Sul Fight. Local fighters did show they have potential to become top Brazilian fighters. And that all they needed was opportunity. Sul Fight 2 was their shot and in the main event of the night, Mexicano (Ataque Duplo) follwed a great strategy to defeat Henrique Mello (Nova União), a ground specialist. In three rounds, Mexicano didn't allow Mello to take the fight to the ground and punished the fighter with a sharpened game on the feet. In some other great bout, Leandro Gordo gave no chances to João Zeferino and in early round 1, he took the opponent down, passed his guard, reached the mount and punished Zeferino until the ref stoppage. The night also featured other nine bouts, which gave the audience much to smile about on their way home.

Girls kick ass in both events

ImageNot only male fighters have performed great in the ring. Both Showfight and Sul Fight featured girls, proving Mixed Martial Arts in Brazil is not a matter of sex. Stronger than lots of fighters of the –57kg division, Nova União’s black belt Michelle Tavares has done one of the best matches of Showfight, impressing the audience. Tavares, who also has fought at Japanese Shooto and other events in Brazil as Bitetti Combat, had to face new female revelation Yasmin Tahira. Besides being a tough fighter, Tahira gave Michelle a hard time not allowing her to take the fight to the ground so easily. However, Michelle was more aggressive and in her best moment, Tavares caught Tahira’s back, but Tahira showed great defense skills and didn’t allow Michelle to fix any position.

At Sul Fight, the female fight was between Maiana Pit Bull (Junior Aguiar Team) and Mara (Boxe Thai). Differently from Showfight, both strikers did fight mostly on the feet, using strong kicks seeking the KO. Besides exchanging punches, Boxe Thai representative used her wrestling to impress the judges. She attacked Maiana with three takedowns in three rounds and won by split decision. Check out the full results of Sul Fight below:

COMPLETE RESULTS:

Sul Fight II
Saturday, November 4, 2006
Olivar Francisco Gymnasium, Imbituba, Santa Catarina

- Patrick Ale defeated André Sufista by unanimous judge's decision;
- Rafael Braga submitted Edílson Baby by RNC in R1;
- Leandro Gordo defeated João Zeferino by TKO;
- Mara defeated Maiana Pit Bull by split decision;
- Ronis Torres defeated Feijão by split decision;
- Mexicano defeated Henrique Mello by unanimous judge's decision;
- Tiago Bonito submitted André Bugre by arm-lock in R1;
- Hélio Junior defeated Eliziel Zanela by verbal submission;
- Xuxa defeated Niltom by TKO in R1;
- Dirlei Guga defeated Eliser Zanela by KO (knee) in R1;
- Robson Pedra defeated Ceará by KO (kick) in R1.

Personality: Anderson Silva

After leaving Chute Boxe, years ago, Muay Thai black belt Anderson Silva has been working hard to be one of the top fighters of –83kg division. He gathered together some Chute Boxe’ dissidents and formed a new group called Muay Thai Dream Team. Defending this new flag, he rocked the Cage Rage organization and took the belt of the organization, showing a sharpened Muay Thai and KO’ing several opponents. Such fame drove him to fight in another cage and this time inside the Ultimate Fighting Championship, he ran over Chris Leben in only 49 seconds of fight.

But his big shot came four months later at UFC 64 Unstoppable, held on October 14th. By that time, Silva replied to the critics, who pointed at his title shot as premature. “I own a belt at Shooto and Cage Rage and I am ready to bring to Brazil a new title. But the responsibility to retain the belt is his”, said Silva about former champion Rich Franklin. Using a deadly sequence of knees, Silva earned the belt with majesty, KO’ing Franklin at only 2:59 of the first round.

And now UFC has decided. Anderson Silva days with the belt may be in countdown. In February, Silva will defend his belt for the first time, against Travis Lutter, who during the last Ultimate Fight Night submitted Patrick Cote with an arm-lock. In a new academy, the Black House, Anderson Silva promises to train hard to retain the belt. “I know Lutter has such a great ground skill and I will train harder on my Jiu-Jitsu. I’ve faced tougher opponents, but every fight is a different fight and I will be ready for when my time comes”, finished Silva.

Gleidson Tibau interview

Written by F. Machado
Sunday, 07 January 2007

BJJ black belt via Kimura/Nova União, Gleidson Tibau has fought over ten times in Brazil. He also had his international debut earlier this year, when he submitted Jedzrzej Kubski at KO Arena. But nothing compared to fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The debut of Brazilian Tibau in the UFC turned from a dream into a nightmare when his opponent Nick Diaz made things less then dreamy last November 18, at UFC 65. Supported by the audience at Arco arena, California, Diaz annulled Tibau's game and defeated the Brazilian by TKO during the second round. "I got really surprised and amazed with the structure of UFC… the audience rooting for my opponent spoiled my head and fight thoughts. I admit it," said Tibau, who still has two more times to show his value inside the octagon. "I will return to the octagon and do my best seeking for someday having a chance to fight for the belt", he stated during an interview to MMA Ring Report crew. Read it below:

MMARR - Tell me about your fight against Nick Diaz... what happened with you?

Gleidson Tibau - I am not sure. In the first round I felt great. I say my muscles were strange… they were not responding so well. I got really surprised and amazed with the structure of UFC… the audience rooting for my opponent spoiled my head and fight thoughts. I admit it.

MMARR - In your opinion... what's your best and worst moment during the fight?

Gleidson Tibau - My worst moment was when I felt from below and tried to move my hips. As I said before, my muscles did not respond. Well, I think my best moment was when I fixed a key-lock and his arm started to snap. I thought the fight would be over by that time, but he escaped… it was not my day.

MMARR - Did you feel nervous about the UFC debut?

Gleidson Tibau - Absolutely. I had no Idea what was fighting at UFC. But I am sure next time I will feel more comfortable. I will be only focused in the fight.

MMARR - How did the invitation of fighting in UFC come about?

Gleidson Tibau - It came out through American Top Team. They invited me to fight and closed a contract of three fights for me. I did one and now I have two more opportunities to show my real game. To show pure Jiu-Jitsu.

MMARR - Okay… in case you have a rematch against Diaz, what would you do differently?

Gleidson Tibau - I'm sure it would be a different fight, with a different result. I don't even know how to explain what happened to me. I've never seen myself in a situation like that… I am an experienced fighter… I fought in Spain and in a lot of states in Brazil. I don't have an explanation…

MMARR - What is your evaluation of fighting at UFC 65?

Gleidson Tibau - I say I only grew up at this last UFC. Even being defeated, I got a huge experience. Now I know my head will be in the right place next time. And it will be a complete different fight.

MMARR - Tell me about the training at ATT...

Gleidson Tibau - They are perfect. I've trained with the best fighters in the world. American Top team has such a great structure that supports all the athletes to do a high-level training. They have good teachers, instructors and well physical trainers. I am sure they are doing a great job and they are in the right way.

MMARR - Tell me about your plans now.

Gleidson Tibau - I only think about training, training, training. I've lost a battle, but the war is not lost. I will return to the octagon and do my best seeking for someday having a chance to fight for the belt.

MMARR - Do you return to Brazil or you keep training in US?

Gleidson Tibau - I'll be back to Brazil to spend X-mas and New Years Eve with family and friends. Then I'll run few seminars in Brazilian Northeast and sharpen my ground game with Kimura's Jair Lourenço and the rest of the team.

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