Anderson training in the gi in Rio de Janeiro / Photo: Gustavo Aragão

Anderson Silva would have faced Vitor Belfort in April 2010 but the “Phenomenon” ended up having to drop out to treat an injury and the showdown was postponed. At the time, the “Spider” spared no scorn for his opponent in his declarations, a stance he maintained against Vitor’s substitute, Demian Maia. He got the win at UFC 112, but the until-then unquestionable idol made a bad impression on fans for his attitude in the ring.

Then came his showdown with the provocateur Chael Sonnen, and one could already not the changes in the Spider’s speech, including after his triumph. For the fight with Belfort, which will finally take place at UFC 126, on February 5, Anderson seems to have really changed some things. No, he really doesn’t have much love in his heart for his opponent, but check out what he had to say on the UFC website:

“Truth is, the guys are seeking something that is really vague: the belt. That’s a tiny thing when compared to what we can represent as people. I’m not concerned with that. I’m concerned with being a good example for the athletes coming into the mix, growing, and watching my fights. That’s what I want to convey, the message I want to convey as an athlete, and it is what inspires me.”

“My personal opinion is that a fight is a fight and he is just another opponent, dangerous like all the rest. I’m going in there to fight, as he is.”

“Of course, it’s cool to end your career as champion, undefeated or whatever. But in my sport that’s a bit vague, because we can lose at any moment. That was already proven against Chael (Sonnen). I’m normal and can get knocked out, submitted… It’s like I say: I seek to do more than simply fight. I look to send the message that we are all a lot more than that, a lot more than two guys who get in there to throw down.”

For the next chapters, check back here with GRACIEMAG.com.

Vitor stares down Anderson in UFC Abu Dhabi promotional photo.

Vitor Belfort will see action against Yushin Okami on November 13 in Germany. However, in an interview on the “UFC Sem Limites” program on Brazil’s RedeTV! television network, Vitor again demonstrated his desire to face current UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.

“He knows that if my hand lands, he won’t keep his feet,” he challenged.

Nor did the “Spider’s” late submission win over Chael Sonnen impress him.

“I know his game through and through; I know all his Jiu-Jitsu.”

The fighters, who didn’t end up facing off at the April UFC 112 event due to Belfort suffering a shoulder injury, have trained together in the past. These days the two don’t get along, mainly due to the fact Vitor accepted a matchup with his former teammate, which irked Anderson. The “Phenom”, however, is against this line of thinking.

“This business of so-and-so can’t face so-and-so has to stop.”

And lastly, Belfort pleads for greater MMA coverage in the Brazilian media.

Check out what the fighter had to say (in Portuguese) in the video below:

Frankie against BJ. Photo: Josh Hedges

Just 5’5”tall, Frankie became a giant when he snatched the lightweight belt of Hawaii’s BJ Penn at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi. The fighter, who trains with Brazil’s Ricardo Cachorrão, was featured in Brazilian MMA magazine NOCAUTE. Check out some of what he had to say in the article put together with the help of collaborator Natly Jr.

What’s the secret to beating a champion like BJ Penn?

To me it was all about just fighting the way I fight. I feel a lot of people thought they’d try and beat him at what he’s good at, but you can’t do that. You need to fight your own way to beat BJ. You can’t fall into his game plan. What I did was use my strengths against his weaknesses and didn’t let him do the same.

What do you expect in your rematch with him?

I expect another tough fight, an even tougher BJ. He’ll come in even stronger and move around more. I’ve been training hard to make sure next time I’ll perform even better than I did last fight.

How do you feel about everyone saying your height is a problem for you in your division?

People said a lot of things before the fight and throughout my career, and the question of size is one of those things. But I always knew that size isn’t an issue, and always believed in myself. I don’t pay attention to that stuff.

For the rest of the story, get your copy of NOCAUTE (if you are in Brazil).

The first to show up on stage was Anderson. Fausto spoke favorably of the sport, showed some footage from UFC 112, in Abu Dhabi, and gave insight into the champion’s life, even with an appearance from Minotauro. Nevertheless, the question on everyone’s tongue since the fight in the Arab Emirates was not left off the program. At that moment, Demian entered the stage and, if anyone was expecting a more incisive portrayal of the champion, that was not exactly what happened.

Anderson was asked by stage crew member Carla about statements made by UFC president Dana White, saying the champion would be fired should he repeat the taunting he did in his last fight. “What is not allowed is to strike the genitals, the back of the head or stomp on your opponent on the ground. Everything else is valid, so long as you win, and that’s what happened. He can say what he wants, he owns the event,” said the Spider.

Demian responded indirectly, when asked about who inspires him: “I defend Jiu-Jitsu, so first comes the Gracie family. Rodrigo Minotauro too, Wanderlei (Silva) and all the Brazilian stars. I feel that an idol must behave accordingly all the time. You are an example to people, an example for your posture in everything you do.”

Check out the complete video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bzhj8z97t8

Photo: Luca Atalla

Anderson Silva and Demian Maia were face to face this Sunday, on Brazilian television channel Globo’s “Domingão do Faustão” Sunday show. However, the Spider also appeared in another Sunday news outlet. In a special by Ary Cunha, in “O Globo” newspaper, Silva commented on the controversy surrounding his title defense against Demian Maia. Below are some excerpts and, to see the article in its entirety in Portuguese, click here.

“Anyone who watched the fight from the outside, from another angle, may have seen things totally differently. When they judge you to be the best in the world – even though I don’t feel I am –, it takes a split second for people change their thoughts on you for your attitude. I learned a lot from this fight, more than from any other.”

“I did things no one has ever seen me do. And then, they certainly said: “This guy’s nuts. He’s screwing around. There, at that moment, it was a purge of three or four pent-up months.”

“He said he respected me as a fighter, but questioned my attitude, my character. He said the spider has eight legs and that he was going to pluck one of them in the ring. I’ve had fights with more smack talk in the past, but in this one I really needed to purge.”

“I won’t say I lost control. From my heart, I wouldn’t do it again. Or better yet, I’d do things differently.”

“There was a moment when I started seeing the thing as a street fight and I said things: ‘Didn’t you say the spider has eight legs and you’re going to pluck one of them? Let’s go, get up, playboy!’”

“If there’d been all this fallout and I’d lost the fight, it would have been worse. I might even have lost my job. But I went home with the belt, without taking a scratch, nothing. The Spider did what he always did: I went out there, fought and won.

Photo: Luca Atalla

In Abu Dhabi, Jiu-Jitsu master and coach to Anderson Silva Sylvio Behring followed all the fallout from Silva’s fight against Demian Maia. Upon reading “Letter from Abu Dhabi IV” – part of a series of articles written by GRACIEMAG editor Luca Atalla –, Behring sent in his own comments to be posted in the bulletin, as did thousands of other GRACIEMAG.com readers.
Nevertheless, for Sylvio’s authority on the matter, having worked alongside Anderson, it is only fair his analysis is given greater exposure:

“It is worth mentioning that we are in Abu Dhabi for the World Pro and the atmosphere here has been spectacular, not just in terms of quality of matches and the event, but in the respect shared between the athletes, organization, coaches and press.

But, when the subject comes to MMA, particularly the UFC… Talking about Anderson’s performance against Demian is inevitable. And most of those who know the “Spider”, even disapproving, still believe he is not that arrogant character that showed up last weekend and made a large number of spectators leave the arena frustrated, as though they regretted being there.

Congratulations on shedding light on the matter and bringing for broader reflection the fact there has been an international backlash, which has put one of the greatest Brazilian talents of all times into quite a spot.

The fight was certainly a disappointment to anyone who hoped for another show from the “Spider”. To anyone who has seen him train and knows in what great shape he is, it was torture watching him avoid combat. We work on preparing the athlete to get in there and give his best, not the bare minimum. During the event, since we are only watching, we are just fans. The emotions of fans are biased, often reaching an overblown level that defies reason.

Anderson was: perfect in some instances, irreverent in others, arrogant, brilliant, irritating, humiliating, and so on… What he did in the ring is irreproachable in the eyes of a trainer. He is human and has his high-performance moments or doesn’t, depending on the physical, technical and, mainly, psychological state he is in.

But, as a black belt and champion, he needs to improve his speech. If he didn’t need to ask forgiveness, he wouldn’t have done so after the fight. If he needed to teach a lesson, he didn’t need to tell anyone. A lesson is only taught when the other learns.

I don’t believe Demian needed any lesson at all; he was a challenger like all the others. And he fought till the very end, beaten and hurt. If he meant to punish him, it backfired. He ended up raising Demian’s stock.

That Anderson is better, there is no doubt! I’m one of his biggest fans and admirers. But the one taught the lesson was us.

With all certainty, I can state that Anderson has gone through reflection to digest the consequences of what happened and he will return with the lesson learnt to show the world the great champion and man he is.

And I have no doubt we will see the greatest MMA fighter of the day dazzle us with his art and bring us joy with his victories.

Thank you and best regards, Sylvio Behring.”

Anderson and Demian will be main attraction on Brazilian TV show. Photo: Josh Hedges

After facing off in a controversy-riddled bout in the Octagon, Anderson Silva and Demian Maia will face each other yet again. And the mediator for the encounter will be Fausto Silva, the host of a popular Brazilian Sunday TV show.

The UFC, greatest among mixed martial arts events in the world, will be the theme of the Domingão do Faustão (“Big Fausto’s Big Sunday”) TV program this Sunday. The show’s team, by invitation from the UFC, followed UFC 112 on location, from Anderson and Demian’s preparations to the middleweight title showdown, the evening’s main event watched by 11 thousand people at Ferrari World. The program features some never-before-seen images from behind the scenes at UFC 112, for the first time held in the Middle East, in Abu Dhabi; and talk show host Fausto Silva received the two fighters for an exclusive interview on his stage.

Renzo stands with Hughes. Photo: Josh Hedges

I enter room 436 of Rotana Hotel at around two Saturday morning with neither a camera nor a notepad, not as a reporter, but as a friend. Renzo is stretched out on one of the beds, Cristina by his side. Also in the room are Ralph and Flávia, Sérgio Ignácio, Zé Alfredo, Cora, Ruran and Rilion.

I give him a friendly embrace and, almost faint, Renzo mutters: “What a fight, huh?”

We spoke a bit about the fight, him complaining that he couldn’t hear anything, and had no idea there were less than 20 seconds left on the clock when the fight was interrupted.

“I would have lowered my chin and taken punches till time ran out,” he says, almost without the energy to smile.

And he asks me why they stopped the fight, if he had dropped to the ground to play guard. I explain:

“You were in slow motion. Between your going to all fours and getting up your guard, there was a stretch where you were motionless, when the referee intervened. The way I see it, he was right.” He shrugs.

And he drags himself to the tub to soak, trying to rehydrate. And everyone exits, leaving him in the care of Cristina and his thoughts.

The next evening, still limping but with his usual good cheer, Renzo tells me he watched the fight. “I saw it; there was a ‘delay’. I didn’t even remember it. Truth is I was knocked out, from one moment to the next, and when I awoke and turned I was grabbing the referee’s leg,” he admits.

At 43 years of age, and a legend in the fight world, Renzo made his UFC debut far from his best days as a fighter. Regardless, he brought tremendous value to the organization. So much so that on Friday, the day of weigh-ins at Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall, the crowd that made it impossible to even photograph the episode boisterously cheered the idol, who unbelievably shed 15 kg (33 lbs) since signing the contract returning him to action.

And, even with the loss, at 4:46 of the third and final round, he had a dignified showing. His opponent, Matt Hughes, won the division title on two occasions, and successfully defended it another five times. He is considered such a monster of the UFC that Dana White proclaimed that fighting or not, he will never leave the event. He is known for plowing through opponents the way does the fields of his farm with his tractor back home in Illinois.

Even so, he such was his respect for Renzo that he hardly looked to try and take the fight to the ground, even if it cost him earning some points on the scorecards that he would have managed through takedowns, his specialty. And, while the Brazilian wasn’t running of fumes, Hughes was getting the worst of the striking game. His tactic of kicking Renzo’s leg, incorporated into his game especially for the bout, took everyone by surprise.

Despite the superior start, though, Renzo showed his worth precisely at the end when, already gassed out and without a chance, he would lose. He turned on automatic pilot and trudged forth with his characteristic valiance, visibly not in any condition to continue. And, even so, he managed to bring further honor to his adversary, for instance, when Hughes helped him to his feet, after falling to the ground from a kick.

Arab custom dictates that when a member of the royal family arrives at a location, everyone rises to their feet. Renzo didn’t realize it because he left the Octagon carried by his seconds, gazing at the ground lost, but the front row at one end of the Octagon was occupied by illustrious local guests. And, when Renzo drug himself past them, everyone stood. Even beaten, the prince of fighting was revered as he made his exit.

Demian against Anderson. Photo: Luca Atalla

What’s most on everyone’s tongues about UFC 112 is, without a doubt, Anderson Silva’s posture during his fight with Demian Maia. In the middleweight title bout, Anderson fooled around, hid behind the referee and taunted Maia. There are those who think nothing of such an attitude, who feel it was part of Silva’s strategy. But there are countless others who were disgusted by what they saw, including UFC president Dana White. GRACIEMAG.com spoke with one of the participants in the historic affair: Demian Maia. “I just thought it was disrespectful for him to swear at me during the fight, saying things like, ‘You (explicative) momma’s boy, show me your Jiu-Jitsu.’ That type of stuff. I felt it was disrespectful and unnecessary. Aside from that, it was a normal fight,” says Demian. Once the fight was over, as could be seen on the broadcast, Anderson went on to ask Demian’s forgiveness. He made a speech in the octagon and apologized to the crowd as well. But once at the press conference, he again criticized Maia. He said he felt disrespected by the Sao Paulo native in the lead up to the bout. “He begged my forgiveness and I feel everyone makes mistakes, that’s normal. I feel something influenced him afterwards and he came up with that statement about me having disrespected him. I never made any strong statements and, even if I had, it would have been to promote the fight, which is normal. The fight ends and the two fighters embrace,” he concludes.

Sergei's knockout over Rizzo, at Pride. Photo: Susumu Nagao / GRACIEMAG archives

Anyone thinking Abu Dhabi stopped talking about MMA with the end of UFC 112 is mistaken. Under the official patronage of Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed, the Abu Dhabi Fighting Championship event promises to gather heavyweights like Sergei Kharitonov, Marcio Pé de Pano, Jeff Monson, Marcos Oliveira and other beasts to duke it out for a hefty one million dirham payout, which comes to approximately 350 thousand dollars.

One of the favorites, Russia’s Kharitanov was even making the rounds at UFC 112, to promote the event. The first stage of the Grand Prix takes place May 14, and will include various fighters from the region, besides Italians, Turks, English, French and Polish fighters, not to mention Brazilians and Russians.

Find out more at www.abudhabifc.com.

Below we revisit when two athletes on the Abu Dhabi GP roster faced off.

UFC president Dana White looked to be just as disappointed with the performance of Anderson Silva in his showdown with Demian Maia at UFC 112 as the rest of the press, the crowd present in the arena, and me.

But he showed why he’s the right man for the right job, at the post-event press conference. Dana appeared on the scene before the fighters did and went on the defensive by asking forgiveness before taking the first question. He said he was embarrassed by what transpired in the fight and that he would make it up to the Abu Dhabi crowd present at the event, and those who bought the pay-per-view. He just doesn’t know how yet.

I won’t go as far as saying I’m close with Anderson Silva, but I’ve known him for over ten years, and I’ve never seen him mistreat anyone, nor assume an unsporting attitude. Much the contrary, he always referred to the other fighters as “master”. Even in his fight with Thales Leites, which was a snore, he didn’t overstep the boundaries into respect.

With Demian, however, he went on a gloating spree. He spent five rounds cursing, gesticulating, imitating other fighters and without ever getting the point he was making across, which was that he could end the fight at any moment. The result: in nearly 20 years of following MMA events, it was the first time I’d ever seen a fighter enter the ring with 100% of the stadium behind him, and leave with 100% against him, even after winning.

Anderson was the last fighter to show up at the press conference. Several questions came to mind, but I didn’t ask one. I didn’t feel it would help readers, at that moment, had I put the champion against the ropes. But nor did I need to, since the other journalists didn’t feel the same restraint. He started out by saying Demian had disrespected him as a martial artist, as a black belt. Another reporter asked how, and he muddled an answer and repeated the same thing. But my colleague was unsatisfied and again inquired about what exactly Demian had done.

He had said some things, according to Anderson, and gave the example, that “the spider had four (sic) legs, and Demian was going to get one of them.” Nothing too brash, is it? Perhaps it wasn’t about the statements, but the way they were made. It doesn’t matter. Truth is that if Demian really did discredit Anderson Silva’s status as a black belt teacher, he was right to.

Think about it, nothing and nobody can take away Anderson’s merit as an MMA fighter. He has repeatedly proven himself among the best of all times. And the disparity between him and his adversaries standing, as I’ve written before, truly is equivalent to the difference between a black belt and a white or blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu in training, as an example for the masses of readers who train in the gi to better understand.

The problem is that technique is of least importance in qualifying someone as a black belt. Technique is acquired over the years when you are in fact in the academy learning values. And among them is respect. Respect for your father, mother, wife, husband, the hierarchy, strangers and, mainly, your opponent.

And if with that humiliation spectacle he imposed on Demian Saturday night Anderson wanted to prove he is a black belt, he managed to achieve the exact opposite. To make matters worse, his attitude contrasted with that of Demian, who held his head up, fought to the very end, even humiliated and with a cracked nose, and never lost respect, as you would expect from a black belt.

Anderson reflects on his posture. Photo: Luca Atalla

Anderson Silva has a style all his own. Honest, but controversial. During his bout at UFC 112, he attacked Demian Maia with provocations, in a fight that even became monotonous starting in the third round.

The belt remains the champion’s but, at the end of the affair, the shower of boos showed the level of discontent in the stands. Still in the octagon, Anderson reflected:

“Demian is a great fighter and fought really well. He used some moves I didn’t expect and caught me by surprise. It wasn’t me in there and I want to beg everyone forgiveness. I think I got excited,” he said.

“It’s time for me to reflect on humility. That’s what got me here and today, definitely, it wasn’t me that was here,” added Silva who, despite his apology, was met with a round of boos.

Anderson in a photo by Josh Hedges

Anderson Silva vs Demian Maia

As was to be expected, Anderson Silva avoided the ground fight. In the first and second round, the “Spider”, with kicks and punches, nearly defined the outcome, opening a cut on his opponent’s face. Nevertheless, starting in the third round, what most stood out were the champion’s provocations. Demian started going on the attack and went all or nothing in the fifth stanza, but to no effect. In the end, to boos from the crowd, Anderson hung on to his middleweight belt with a unanimous decision.

BJ Penn vs Frankie Edgar

Despite the ground savvy of both parties, what transpired were five rounds on the feet – basically a bout of boxing. BJ controlled the center of the ring and worked the counter-attack the entire time. Edgar attacked throughout and managed two takedowns. In the end, via decision, the scorecards crowned a new lightweight champion: Frankie Edgar.

Matt Hughes. Photo: Josh Hedges

Matt Hughes vs Renzo Gracie

Renzo had a good first round against Hughes, landing solid strikes while standing. Nevertheless, starting in the second, he began to gas out. In the final round the Gracie demonstrated clear signs of fatigue and Hughes made the most of it, landing effective strikes and kicks to the legs. In a flurry of punches, Hughes managed the knockout 20 seconds from the final bell.

Rafael dos Anjos vs Terry Etim

In the first round, Etim caused some discomfort with a guillotine but dos Anjos ended up on top, gaining the upper hand. Rafael’s master, Roberto Gordo, told the black belt between rounds: “You turned up the heat halfway through the round. Now go for it.” And that’s what he did. Dos Anjos got the takedown and went to work on the ground, landing strikes and elbows from side-control and the mount. At the end of the round, he went from a kimura lock to armbar and got the tapout. The result is the tie-breaker in the fighter’s UFC career, now with three wins and two losses.

Kendall Grove vs Mark Munoz

Munoz saw storm clouds in the first round. He was punished in the standup and weathered some snug choke holds. Gove’s mistake was to land on bottom in the second, after trying for a submission. Munoz launched a ground and pound assault resulting in the technical knockout. Rodrigo Minotauro rushed in to celebrate his victory.

UFC 112
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Saturday, April 10, 2010

Anderson Silva defeated Demian Maia via unanimous decision

Frankie Edgar defeated B.J. Penn via unanimous decision

Matt Hughes defeated Renzo Gracie via TKO at 4:40 min of R3

Rafael dos Anjos submitted Terry Etim via armbar at 4:30 min of R2

Mark Munoz defeated Kendall Grove via TKO at 2:50 min of R2

Phil Davis submitted Alexander Gustafsson via anaconda choke at 4:55 min of R1

John Gunderson vs Paul Taylor (Cancelled)

Rick Story defeated Nick Osipczak via split decision

DaMarques Johnson  defeated Brad Blackburn via TKO at 2:08 min of R3

Paul Kelly submitted Matt Veach via guillotine at 3:41 min of R2

Jon Madsen defeated Mostapha Al Turk via unanimous decision

Anderson and Demian in staredown. Photo: Josh Hedges

All you had to do was open the local Abu Dhabi newspaper to notice how today is truly a special Saturday for the Arab Emirates.

In the sports section, a giant photo of Anderson Silva. In yesterday’s paper, a photo of Wanderlei Silva, as a reminder of how the UFC is becoming international. “Within three months we’ll hold a UFC in Afghanistan for the troops,” Dana White would say in an article in Abu Dhabi’s The National. “It will be a lot of work, there will be a lot of concern with security, but we’re going to do it. The folks will go by helicopter, we’re seeing to it,” added Dana in the article. The UFC president also went on to explain the next step for the show in the Emirates: a reality show to reveal the local MMA champion.

The article goes on to remind of how the toughest guys in UFC 112 had other professions before the career of fighter: there’s a butcher, a wood chopper, a suit… “I worked in McDonald’s,” remembers Anderson Silva, who would go on to face Demian Maia in the main event of the first UFC to be held in open air.

In the hotel lobby, there was a lot of fan action, mainly from the Americans present. Georges Saint-Pierre spoke politely with everyone, taking photos. Renzo was another to draw a lot of attention yesterday, when he weighed in wearing a Machester City jersey. A present from the Sheikhs? No, I bought it at the shop upstairs,” revealed Gracie.

Yesterday Renzo had dinner with Sheikh Tahnoon, Dana White and the Fertitta brothers in the palace. As an appetizer, a long no-gi training session with the Sheikh and ADCC 2009 champion Braulio Estima, who showed up at a lean 80 kg, which he will carry starting now, for his MMA career.

The temperature is incredibly pleasant; perfect for the spectacle. Among those present in the area were Ricardo Cachorrão, Roberto Gordo, André Galvão, Joinha Guimarães, Ramon Lemos, Pat Cooligan, Sérgio Ignácio, announcer Bruce Buffer, doctor and black belt Zé Alfredo Padilha and the untiring Paulinha Saack, of Brazil’s Combat channel.

Cigano's title shot in sight. Photo: Josh Hedges

Recently chubby knockout artist Roy Nelson stated he would love to face Junior “Cigano” dos Santos in the UFC. Riding a series of five wins in the organization, all before the final bell, the Brazilian admits the matchup is not in his plans. According to Cigano, his shot at the UFC heavyweight belt is nigh.

“He’s a tough guy, who works hard. But as the UFC told me, I’m close to getting a shot at the title. So to me this fight doesn’t make much sense. But if they pencil it, I’ll fight him for sure. I feel he’s a dangerous guy, who has been doing good work,” the fighter tells GRACIEMAG.com.

On a chance at the title in the near future he says:

“They told me Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin are going to fight now and that Cain Velasquez awaits the winner between those two. I’ll have one more fight and, if I win, I’ll get a shot at the belt. Something like that,” he explains.

While he awaits word on his next opponent, the Brazilian’s attention is on the fight between Anderson Silva and Demian Maia this weekend.

“I think Anderson has an 80% chance of winning and Demian 20%. But a fight’s a fight, and you never know how it will go. If Demian is successful in getting the takedown or keeping Anderson on the ground, he can surely get the submission. I’ve trained with him too, and Demian’s Jiu-Jitsu is really, really good. Nevertheless, it’s really hard to take Anderson down, and we know he’s the pound-for-pound best in the world. Demian will be a handful, but I think Anderson wins it,” he wagers.

Demian practices grappling with Xande. Photo: Luca Atalla

In Abu Dhabi the final pieces are falling into place for Anderson Silva’s title defense, and Demian Maia is doing his part alongside beasts like Xande Ribeiro. Before traveling to the Arab Emirates, Demian had a chat with NOCAUTE magazine, in an article available in the latest issue, now on newsstands across Brazil. The fighter described important moments in his career, from his beginnings in the martial arts to his start in MMA and success in the UFC. Of course, Demian couldn’t leave out addressing his opponent, Anderson. Check out some snippets from the article below:

Controversy with Anderson

I think the champion always feels threatened by those who are coming in, raises his guard and may speak ill of them. I don’t know exactly why we fell out, why he said all those bad things about me; but I made a joke once at a UFC press conference that I never imagined would leak, and it must have irritated him. They (the organization) asked that we make stronger statements for marketing purposes. The guys asked whether I’d submit Anderson and I said what they wanted me to and laughed. I don’t like doing that; I’d rather see when fight time comes. But I said it and I feel that may be what set off his ill-feelings towards me. But, to tell you the truth, I don’t know for sure if that’s what triggered this whole thing.

Admiration

I’ve always been a fan of him as a fighter. Not as a person, because of his gratuitous attacks on me. I’m not his fan on the personal side like I am of Minotauro, Cigano or Wanderlei. But as an athlete, I’ll remain his fan, regardless of what happens in this fight. He’s excellent. I’m happy when he wins and I root for him. I confess that against Thales Leites (UFC 97) I didn’t root for him. But in his other title-defenses I always did. I have no problem with him. I’m cool-headed in that respect.

Friends in common

The fact I’m friends with Rogerio Minotouro and Rodrigo Minotauro, besides doing my boxing training with Dorea (Minotauro Team boxing coach), to me isn’t a problem. I feel things are moving more and more to the professional side. At blue belt I fought a teammate from Alliance in the final of the World Championship. I also fought Jacare, who was on my team. These days there are guys who are great friends, André Galvão e o Eduardo Telles, who are training with him. I like Minotauro a lot, and he trains with him too. I have no problem with that at all, and I feel everyone is being ethical. No one’s going to say, ‘Shucks, the guy did this or that.’ They’re going to train with him, without thinking about the opponent. I told Minotouro that, if Rodrigo is in Anderson’s corner, I have no problem with that at all. I’ll remain friends with him after the fight and continue to train with them. Of course it’s much easier for me because I’m not the champion. I’ve always been for this professionalism business, not because I wanted to, but because of destiny.

The big shot

For this chance to suddenly arise, the way it happened, was funny. I never figured it would happen so soon after my loss. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime and no way can I say no, is spite of the lack of time. I can only thank God for the things conspiring in my favor. They called me in the middle of carnival for me to sign the bout agreement and it was a surprise.

The way to win

I have to fight with my heart. I have to fight within my style, be aggressive and go for the finish. I’ll have to pick the right time to take risks. I’ll have to find the path in the octagon. It’s a labyrinth, but it’s there. I hope I can find it.