The three Argentines representing their nation in the first MMA event to provide a stage for the classic national rivalry, in the upcoming Shooto South America event on the coming 28th, in Rio de Janeiro, are fully prepared for the challenge of facing the hometown boys and are going in to win, despite one of them being a last-minute replacement.
The one guaranteeing it is Shooto Argentina representative Eduardo Duarte, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who will be accompanying the fighters to the event: "The Argentines are ready. Even though the country is new to the MMA scene, there are great athletes coming from Kickboxing and Muay Thai who have been working on their JJ to get into the MMA game. I expect a good showing from all competitors."
The Nova Uniao black belt went further in describing the fighters who will be performing in Brazil for the first time, one of whom will be making his MMA debut: "Juan Tessari is the most well rounded of the 3, and will face Dudu (Eduardo Dantas). He has extensive pro kickboxing experience and has been training and competing in submission grappling for 2 years here (in Argentina). He's very agressive and strong for his weight.
"Alejandro Montero [to fight Andre Terere] is a young 19-year-old muay thai fighter with a good record and is coming off 4 wins in Kickboxing with 4 KOs, but has never fought MMA professionally. He has limited JJ experience but presents great athleticism and his young age helps him to be a quick learner.
"Cristian Lopez is a last-minute replacement for Pablo Paolielo (against Leo Santos), who suffered a 25-stitch cut training on Wednesday night, and is one of the best kickboxers/muay thai fighters in Argentina today. He's famous for being a show man and trying different things. He just got back from an MMA reality show in Costa rica where he was training with Henry Matamoros and Frank Trigg and had his first MMA fight. He has limited JJ experience, but being a superb athlete and very good at the stand up game, he will always be a threat to anyone who faces him."
Argentina has recently entered the International Shooto Federation and several amateur Shooto bouts have been held at a variety of different events throughout the capital of Buenos Aires.
65kg
Zeilton Rodrigues "Neizão" (Delfin / Carlos Henrique) vs Marlon Moraes (Fight Co)
60kg
Eduardo Dantas (Nova União) vs Juan Tessane (Argentina)
56kg
Dileno (Nova União) vs Rafael Soldado (TFT)
83kg
Marcelo Maguila (TFT) vs Carlos Santos (RFT)
76kg
Rodrigo Pitbull (Jorge Turco) vs Hernani (Nova União)
56kg
Wilmar Afonso (JT Caverna) vs Maicon William (Nocaute)
60kg
Carlos "Betão" Alberto (RFT) vs Hudson Rocha (BTT)
65kg
André "Tererê" (Nocaute) vs Alejandro Montero
70kg
Marcos “Bicudinho” Maciel (BTT) vs Leandro “Sete Bala" (Nova União)
70kg
Leonardo Santos (Nova União) vs Cristian Lopez (Argentina)
