Recognized internationally for being Wanderlei Silva's physical conditioning coach, Rafael Alejarra has a new challenge ahead: to prepare Demian Maia for his bout with Jason MacDonald, set for UFC 87, in August. On his way through Sao Paulo, Alejarra, who now lives in Las Vegas, spoke with GRACIEMAG.com about the work he has been doing with the black belt.
"Demian is already a Jiu-Jitsu athlete, and has good aerobic conditioning. But MMA things change a lot, as the athlete needs to be complete, has optimum aerobic conditioning and, mainly, anaerobic, besides other physical qualities," said the Brazilian.
Contact with Demian was made through Andre Galvao, who has worked as Wanderlei Silva's ground fighting coach. According to Alejarra, the fact he is training more and more athletes, regardless of the academies they represent, is a natural evolution of his work. "I'm taking care of the physical training of Wanderlei, Demian, Andre Galvao and Robert Drysdale. I'm negotiating with two more athletes, and American and another Brazilian, and soon I'll tell you who they are. All of them fight in the UFC," states the trainer.
Could it be that Wanderlei, who besides being his boss is his friend and housemate, will get jealous? "Of course not. Just as I wish the best for him, he wants the best for me. And besides that, even having other athletes I never stopped giving my full attention to his training. And it will always be that way," he said in finishing.
