26.12.2008 Nog longs for octagon“I’d prefer to fight more times per year”
In the days of Pride, Rodrigo Minotauro would fight as many as four times per year. And that was far from being something undesirable to him. Quit the contrary, the Brazilian actually likes being in the ring. However, his departure to the UFC changed the black belt’s pace of appearance a bit. This year, for example, he only fought once, in February, when he overcame Tim Sylvia.
This Saturday, Minotauro will have the chance to rejoin his fans and, to boot, defend his interim heavyweight belt and guarantee a place in a title unification bout against Brock Lesnar. Called upon to be a coach in the latest season of the The Ultimate Fighter reality show, the Brazilian revealed he would like to fight more during the season.
“I’d rather fight with greater frequency. When I was in Pride, I fought every two to three months,” he said.
His participation in the UFC reality show, which threw a wrench in his fighting more this year, pleased him, though. “I was very involved in the show, and I think it has been good for my career.”
In respect to Frank Mir, he has nothing but praise. “He’s a good fighter, a great athlete. He quick and dangerous, a finisher. But I think my standing game is better than his, and my ground game is even more dangerous. That’s why I’m anxious for this fight,” he declared.
While still preparing for his bout, in Brazil, Rodrigo Minotauro took some time off from training to show in GRACIEMAG 141 how Jiu-Jitsu made a difference in his competitive life. With spectacular photos taken on the beach in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, and at his training center, GRACIEMAG reveals some of the secrets no one knows about what transpired while in the Ultimate Fighter house.
|
