With his eye on MMA and reaching new heights, the absolute champion of the last ADCC, Robert Drysdale yesterday signed with Xtreme Couture, where he will be a grappling and Jiu-Jitsu instructor while training for his MMA debut.
The fighter, who moved to Las Vegas, doesn’t want to lose any time and has already met his new team, and mainly his new boss, the former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion of the UFC, Randy Couture. Awestruck by the structure of his new team, the Brasa black belt spoke with GRACIEMAG.com about his first impressions, his relationship with Couture and his expectations for his MMA debut.
How did this opportunity to work with Couture come about?
It was actually really interesting. I received an email from the manager of Xtreme Couture, who found out I was in Las Vegas, inviting me to get to know the academy. I was impressed with the structure and the treatment I received.
What did you think of him as a person and fighter? Did you get a chance to train with him?
As a fighter I think we all know him, the guy is without a doubt a phenomenon. Not just anyone can be UFC champion at 44 years of age. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to train with him, as I only just signed with them yesterday. As a person he seemed to be really friendly, humble and positive. Without a doubt the guy’s really cool to be around and is someone I can learn a lot from. I’m really happy about this opportunity.
You are now in one of the biggest MMA schools. What will the technical exchange between yourself and the other fighters be like?
The idea is this. Today I talked with several fighters from the academy and we are already swapping experiences. Everybody is cool and focused. The idea is to help them with their ground game while they help me transition from sport Jiu-Jitsu to MMA. They are two completely different sports. To me this experience is really good. It’s like being a white belt all over again.
Are you already thinking of debuting in MMA of do you think you need more time to be better prepared?
I’m in no hurry. I’m aware that I’m still far from where I want to be. I’m training every day and right now that’s all that matters. I always consider conquests to be the consequence of lots of work and discipline. When my coaches think I’m ready I’ll be happy to get in the ring. But training always precedes results.
Are you going alone or with your family? How has your adaptation been?
I’m used to the USA. Of course I’ll miss my family and students in Itu and my friends at Brasa in Sao Paulo. My girlfriend, Michelle Nicolini, should be moving here shortly and that helps a lot. Andre Galvao and Lucas Leite also plan on moving here. Having friends nearby also helps. The problem is that in Brazil the professional side of things is very limited. I felt I had met all my objectives in Brazil and that the time had come to grow professionally. To reach new goals. To soar a little higher.
