Chiquerim worked on his striking for Shooto. Photo: Carlos Eduardo
Willamy Chiquerim is in the final phase of his prep-work for his first Shooto World title defense against Yusuke Endo. It will be the second time the two meet. On the first occasion, Chiquerim finished with a guillotine choke. This time around, though, the Nova União fighter will be seeking the knockout.
“I put a lot of emphasis on my standing game. I’m doing a lot of strike work in training. That’s what sells and the crowd wants to see a show. Yusuke Endo has a really strong ground game, so he’ll try and take me down, but I’m going to try and keep it standing as much as possible.”
Another cause for concern is how the judges interpret the fight. The bout cannot go to a decision.
“I’m well-trained on the ground but, as I said, I’m working a lot on my striking. In Japan there’s often a lot of controversy surrounding fights that go to a decision, so I want to decide this fight by knockout or submission. That’s what’s going on in my head. I don’t want it to go to the scorecards.”
Photo: Carlos Ozório
Besides defending his lightweight belt, the fight in Japan means much more to Chiquerim. The fighter had already told GRACIEMAG.com about the possibility of his going to Sengoku, although negotiations are still open.
“Truth is that I have a few great offers but they depend on this fight. I can’t announce anything yet, but, after this fight, God willing, something new will come up,” says the fighter from the Brazilian state of Ceará, who hasn’t forgotten his crew in the Brazilian Northeast.
“I have to thank my team in the Northeast, Completa Nova União. I train with them when I’m back home,” he says in finishing.
