Murilo was a part of MMA’s evolution. In 1991, he fought at the memorable Jiu-Jitsu vs Luta Livre challenges, with neither gloves nor rules, and even head butts counted. He became champion of the UFC, already with a set of rules, and fought at Pride when it was the world’s biggest event.

Bustamente had a chat with GRACIEMAG.com. Check it out:

Murilo against Yoji Anjo at UFC 25. Photo: Susumu Nagao

What does it feel like to return to fighting?

Everything’s great. The toughest part, the training, is out of the way and I’m well prepared and confident. It’s all just the way I want it. I’m stoked, really happy about this opportunity to get in the ring. I’ve wanted this for a long time and now I can make the most of the moment. There’s nothing more to say. I’m overjoyed.

Do you think the time out may hinder you?

Surely the time away does me no good and I’ll feel it. But I’m going to try and compensate for that with experience. I’m in shape, really well prepared for the fight. I managed to reach the baseline I’d hoped to. I have to fight smart and compensate with experience.

Campeão do UFC. Foto: Susumu Nagao

Taylor was recently submitted by Thales Leites. Could Jiu-Jitsu be the way to victory once again?

Jiu-Jitsu is always the way. If I get a chance to use it, it’s the best way, especially for those with it as their background, like me. But I trained a lot of boxing and wrestling. He fought Thales but I don’t know how he’ll come into the fight this time. He had a bad experience with Thales, made a mistake and taped. So he should be wary. I studied his game and I’m ready for any position that comes up, whether standing or on the ground. A fight’s a fight and I’m prepared.

Do you agree that the public likes knockouts and striking more? What are your thoughts on Jiu-Jitsu fighters looking to stand and trade in their fights?

I feel a good fight’s a good fight; it doesn’t matter if it’s on the ground or standing. A lively ground fight is great to watch. Some people prefer standup fighting and knockouts, but that’s a question of taste. The Japanese and Brazilian public has understood ground fighting for a long time and now the United States understands it too. As for Jiu-Jitsu fighters opting to strike, that’s not the smartest way to go. Of course MMA isn’t Jiu-Jitsu, but we have to use what we know best. But there are fighters who feel good standing, so it comes down to each individual.

Murilo on the cover of GRACIEMAG

You’re 43 now. How many more years do you plan to fight?

I don’t know; that’s a tough question. Back in the day, I thought I’d retire at 30. I made it to 43 and still feel like fighting. It’s a mixture of desire and my ability to keep up in training. As far as this fight goes, I hadn’t managed to train this way in two years, when the event I was supposed to fight at was cancelled. I didn’t know I could reach this level. But in the end, I’m content. It made me confident and we’ll see what happens. I’m motivated, prepared and confident. Now we just have to wait and see what happens given my lack of rhythm.

Check out the historic bout between Murilo Bustamante and Marcelo Mendes in the Jiu-Jitsu versus Luta Livre challenge of 1991.

Thales (right), next to Jesse Taylor. Photo: MFC

Thales Leites won the third fight since his exit from the UFC this Friday evening. The Jiu-Jitsu black belt from Nova União got the submission via arm triangle just 2:27 min into his fight at MFC 25. The victim of the Brazilian’s grappling game was Jesse Taylor.

In the co-main event, Ryan Jimmo got the best of former UFC fighter Wilson Gouveia. Gouveia had already run into trouble before the fight, when he was unable to make the weight stipulated for the bout. The fight went to judges’ decision, and it was unanimous.

Check out the complete results:

MFC 25
Edmonton, Canadá
Dia 7 de maio de 2010

Thales Leites submitted Jesse Taylor via arm triangle at 2:27 min of R1

Ryan Jimmo defeated Wilson Gouveia via unanimous decision

Pete Spratt defeated Luigi Fioravanti via TKO at 4:02 min of R3

Emanuel Newton defeated Dwayne Lewis via unanimous decision

Gavin Neil submitted Richie Hightower via rear-naked choke at 2:52 min of R1

Chase Gormley defeated Ryan Fortin via unanimous decision

Chad Freeman submitted Mike Froese via armbar at 3:48s of R1

Keto Allen defeated Aaron Berke via TKO at 2:58 min of R1

Jevon Marshall submitted Garret Nybakken via rear-naked choke at 2min of R3

Thales (direita) ao lado de Jesse Taylor. Foto: MFC

Thales Leites venceu na noite desta sexta-feira a terceira luta seguida desde que saiu do UFC. O faixa-preta de Jiu-Jitsu da Nova União finalizou com um armlock do triângulo em apenas 2min27s de luta no MFC 25. Quem sofreu com o chão do brasileiro foi Jesse Taylor. 

Em outra luta principal, melhor para Ryan Jimmo, que derrotou o também ex-UFC Wilson Gouveia. Gouveia já havia tido dificuldades, quando não conseguiu bater o peso combinado na balança. A luta foi decidida pelos juízes, em decisão unânime. 

Confira todos os resultados:   

MFC 25

Edmonton, Canadá

Dia 7 de maio de 2010

Thales Leites finalizou Jesse Taylor com um armlock do triângulo aos 2min27s do R1

 Ryan Jimmo venceu Wilson Gouveia por decisão unânime dos juízes

 Pete Spratt venceu Luigi Fioravanti por TKO aos 4min2s do R3

 Emanuel Newton venceu Dwayne Lewis pordecisão unânime dos juízes

 Gavin Neil finalizou Richie Hightower com um mata-leão aos 2min52s do R1

 Chase Gormley venceu Ryan Fortin por decisão unânime dos juízes

Chad Freeman finalizou Mike Froese com um armlock aos 3min48s do R1

 Keto Allen venceu Aaron Berke por TKO aos 2min58s do R1

 Jevon Marshall finalizou Garret Nybakken com um mata-leão aos 2min do R3