Chiquerim in action at Shooto. Photo: Carlos Ozório

Willamy “Chiquerim” Freire handed over his Shooto World belt to try his luck in the UFC. But his promotional debut against Thiago Tavares last August 1 was put on hold due to an injured knee.

Back in training 100% recovered, Chiquerim already knows when he’ll finally make his long-awaited debut.

“I’m confirmed to fight in January. I don’t yet know the exact date or opponent, but I’m fighting in January, according to Joe Silva,” the fighter told GRACIEMAG.com.

“I’m training here in Ceará and will go to Rio for the Shooto event. I’ll then come back to Ceará, but a bit before my fight I’ll return to Rio to train at Nova União,” he said.

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Chiquerim em ação no Shooto. Foto: Carlos Ozório

Willamy Freire, o Chiquerim, deixou o cinturão mundial do Shooto de lado para fazer parte do UFC. Mas a estreia, contra Thiago Tavares, no dia 1º de agosto, teve de ser adiada. Uma contusão no joelho barrou o lutador. 

De volta aos treinos, 100% recuperado, Chiquerim já tem previsão para estrear no octagon.

“Já está confirmado que eu luto em janeiro. Ainda não tenho a data exata e o adversário, mas luto em janeiro, segundo o Joe Silva”, diz o lutador ao GRACIEMAG.com. 

“Estou treinando aqui no Ceará e vou ao Rio para o Shooto. Volto ao Ceará, mas, próximo da luta, volto ao Rio para treinar na Nova União”, comenta.  

Saiba mais sobre o UFC no GRACIEMAG.com.

Wallid still at it. Photo: Carlos Ozorio

It’s Christmas eve and New Year’s is just around the corner. Even during the festive season, Wallid Ismail is still at it. The event promoter is working hard to spice up 2010 with some big news.

“I’m battling away here in the United States; I came to seal a deal to broadcast the event. My idea is to, after all the stages, hold the first Jungle Fight title dispute in December of 2010. I saw Joe Silva (UFC), in Las Vegas, and he told me that with champions of the event it will be much easier to pick fighters for the UFC,” says Wallid, further elaborating on what he has in mind, “The idea is to have seven major stages, all broadcast on American TV. I’ll announce in greater detail soon.”

The promoter of Jungle Fight has held the event at major venues in the past. The plan is to carry on in 2010.

“Things would tend to follow this standard. The event in the Pacaembu in Sao Paulo went off, and the Maracanazinho too. I want to make this sport blow up,” he said in finishing.