Video: Amid the pandemic, Zuluzinho participates in a 'slap in the face' tournament in Russia

Zuluzinho takes part in a slapping tournament in Russia. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @zuluzinho.martins

Unusual. Amidst so many cancellations of shows – sporting or otherwise – due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there are those who choose to ignore preventive measures to reduce the disease's contagion curve and perform at public events. This was the case of Wagner da Conceição Martins, 'Zuluzinho'. Known in the MMA world for his large physique, the Brazilian was filmed participating in a 'slap in the face' contest in Russia.

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Son of the legendary 'King Zulu', responsible for several 'anything goes' presentations in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, 'Zuluzinho' ignored requests for social isolation and was one of the protagonists of one of the editions of a traditional competition in the country .

With a prize of 150 thousand Russian rubles (approximately R$10 thousand) at stake, the fighter faced Vasily Kamotsky, known as 'The Slap Champion'. In this modality, participants must deliver blows, in alternating rounds, with as much force as possible to the face and whoever gives up loses.

The two athletes did their best, but ended up choosing to split the amount and declare the 'fight' a draw. So, each person left the program with approximately R$5.

At the end of the presentation, the athlete thanked the organization and stated that he would like to participate again in the future.

“I would like to participate once again. It's not my best, because my MMA is better. I like to fight. It's a great sport, well watched throughout Brazil. It's a pleasure to be competing with a great legend, with a guy who is a 'slap in the face' champion.

At 41 years old, 'Zuluzinho' has 22 fights as a professional in MMA. With 12 wins, nine defeats and one unsuccessful fight, this was the first time that the Maranhão native competed in this type of sport.

The peak of the Brazilian's career came in 2005, when he came face to face with Fedor Emelianenko. Considered one of the best heavyweights in the history of mixed martial arts, the Russian needed just 26 seconds to knock out the Brazilian at PRIDE.

'Zuluzinho' also has a fight against Rodrigo Minotauro, to whom he lost in 2006 via submission in the first round.

See 'Zuluzinho's participation in the 'slap in the face' tournament

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