B. Cappelozza debuts in the PFL against A. Delija. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
One of Brazil's hopes in the prestigious PFL heavyweight tournament (up to 120,2kg), Bruno Cappelozza cannot hide his excitement for his debut at the company. This Thursday (6), the São Paulo native has an appointment with Before Delija, on the preliminary card of the show taking place in Atlantic City (USA). In an exclusive conversation with the SUPER FIGHTS, the fighter, famous for his knockout power, spoke about expectations for the duel and analyzed the confrontation against the Croatian.
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Fan of the extinct PRIDE and names like Wanderlei Silva, Cappelozza carries a striking characteristic in his style. Famous for his knockout power, the Brazilian doesn't usually leave his commitments in the hands of the judges. This Thursday, the São Paulo native attempts his 11th positive result in his career.
Initiation in sport
A professional in MMA since 2010, Cappelozza had his mother as one of his main supporters for practicing martial arts. The athlete also revealed an important detail that motivated him to 'get into the sport'.
“My mother always trained, since I was little. She trained in karate. It was my inspiration to get into martial arts. I started to enjoy fighting and I was 'chubby' when I was young, so I started to lose weight. Then I started watching PRIDE, seeing Wanderlei Silva, Fedor (Emelianenko), who were my biggest inspirations”, stated Bruno.
Preparation for the confrontation
Since finding out who his opponent would be for his PFL debut, Bruno began preparing for one of the biggest challenges of his career to date. Former champion of Jungle Fight, the Brazilian was excited for the confrontation and spoke about training to arrive ready for the commitment.
“I'm a little anxious. I have good expectations. I'm sure I'll put on a great show. I trained very well. It was a really strong three months of training. This time, I prepared at Nova União, with master Dedé Pederneiras”, said the Tupiniquim.
Outstanding knockout power
In the PFL, Bruno will play among the heavyweights and, to do well, the fighter has an important difference. In 10 MMA victories, the Brazilian never had his arm raised in a way other than via the fast lane. The athlete then spoke about his style and how he likes to conduct his matches.
“I always try to finish my fights quickly. I do a lot of muay thai and boxing, so I have experience in other areas. This helped me a lot in MMA”, said the Brazilian.
Training logistics for the season
Willing to reach the final of the championship, the athletes, if they pass the first phase, can reach four commitments in 2021. With this in mind, Cappelozza was asked about the training scheme, and if there are any changes in intensity, to avoid possible injuries that could harm the trajectory in the competition.
“My training has been normal. I fought at RIZIN, in Japan, so it was a similar GP (Grand Prix). I have a little experience with this. Of course, you have to be careful not to get hurt, but you have to train consciously”, he revealed.
Fight against Delija
Faced with a tough commitment to Before Delija, Bruno needed to study his opponent in depth so as not to run the risk of being surprised on his debut. Seeking to win as many points as possible in the duel, the Brazilian analyzed his rival, pointing out the main characteristics.
“He’s a guy a little taller than me. He's a bit of a striker, but he likes to grapple a lot. In this camp (training period), I had a lot of help from the people at Nova União. So, the areas that the guy is good at, I trained well. I am well prepared”, he confirmed.
Scoring system: good or bad?
As soon as he moves up the decagon, Cappelozza will be putting points on the line for the tournament. A born knockout, the athlete, in case of victory, can leave the confrontation with up to six points (3 for victory and 3 for a possible knockout in the first round). The company's system, however, could end up harming an athlete who opens up to the duel. Thus, the Brazilian assessed how the organization's rules could fit into his aggressive style.
“I think this system will benefit me a lot, because I always try to end the fight quickly. So, if I finish in the first round, it will be six points. In the second, five. So, I believe it will help me”, he admitted.
Possible fight against Werdum
Confirmed in the same tournament as Bruno, Fabricio Werdum It's one of the PFL's biggest acquisitions for the season. Former UFC champion, the gaucho could be one of Cappelozza's opponents in the championship. Thus, the São Paulo native did not hide his respect and admitted his desire to test himself against a Brazilian MMA legend.
“It would be an honor for me. I'm a big fan of this guy, I grew up watching him. He was going to fight hard. A super high-spirited, excited guy”, said Bruno.
Optimal outcome
Even with his reputation as a knockout artist, Cappelozza admits that the most important result is victory. Regardless of how it comes. The athlete, then, avoided an ideal outcome. As they say in football, 'the important thing is three points' – or more.
“The dream is definitely victory. I wake up and go to sleep thinking about my hand raised. If it’s in the first round, even better (laughs)”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
At 31 years old, Bruno is heading towards his 16th fight as a professional in MMA. So far, the São Paulo native has 10 victories – all by knockout – and five negative results.
In mixed martial arts since 2011, Delija will make his 21st fight in the sport. Today, the Croatian has 17 triumphs and three setbacks.
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