Boxing expert, Cigano explains transition from MMA to 'Triad Combat' and analyzes next fight

J. Cigano debuts on 'Triad Combat' on February 26th. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Former UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg), junior gypsy You are ready for the new step in your career. 'Star'Triad Combat 2', which takes place on February 26th, the Brazilian is certain that he will play a big role in the challenge against boxer Kubrat Pulev, in an event that combines boxing and MMA. In a promotional press conference for the show, with the participation of SUPER FIGHTS, the fighter spoke about the transition from mixed martial arts to the new modality.

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“Within the MMA world, I was always known as the boxing guy. I always trained with professor (Luiz) Dórea, I always felt comfortable boxing. When it was just boxing, I did 12 rounds calmly, very naturally. When it involved grappling, things got a little more complicated. My nature has always been towards striking,” he said.

Famous for his excellent boxing, Júnior explained to his fans a little about the rules of 'Triad Combat'. The Brazilian says that duels are not just based on striking.

It won't be 'pure boxing'. There will also be grappling, no ground, nothing. They will remove that boring part of boxing, where the guy grabs it and the judge (referee) comes and stops the fight. Now, he's got it, he can throw a punch, which makes this super interesting. It's a great transition for me. I'm feeling very comfortable with this style. Excited to have the first fight”, he said.

For his first challenge since leaving the UFC, Cigano will not have an easy time. The Brazilian's rival, Pulev challenged for the world heavyweight title in December 2020, when he was defeated by Anthony Joshua. Aware of the challenge, the Brazilian analyzed the confrontation.

“Pulev is a super experienced guy. He fought against the best fighters in the boxing world today. He's a very tough guy. It's the kind of challenge I was looking for, that motivates me. (…) Obviously I’m not going to stand in front of him like the Frank mir he did (at Triad Combat 1, when the former UFC fighter ended up badly knocked out). Frank ended up sinning, especially because Mir doesn't have boxing as his mainstay. I'm not the Frank mir, I'm Gypsy. (…) My intention is to go there and exchange punches with Pulev”, he concluded.

Pupil of Luiz Dórea, Cigano will have his first professional fight since leaving Ultimate. Champion in the company between 2011 and 2012, the Santa Catarina native has not performed since December 2020.