Preparing for another big battle in the octagon, Paulo Borrachinha seeks to return to the path of victories, to dream again of a second opportunity to compete for the middleweight belt (up to 83,9kg). Contrary to what many think, the fighter treats the duel against Roman Kopylov with seriousness and seeks alternatives so that the version of the 'old testament' is presented, in fact, this Saturday (19) in Louisiana (USA).
Without the vanity to seek help and solid ways to break the negative streak, the fighter called on coach Neto Tubarão for the second time, who helps with the mental and tactical aspects for the long-awaited fight at UFC 318.
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In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS , Tubarão began by refuting false rumors and speculation about why Borrachinha canceled his fight against Kopylov at UFC 317 and moved it to 318. In a candid statement, the veteran took responsibility and denied any chance that his protégé had considered boycotting the situation.
"People talk a lot, they don't understand the reality. (The fight cancellation was) due to illness. I got sick first, and I spent three weeks really sick, really sick, and I even went to the emergency room. Soon after, Paulo got sick, two weeks before we were supposed to travel. He promptly submitted a request to the UFC for a possible card change, for 318, and he refused to change his opponent at any point."
"If we couldn't change the date, those three weeks for UFC 318, he would fight, but the request was accepted, the UFC wanted him well and we are here to fight and to wage war"
Paulo Borrachinha with his team during UFC 318 week. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @borrachinhamma
Living with Borrachinha
Despite knowing Paulo for a long time, Neto joined the Borracha team for the second time in his career. Satisfied with the environment and experience, the coach praised the Minas Gerais native's attitude, as he clearly adopts a persona on social media and avoids showing his "human" side to those he doesn't deem worthy.
"The guy is like a little brother to us, to the whole team. We treat him like a real kid. He welcomes us the way we should be welcomed; he makes us feel like family. You have to get to know him to really understand what he's like. But Paulo is shielded (from criticism), he's observant, he knows how to separate people, and he doesn't shy away from approaching everyone."
Evolution of UFC 302 to 318
Away from the octagon since his defeat to Sean Strickland , Borrachinha sought improvement while awaiting his next offer from the UFC. Confident, his coach acknowledged a change in the former title challenger's attitude compared to his last fight preparation.
“(I felt) a big difference. Paulão is very confident, focused, doing what he has to do. He's very hardworking, he never stops training. So since UFC 302 , despite some mistakes we had, he hasn't stopped. He went to Germany with Badola, spent some time there, so he hasn't stopped at all. I came to Contagem three months ago and we managed to bring back that 'Old Testament' Paulo. And believe it or not, I was already telling him this: 'you're going to be the Old Testament Paulo again' and you won't regret waiting.”
Paulo Borrachinha (right) fighting at UFC 302. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Fan reviews
Aware that the fighter is the target of much criticism and demands from fans and internet users, Tubarão downplayed the possible psychological damage that Borrachinha could suffer from the situation.
"(He doesn't care) at all. Paulo is very opinionated about what people say. Imagine a guy with his hype listening to everything they say... he doesn't live it, so he filters a lot, he's a very focused guy and knows where he went wrong. He's been building this up every day, he's under no pressure at all, you'll see on Saturday."
Next stop: Roman Kopylov
Currently ranked 14th in the middleweight division, Roman Kopylov comes off two consecutive wins in the organization and is known for his great talent in stand-up fighting. Despite his positive record, Neto believes that Borrachinha can confuse his rival by employing a mixed strategy during the fight.
"We know Kopylov is a dangerous guy. He's a knockout artist, he needs straight punches and kicks, and we've worked on that. Paulo is ready to do MMA with him, to move away from that boxing style. We're going to move forward, do MMA with him, and whatever he gives us, we'll be ready to respond."
Roman Kopylov (right) is Paulo Borrachinha 's next opponent . Photo: Reproduction/UFC NEWS
Difference between Kopylov and other rivals
Accustomed to facing former champions and athletes near the top 5 in the division, Borrachinha will face a Russian who is still considered a promising prospect. For the Minas Gerais native, this fact is irrelevant, as the goal is only one: victory.
"Paulo values every fighter he faces. If he (Kopylov) is there, it's because he deserves it as much as Paulo, so we won't underestimate anyone, and the importance of the work is even greater. The goal is the same: to win; there's no such thing as underestimating him, or ignoring the guy's hype. He deserves it, coming off several knockouts, so we have to be on top of him."
Paulo Borrachinha is a prominent Brazilian fighter in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Outcome of the fight
When asked about his prediction for the match, Tubarão stated that the triumph will be built on the main pillars that were worked on during preparation for Kopylov.
"The prediction is victory. We're going to come out with this victory, whether it's by knockout, submission, or points, we want to come out with the victory. This is the Paulo who will come in to put on a show. He won't say, 'Oh, I have to knock someone out,' no. He'll build. I often tell them: he's cool, intelligent, aggressive, and confident. This is the Paulo who will come in, so we'll build every brick of victory," he concluded.
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