T. Marreta (left) hits J. Jones (right) in the UFC 239. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @UFC
It has been more than two months since the great battle between Thiago Marreta e Jon Jones, valid for the light heavyweight title (up to 93kg.), in UFC 239, and which guaranteed the maintenance of the North American in his reign. Although the fight left scars on the Brazilian, who had to undergo surgery on both knees due to injuries suffered in the fight, the athlete from Cidade de Deus proved that 'Bones' is not invincible. Knowing this, Marreta's coach, Tata Duarde, said he imagines the North American being more careful in a rematch, which will be requested when Thiago is able to return to MMA. The statement was made in an interview with 'MMA Fightting'.
"(Jon Jones) saw what happened to him (against Marreta) and I don't think he'll go into the second fight so recklessly. We will return in March. This is our goal. We will be ready, motivated, happy and with a different result this time”, said the coach.
One factor, however, favors the North American when the topic of 'rematch' is on the agenda. Jones, since signing a contract with the UFC, has been subjected to two reunions. One, against his eternal rival, Daniel Cormier and the other, against Alexander Gustafson. In both, 'Bones' was placed in risky situations in the first confrontation, but, in the revenge, he ended up winning more easily; and by knockout. (The analysis is done by eliminating the doping case in which the champion was caught after beating DC for the second time).
Knowing the North American's good track record, when thinking about re-editing fights, Tata answered what would be Marreta's difference so that the strategy would not be easily absorbed by Jones and the Brazilian would not become part of the statistics in the second fight.
“It’s difficult to map Thiago. He is a very orthodox striker and moves too much. Thiago changes positions a lot, so it's difficult to take him down. We have to bring something different to the rematch, for sure. But the main thing is to make Marreta 100% again. If he recovers fully, with a good mind he will be able to put on an excellent fight”, concluded the coach.
The forecast for recovery from Marreta surgery varies from six to eight months. The athlete recently returned to Brazil after going through the most difficult phase of the procedure. Marreta, now, tries, in his time, to make up for lost time to return to the fights as soon as possible.
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