Former UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg), junior gypsy is close to his next commitment for the organization. Current number five in the category ranking, the Brazilian has a scheduled confrontation against Jarizinho Rozenstruik for the UFC 252, which takes place on the 15th, in Las Vegas (USA). In an exclusive interview with the YouTube channel do SUPER FIGHTS, the Santa Catarina native analyzed the confrontation, took stock of his career and spoke about his recent retrospect in the octagon and his dream of winning the belt again.
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Considered one of the great names in the history of Brazilian MMA, Cigano will face a less experienced opponent, but who has shown great danger to his rivals. Against Jairzinho, Júnior must show that he is back in top shape to have his arm raised again at the end of the duel.
Opponent analysis
For fans of mixed martial arts, the confrontation between the Brazilian and Rozenstruik represents a classic and exciting clash for fans of the sport. These are two names that prefer to fight on their feet and, in this way, Cigano states that the dispute has everything to shake up the spectators' spirits.
“He’s a guy with a lot of knockout power. You lost the first one now (UFC 249), but he's a very tough kickboxing guy. He's had a lot of fights, he has good experience. We are expecting a very tough fight, as people like to see. Two heavyweights, with striking skills, therefore, it has everything to be a very exciting fight. Obviously he can roll the ground, I think that's his weak point. It’s not my preference, but we have to be ready and I am”, said the Brazilian.
Result prediction
As the confrontation will promote a meeting between two experts in stand-up fighting, Júnior's thoughts on how he sees the end of the duel could not be different. The athlete analyzed the possibilities and suggested an ideal ending for the clash against the Surinamese.
“I think the best feeling I've ever had in my fights is when I manage to land a good blow and I see the guy falling in front of you. The feeling is incredible, so this is my goal: to put my hand on Jairzinho and see him falling in front of me”, he explained.
Path to the belt
Champion of the category between 2011 and 2012, the dream of the belt remains firmly in the Brazilian's mind. Even without setting a date, Júnior speculates how much he needs to do to receive the chance to compete for the Ultimate title for the fourth time in his career.
“It's a little difficult to predict, but I believe that with Jairzinho one or two more (fights), I'll probably be there. Today I'm fifth (in the ranking) and Jairzinho is sixth. It's not this ranking thing. That's what sells. If people want to see it, they will make it happen. (…) I believe it won’t take long”, said the Santa Catarina native.
Recent defeats
Although he is still considered one of the main names in the division led by Stipe Miocic, Cigano is not experiencing the best moment in his career. The athlete is coming off two consecutive setbacks – something unprecedented in his career in MMA so far – but the Brazilian is able to see positive points and not let the situation get him down.
“I think experience helps you a lot, but it also puts you in a situation where you want to test different ways of acting or even feeling for a fight. So, these tests often don't work out very well. Overall, it ends up being positive, because my goal is to continue here, being who I am, always trying to improve. At the beginning of my career, I didn't think much. I just released my arms… it worked in a cool way. There was a little lack of aggression in my last fights. Experience has to arrive to add you to using your weapons in a better way. Better control your game in general. It’s constant learning”, he concluded.
On the 15th, Júnior, 36 years old, will reach the mark of 29 appearances since his debut in professional MMA. With 21 victories in his career, the fighter has 15 by knockout.
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