Markus Maluko predicts an advantage over Rodolfo Vieira in a Brazilian duel: 'MMA is something else'

M. Maluko weighing in for the UFC Sao Paulo, in November 2019. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufc

With two fights recently canceled by the UFC, Markus Maluko can't wait to return to the octagon. The athlete has a commitment scheduled against the jiu-jitsu legend, Rudolph Vieira for October 10th and already outlines the strategy to emerge victorious against his compatriot.

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“To be honest, my strategy will basically be to hit and hurt everywhere. This is my strategy. It's something he hasn't faced yet. There was no suffocation. He didn't have a cut, he didn't feel a heavy hand on his face. The only time he felt a heavy hand on his face was in his last fight (against Saparbek Safarov, in March). He wanted to change a little, got punched in the eye and went down. My focus will be to work mainly on the elbow. I've already bought an elbow pad, I'm going to train a lot to be able to hurt well”, said Maluko, in an interview with 'Combate'.

Known as 'The Black Belt Hunter', Rodolfo began his career in professional MMA just over three years ago. In seven fights, there were six submissions and one knockout. Aware of the multi-time world champion's qualities in the 'gentle art', Markus shows calmness when dealing with his opponent's refined technique.

“He is a world champion in jiu-jitsu, not MMA. MMA is something else, there's no kimono, it's a different approach. He's not used to being elbowed in the face, getting cut, bloodied, kicked. So, it's very different, it's something else. And besides, he's a guy who hasn't tested himself in MMA yet. He didn't catch someone really tough, who would pose a danger to him both on the ground and in striking. I'm the hardest fight of his career. It’s good for him to train a lot, because there’s going to be a war inside the octagon”, he concluded.

Maluko has not performed since November last year, when he was defeated by the Brazilian Wellington Turman in a very busy confrontation. So far, the São Paulo native has recorded three defeats in five commitments with the Ultimate gloves.