Considered one of the greatest legends in the history of MMA, Amanda nunes prepares for the second defense of the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg), against the North American Megan anderson, UFC 259 this Saturday (6). And for her coach, Conan Silveira, the 'Lione's' focus on her legacy in MMA is unlike any human who has ever competed in combat sports.
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In an exclusive interview to SUPER LUTAS channel on YouTube, the lead technician at ATT (American Top Team) and responsible for sharpening the Brazilian legend's game also made a point of praising his winning mentality. For him, the biggest milestone in Amanda's career is the way she manages to stand out from other fighters in her divisions.
“A Amanda nunes is very conscious. It has a lot to do with the way she was raised throughout her life and the experiences she went through. This strengthens the ability to maintain this position as the only one who managed to defend two belts at the same time. It is a milestone in history. However, she still has the same simplicity and humility as before. The responsibility has increased, but the dream and the foot on the ground remain the same”, said Conan.
In a sequence of 11 triumphs, Amanda has collected victories against the biggest names in women's MMA, like her compatriot Chris Cyborg, Ronda Rousey, Valentina Shevchenko, Miesha Tate e Holly holm. Still, Conan Silveira highlights self-knowledge and the ability not to belittle her opponents as the main qualities of the ‘Lioness’.
“It definitely (is different). It's not just technically that she's the best, but for you to exploit your ability to the fullest, you have to know yourself. And, at this point, Amanda, in relation to her opponents, certainly knows. It's not belittling or underestimating anyone. She doesn't do that. She is precisely confident in what she knows, wants and where she wants to stay”, highlighted the coach.
DEVALUATED?
Another important point to be questioned by Conan Silveira is the obstacle, for most fans, in recognizing Amanda nunes as the greatest fighter to ever compete in MMA. For him, however, the Brazilian would be ‘Cristiano Ronaldo’ if he were a man.
“One of the things that makes me very unhappy about the opinions and interviews is that if she were a man she would be considered ‘Cristiano Ronaldo’. But because she is a woman, this seems to devalue the achievement. How can you? The achievement cannot be devalued by her preferences. That's what matters least. I think, in general, people should see (Amanda) in a different way. She did what no one did and that’s how we should recognize it,” she reflected.
FATHER TO DAUGHTER RELATIONSHIP
The relationship of Amanda nunes and his master, Conor Silveira, is also very strong. According to the coach, the relationship transcended from ‘coach and fighter’ to ‘father and daughter’.
“It’s a father-daughter relationship. Lots of talking, lots of getting to know each other. We hardly need to talk much to each other. Generally, we are always on the same page. From the beginning, I believed in her a lot, knowing that she could, had and has the potential to continue doing what she knows. Father and daughter relationship together in yet another belt defense. (…), my opinion and vision about being a coach goes much further than the technical part. I believe it is the one that not only changes your life in terms of the outcome, but becomes part of your journey. And protect yourself to be aware that you can be champion and can stay in that position”, said the coach.
In addition to being a leader in the featherweight division, Amanda nunes also holds the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg.), where she has led since 2016. At 32 years old, the Brazilian has a record of 20 wins and four losses in her career, in addition to not losing since September 2014, when she was surpassed by Zingano cat.
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