B. Bulldoguinho seeks his first victory with Ultimate gloves. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Still without winning in Ultimate, anyone who thinks that Bruno Bulldoguinho will come under pressure in the confrontation against J.P. Buys, this Saturday (20), at UFC Las Vegas 22. Arriving at his fourth appointment at the company, the Brazilian spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS, analyzing their confrontation and their situation in the company.
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Representative of the flyweights (up to 56,7kg.), Bulldoguinho debuted with the company in October 2019 and, since then, has made three appearances in Ultimate. This weekend, the fighter will seek his first positive result after a 'I didn't answer' (unsuccessful clash) and two setbacks.
Preparation for UFC Las Vegas 22
Dreaming big at flyweight, Bruno prepared for the clash against Buys all over Brazil. Well-prepared, the São Paulo native narrated part of the training period, which included the participation of the company's former double champion, Henry Cejudo, a personal friend of the athlete.
“I started my camp (training period) in January. It went really well. I set up a team in my city Piracicaba, SP), kind of privately, since there is no MMA team there. I brought together people I had trained before. (Henry) Cejudo went there too, he spent about 10 days helping me. He brought a wrestler. I’m confident,” he revealed.
What changed in training?
Needing to win to avoid complications in the UFC, Bruno admitted that there were changes to his training plan and that he hopes to show the results this weekend. Thus, the athlete specified necessary points so that there are no new surprises.
“Mentally, it's like: 'you always rely on your last fights'. I think my last presentations were very good. I fought against some guys who have a very high level. (…) Number one in the world outside the UFC (David Dvorak), I had a very even fight. For me, analyzing the fight, I won, but the judges decide. Looking at these results, it already makes you mentally strong. I feel good, confident. I feel happy at the biggest event in the world with the best. (…) The physical preparation was better than the last one. (…) Everything is more aligned, I was able to develop the technical and physical issues better. Everything is better than before”, said the São Paulo native.
Pressure? What nothing
Exuding joy and excitement for his next appointment, Bulldoguinho doesn't want any pressure for a positive result. Promising at flyweight, the fighter says he is happy with his current situation and will try to have fun in his fight this Saturday.
“Look at my side, I just came back to America now. Like it or not, it's another dream come true. I'm here and I'm going to live here. I'm at the biggest event in the world, with the best. The only feeling I have now is gratitude and happiness. I forget this pressure, this: 'maybe it's the last fight'. Last nothing. If they send me away, I can come back or fight in another event. (…) I only think about now. If I keep thinking about what happened, what could happen... maybe it won't even happen. Go out there, fight, do what you trained for. We're in a good vibe. (…) There is no other feeling other than gratitude and happiness”, said Bruno.
Clash against Buys
No UFC Las Vegas 22, the Brazilian is expected to have his second fight of the night. In this match, the fighter will face a 24-year-old young man, who will make his debut in the organization. The São Paulo native then analyzed the dispute and pointed out the characteristics of his rival, also talking about the strategy for the dispute.
“He is a wrestler, who puts a lot of pressure in the first round, tries to define things, goes with everything. After the first round, he gets tired. He's a tough kid who grips well, but his gas tank isn't that full. Afterwards, it softens up, there isn't as much pressure. Let him wear out in the first round and, from the second, grow. Fight is fight. Anything could happen. One hand could come in the first round and the fight will be over,” he said.
Optimal outcome
Professional in MMA since 2011, today, Bulldoguinho has tied the number of knockouts and submissions in his record. Ruling out a possible points result, the Brazilian revealed in which of the two outcomes he would like to score a point.
“I wanted another knockout, in the first round, with another US$50 thousand (bonus)”, said the athlete, who burst into laughter. “I'm staying here in (Las) Vegas, to enjoy it”, concluded the fighter.
Athletes' history
In this weekend's show, Bulldoguinho, 31 years old, will reach the mark of 19 appearances in MMA. Today, the athlete has 15 wins, five setbacks, two draws and one 'I didn't answer'.
Bruno's opponent, Buys has his 12th clash in the sport. Undefeated in five fights, the South African has nine positive results and two negative results.
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