After all the controversy over his fight with Fabricio Werdum, Renan Problem made it clear that he still wants the rematch. In an exclusive interview with the SUPER LUTAS YouTube channel, the heavyweight (up to 120,2kg) did not hide his pain at the accusations made by his compatriot, he stated that the rivalry had become something personal and criticized the PFL for not holding the second duel between they. Check out this and other excerpts from the chat with the Brazilian fighter.
See too
– Why the rematch with Werdum didn’t happen
“The PFL does not make it clear to us how marriages are made. I even questioned it, because Ray Sefo (president of the organization) said that the rematch was the fight that made the most sense and I even created expectations. Then they gave me the Russian and Werdum would face (Brandon) Sayles. I even asked how the fights were matched and they couldn't answer me. I don’t choose fighting but they told me it would be one thing, then they changed it and did something else.”
-Was rematch a personal desire?
“I wanted this fight and I still want it. To clear up everything that happened because it wasn't just a professional issue, it was also personal when he attacked my character. I think this was the fight that made sense, as Ray Sefo and the PFL said. But anyway, it's 'water under the bridge', head held high and let's move forward.”
– About changing opponents
“I was preparing to face the Russian (Ali Isaev) who was a guy with a game of wrestling very strong, totally different from the guy I'm going to face now (Stuar Austin). They told me at the last minute, two days ago that Isaev wouldn't be able to fight, something happened that they didn't explain very well.
– Difference in styles
“Isaev strikes well but his intention is to get to the fight in a grappling position. So he's always looking to grapple and take us down. Stuart is a guy who 'does MMA', right? It changes, sticks, puts it down. He's a very versatile guy, who moves well, and is much lighter than the Russian. So, we had to change our strategy for this next opponent.
– ‘Dream’ outcome for this Friday’s fight
“Man, I've been training a lot of striking. So I will seek combat at all times. I'm going to put my back hand quickly there and my hand going in, I'm sure he'll feel it and I'll finish this fight there.”
– Names to fight for the season title
“So, there are strong opponents there, right? There's the Russian (Isaev), there's (Bruno) Capelozza who's a tough guy as hell. Heavyweight is that 'lottery', I can mention a few names here and then something totally different happens. Heavyweight fight when a hand comes in, it's over. So you can’t bet too much.”
– Relationship with 'haters'
“I realized that the internet is really crazy, right? I discovered that there are these haters out there, these guys who talk too much. So, it strengthened me, it made me see that it's a totally different and crazy world. At the same time, I met a lot of good people, many people with positive energy who sent me messages and I made several good friends.
– Earn less in the UFC or earn more in another organization?
“I've never been a guy who's looking for media, who wants to appear. I'm looking for stability, I want to make my career, I want to show that I love the sport. Of course I look for a good salary, I want to grow, I want to give my family a good life. This business of status, fame, is the consequence of a job well done. Regardless of the place, if you work seriously, work honestly, this will come.”
After the duel against Werdum was reverted to 'No result', Renan needs to beat Englishman Stuart Austin in the PFL next Friday (25) to get a place in the semi-finals of the heavyweight tournament. The Brazilian fighter has a history of six triumphs and two setbacks in his career.
Comments