In an 'unprecedented' phase of his career, Thiago Marreta measures forces against Johnny Walker next Saturday (2), in the main fight of UFC Las Vegas 38. The athlete comes from three consecutive defeats and aims to rediscover the path of triumphs to regain his confidence in the light heavyweight category (up to 93kg.).
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In an exclusive interview to SUPER LUTAS channel on YouTube, Marreta revealed that he is confident after going through a period of injuries and distrust. He even highlighted that he felt the 'lack of rhythm' in his last performances, but says he is focused and motivated for the confrontation against Walker.
“It’s a moment I hadn’t experienced before – three defeats in a row. But I have a super good head. I understand what happened to me. It was a very serious injury that I had and it's normal for you not to come back 100%. I was out of action for a long time and my fights (served) as part of my preparation and getting back into the rhythm. So I felt this lack of rhythm a lot and I'm feeling really good. I'm sure that, for this fight, I will be much better than in the past fights”, he said Thiago Marreta.
Asked about Walker's analysis, Marreta also tried to respond to a provocation from his compatriot, who revealed he had 'complete knowledge' of his game. For the Rio native, he still has something new to show and revealed that he has the resources to surprise his opponent.
“I think he's wrong, because you only stop learning when you die. I will be old and learning, whether in theory or in practice. I like to learn, I have a very open mind and I think he is wrong in what he is saying. (…) maybe I have something that I already knew and haven't done in the Octagon yet. So, he can be surprised at any time. If he thinks nothing new can come, he is wrong”, highlighted the athlete.
'He exposes himself too much'
With everything in order for the event UFC Las Vegas 38, Thiago Marreta did not hide the strategy to defeat Johnny Walker. He understands that his opponent has gaps in his game and 'narrates' how he understands the duel can go.
“He goes with everything, he goes for the knockout. Sometimes it works out, but it can go wrong too. He exposes himself too much. I see a lot of gaps where a blow can come in – whether it's a hand or a kick – and we're working on that. We will try to capitalize (…) The two will go to the middle of the octagon, he will try to be more aggressive and I will be very attentive, like a sniper, seeing the gaps to connect a strong blow of mine and try to 'settle the bill'. (…) they are two knockout guys, who are going to finish the fight. We never know, but there’s a good chance this fight won’t last five rounds,” he analyzed, before adding.
“Walker is unpredictable. There's not one thing I can say, because he does things that can surprise at any moment. These are things that are difficult for you to talk about. So, I have to be very attentive defensively, with the 'antenna on', because a strange blow like this could come at any moment”, he concluded.
Is provoking disrespect?
With a calm style and little adept at trash talk, Marreta gave his opinion on the style of Johnny Walker. The Brazilian thinks the 'provocation' to promote a duel is valid, as long as there is respect involved. However, he points out that Brazilian fans still do not accept the idea of promoting themselves with words.
“Brazilians come from a more serious martial art culture. The North American comes from show, business. So, Brazilians don't accept much and tend to take everything as disrespect. I already have a more open mind. People tagged me in a video he posted breaking a sledgehammer and the Brazilian already took it as disrespectful. But I think it's valid for the promotion of the fight, as long as you know how to trash talk respectfully, I don't see a problem”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
With three consecutive defeats, Thiago Marreta tries to take a different path in the light heavyweight category (up to 93kg.). In his record, there are 21 triumphs and nine setbacks. On the other hand, Johnny Walker They want to score their second victory in the series and now have a record of 18 positive results and five negative results.
