F. Cabocão is a promising Brazilian in the UFC bantamweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The landmark victory of Felipe Cabocão against Luke sanders, in May, was in addition to another positive result in the Amapá native’s career. Experiencing a personal drama, the athlete also celebrated the overcoming of his mother, Graciete, who recovered from cancer and expanded the reasons to smile at the bantamweight division. With a renewed spirit, the fighter is more than ready for his new challenge in Ultimate. Before exchanging forces with Chris Gutierrez this Saturday (9), the athlete spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about the period of tension, commitment and the future in the company.
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Brazilian promise in the category led by aljamain sterling, Cabocão is the 'child' of 'Jungle Fight' and lives the slogan popularized by his manager, Wallid Ismail: 'it's bad weather all the time'. Following this philosophy, the fighter seeks his space within one of the most dangerous divisions in the UFC.
Cabocão is moved by his mother's 'war'
In May, as many know, Felipe was experiencing a dramatic episode in his personal life. His mother, Dona Graciete, was undergoing treatment to recover from cancer of the parotid glands. It all happened during the training period for his fight in UFC Las Vegas 25. After experiencing both his mother's victory and his own, against Luke sanders, the athlete did not hide his emotion when dealing with the moment.
“I get emotional to this day when I remember (the moment). My camp (training period) was the moment when I discovered cancer and it shook me a lot. My mother was very strong, from the moment she discovered this and said: 'son, we will win. Don't worry. Focus on your training and your work'. On June 2nd, she had her last chemotherapy and radiotherapy session, and she won, man. It's quite exciting to talk about this. Several times, I was tired, too lazy to train and she went to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, proving strong. So, I can't be weak when I have a mother like that. I showed everyone that I have a big heart (against Sanders, when he won with a remarkable upset). They need to take my head off if they want to win,” she said.
'Lighter' camp
After the moment of tension, Cabocão was free to focus on his next challenge. This weekend, the athlete faces Chris Gutierre and told a little about what the training process was like to face a dangerous opponent.
“I made a camp very good at 'Team Nogueira'. I'm feeling really good, a new version really. I have a much better vision of the game, feeling faster, more agile on the ground. You can be sure that we will have a totally different Cabocão on October 9th.
Gutierrez's analysis
Willing to achieve his second consecutive victory in Ultimate, something that the fighter has not yet achieved since his arrival in the organization, Felipe studied his next opponent with discipline. The athlete then analyzed his rival's main characteristics so as not to run the risk of being surprised in the weekend's clash.
“He has some very strong low kicks, but he leaves his hands low at times. He has a weakness in takedown defense, he's a little scared when someone manages to close the distance. These gaps 'match' my game. I also shoot well, move well”, he admitted.
I look at the top 15, but without rushing
If he passes Gutierrez, Cabocão will confirm the good phase in the organization. Although he expresses his desire to be among the top 15 bantamweight athletes, the Brazilian reveals that he is in no rush to advance further in the group. The athlete explained the project.
“I’m the type of person who’s never been in a big hurry. She is the enemy of perfection. I like to do everything perfectly in my career. I'm sure that, after this victory, I'll be close to the top 15 opponents and be ready to face one of them. If the UFC doesn't want to give me a top 15, that's fine too. I'm just grateful to be able to fight and get paid for this. The more I can fight and invest in my career, the better,” she said.
Dream outcome: different ending
With excellent jiu-jitsu, Felipe hopes that his main weapon will be the highlight of an eventual victory. The athlete then narrates how he would like to surpass Chris in the UFC Las Vegas 39.
“I'm from jiu-jitsu. A finish for me, one of those very different ones, like arm lock (inverted armbar), calf lock, these are positions that I do a lot and they 'match' my game. For me, it would be to close this fight with a flourish”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
At 27, Felipe Cabocão is heading towards his 13th fight as a professional in MMA. The athlete today has 10 wins and two losses in his career.
In his second fight of the season, Chris Gutierrez, 30, will make his 23rd clash in the sport. The North American has 16 wins, four setbacks and two draws.
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