G. Robocop is a Brazilian promise in the UFC middleweight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Resilience. This word goes hand in hand with Gregory Robocop, Brazilian promise in the middleweight division (up to 83,9kg.) of Ultimate. Opponent of Jun Yong Park No. UFC Las Vegas 41, which takes place this Saturday (23), the athlete spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about the weekend commitment. The fighter opened up about the ups and downs in MMA, explained the origin of his nickname and celebrated his great moment in the sport.
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No UFC Las Vegas 41, Gregory will make his second appearance in Ultimate in four months. In his debut, the Brazilian had a great performance in the victory against Dusko Todorovic.
After all, why Robocop?
Known for his versatility within MMA, Gregory has a nickname that references an action film icon. But, after all, why Robocop? The athlete tells the story.
“This nickname came up in 2014. I lived in Manaus, I moved to Rio de Janeiro to start training MMA. Josuel Distak was the coach at the time and he didn't know my name, I had just arrived at the gym, a jiu-jitsu guy, all tough. He called me to introduce me to the team: 'you back there, Robocop'. Then, everyone started calling me that (laughs). I had my first MMA fight and the commentators were talking too. At the time, I didn't like that nickname. Then I started to let it go. On my UFC debut, the guys made a montage of me as Robocop. A friend told me: 'I had an incredible insight into you. Robocop, to emerge, a man had to die, 'Murphy' (character from the franchise), in the film, to become an improved other. It's your story. You died and a new man arose.' That makes a lot more sense, so I embraced it with everything,” he said.
Career difficulties
Explained about the nickname, Gregory described the story that made him think about giving up his career. The point was important for his arrival in Ultimate.
“When I thought it was all over, suddenly Robocop resurfaced. I fought on the 'Contender Series', I was knocked out (by jordan williams, in September 2020). I thought about stopping fighting. I thought this wasn't for me and I was going to open a jiu-jitsu gym, or do something else. It didn't work anymore. I was knocked out in front of Dana (White), I took 10 steps back in my career. Then the story unfolded. I lived in California, then I went to Florida, had the opportunity at LFA and, today, I'm in the UFC. It was a story of death only to emerge again later. Many people have difficulties and, often, problems come not to prove that you are good or bad, but to strengthen you for the path that is prepared for you. One of the first things that crosses our minds when we have a problem is giving up. But then, it’s time for you to take off”, he said.
Back up
Robocop's victory in his Ultimate debut was not the only reason for the Brazilian to celebrate. At that moment, a sequence of coincidences amplified the moment, which the athlete explains below.
“I made my debut (in Ultimate) inside the UFC Apex (the company's space dedicated to promoting its fights in Las Vegas). My fight on 'Contender' was at Apex, in the same octagon and with the same referee (Mark Smith). The great limiter of where we will end up is ourselves. I showed that I am capable and belong there. It was a mix of emotions after the fight,” he said.
Living his father's dream
The history of Gregory Robocop reserves more emotions. Part of the largest MMA organization in the world, the Brazilian revealed that he is not only living his dream, but also that of Senhor Pedro, the athlete's father, main supporter, who passed away in 2015.
“I started fighting when I was five years old. My father was a Capoeira Master, Mr. Pedro. I lost my father in 2015, before one of my fights. He was my biggest supporter and always dreamed of this. My father had tapes of the first UFC's. I always watched it with him. Me and my brothers. My story all started there, in capoeira circles,” he said.
Opponent analysis
After passing Todorovic, Gregory will have one more quarry ahead. The fighter will share the octagon against the dangerous Jun Yong Park and analyzed the commitment.
“Park is a tough guy and he has already shown that. He faced Marc-Andre, who is a great friend of mine, my training partner. I always say that Asians have the heart to not give up, to go all the way. I believe he is a little limited, very defensive and doesn't expose himself. He's taking the fight. He has the energy to fight three rounds, he is calm. I have my qualities and I know what I can put into practice so that I can create opportunities to win. It's going to be a big fight. The UFC is the World Cup. The best are there,” he declared.
Dream ending
The intention is always to emerge victorious, no matter the way. Gregory, however, did not hide the fact that he feels a special desire for the duel.
“I wanted to win by submission. Everyone says I haven't shown my jiu-jitsu yet. I'm standing tall, sharp. My wrestling is impeccable. I'm ready for anything, whatever comes. 'Rockets don't have reverse'. I always think about the three rounds. I have 15 minutes to set my pace. If the space opens up, I’ll finish the fight”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
At 29 years old, Robocop is heading towards his 14th fight as a professional in MMA. Former LFA champion, the athlete has 10 wins and three losses.
In Ultimate since 2019, Jun Yong Park will be his 18th clash in the sport. The fighter has 13 triumphs and four setbacks.
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