The three negative results and a series of injuries in the UFC left the continuity of Antonio Shoe Guy career at risk. However, around nine months later, everything changed for the Brazilian athlete. After signing with the PFL, the Brazilian went through four fights (three wins and one 'no result fight') until finishing Martin Hamlet and win the prize of US$ 1 million (approximately R$ 5,5 million) from Grand Prix Organization.
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In an exclusive interview with the SUPER FIGHTS on Youtube, Shoe Face highlighted that his 'record' has already dropped and talked about the difficulties he overcame to reach the top of the PFL. He even confesses that he thought about retiring after a series of injuries that almost hindered the continuity of his career.
“I'm very happy with everything that happened. I went through a very difficult period in the last two and a half years, with injuries that were affecting the fights. Several things happened and it was a difficult time emotionally and physically. There were three surgeries and it was very hard for me. And getting to the PFL, getting to the playoffs very well, I got past the former champion Emiliano Sordi and won the belt. It was really amazing in my life. I am fulfilled, happy and seeing that all the effort was worth it”, he said. Shoe Face, before completing.
“In February, I was almost giving up. I was like, 'Man, you know what? I'm going back to jiu-jitsu, giving seminars. I don't think this is for me.' I know that injuries also get in the way a lot and it was an avalanche of things that happened in my life to stop, think and adjust several things in my personal life. A film passes, a 'parade' of overcoming, believing in everything and it is, really, a real-life film with a happy ending”, he concluded.
'My body wasn't responding'
At 31 years old, the Brazilian still says that he had to suffer numerous knee injuries and reflected on the possibility of 'hanging up his gloves'. Champion of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3', Antônio says that a fighter's career is worked through peaks of happiness and sadness.
“I thought, yes. My body wasn't responding because of the injuries. I want to train hard and I don't want to be just another one. I want to be the best, go for the gold. So, that demotivated me. I really wanted to make history, be the champion and have a brilliant career. And that really discouraged me. I felt very bad. A career in MMA involves a lot of extreme work. When you win, you feel really good, and when you lose, you feel really bad,” he added.
What are you going to do with the money?
Since managing to pocket the US$1 million prize (around R$5,5 million) and hold the PFL light heavyweight (up to 93kg) belt, Shoe Face answered a big question for MMA lovers: what are you going to do with your new extra income? Asked about the matter, the Brazilian fighter says that he wants to use the money as 'security', but revealed that he plans to give it to his relatives for Christmas.
“I have to get my family some presents – with Christmas coming up. But of course I'm not going to spend all that on gifts (laughs). I've always been a very controlled and financially conscious guy. I left home very early, went to live in other places and was always very confident and aware of the things I could do. And this money is enough to make us calmer and only think about training and performances, without worrying about money”, he concluded.
With victories over Tom Lawlor and Emiliano Sordi, as well as a 'no result' fight over Vinny Magalhães, Shoe Face has had an impeccable path to the PFL title since leaving the UFC. In his record, there are now 13 positive results, five negative and two 'no contest'.
