Brazilian standout in the welterweight division (up to 77kg.) of Bellator, Neiman Gracie could get closer to a dream this weekend. With a big name, the athlete faces Logan storley in the main fight this Saturday (19), in a confrontation that could stamp his passport for a title fight. Before the commitment, the athlete spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about expectations for the show.
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If he beats Storley this weekend, Neiman, in addition to confirming the good moment in his career, will defend his position in the ranking of the under-77kg category. Today, the Brazilian is in fourth place.
Greatest Gracie in MMA today?
In a prominent position in the division led by Yaroslav Amosov, the Brazilian understands that, in any presentation, he defends the history of a family of fighters. The athlete, then, is direct in answering whether, today, he is the greatest representative of the Gracies in MMA.
“Nowadays, yes. I ended up becoming it. When I started, it wasn't yet. It happened little by little. I think it's cool, cool. I always wanted to fight and be able to represent my family. If I can perform on a big stage, it’s a huge satisfaction,” she explained.
Knockout or submission?
With 'jiu-jitsu in her veins', Gracie surprised in her last performance, when she quickly and categorically ran over Mark Lemminger, in September 2021. The brutal outcome was largely due to her partnership with the renowned master, Rafael Cordeiro, leader of 'Kings MMA' and eternal 'Chute Boxe'. With 'new weapons' the Brazilian spoke about his preference between submitting or running over an opponent.
“'Plan A' is always to take it to the ground and try to finish, but I'm not going to lie that it was great to win by knockout in a minute. If you look, you can even win in a minute with jiu-jitsu, but it will be a lot of work. (…) Knockout is different. Throw a punch, throw a few more and it's over. It's less work. Jiu-jitsu is 'plan A', but I'm full of weapons to try for another knockout in the future and in the next fight”, he guaranteed.
Storley Analysis
On Saturday, Neiman will face an opponent feared for his excellent wrestling. Aware of the dangers of facing Logan, the Brazilian showed that he had studied his rival and analyzed the clash.
“I don't know from his side, if he's going to try to take me down or not. It doesn't matter that much. I focus more on myself. I have fought with many wrestlers in my career. (…) The fight with these guys ends up being a bit of striking, until the moment we get tangled up on the ground. I think we're going to change and then we're going to get tangled up. The only difference is that in this 'little exchange' there could be a surprise and the fight ends on the feet. I feel like I have more weapons to finish the fight on my feet than I have on other occasions,” he said.
In case of victory, belt
In an attempt to advance even further in the welterweight division, Gracie has no doubts about the future, should he overcome Storley at Bellator 274. If he wins brilliantly, 'gold' will be inevitable.
“The next step is the belt. (…) If I win this fight, if I win well, I will qualify to fight for the belt. However, since I fought with (Jason) Jackson and he beat me, so I didn't think he beat me, he could get this next title fight. If he (Jackson) wins the Douglas lima (on May 13), they could put me and Jackson and, whoever wins, fight for the belt next time. If Douglas lima win, they could make me fight for the belt straight away”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
Professional in MMA since 2013, Neiman Gracie is heading towards its 14th appearance in the sport. Today, the fighter has 11 victories and two defeats.
In sport since 2015, Logan storley will also reach the mark of 14 challenges. The North American has 12 triumphs and one setback.
