T. Leites (photo) is looking for his third victory since returning to the UFC. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
UFC Fight Night 39 will mark the first time Thales leites travels to Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. Even though it is a new place for the Rio native, he hopes to win the support of jiu-jitsu admirers in the city by being a representative of the gentle art in MMA.
The city of Abu Dhabi is known for creating the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) competition, one of the most important submission tournaments today. This is because a large part of the local population is passionate about grappling, especially jiu-jitsu.
Thales, who will face Trevor Smith at the April 11 event, hopes to receive support from the local public. “I've never been to Abu Dhabi, but I trust the fans to stay by my side. I have a lot of acquaintances who teach jiu-jitsu there and the sport is widely practiced in the country. Certainly, because I am a representative of the gentle art, it will be an extra stimulus and I hope to have many Brazilians to support me”, commented the fighter.
His opponent will be fighting in his third UFC fight, having lost one (to Ed Herman) and won one (against Brian Houston). Even though he is open to fighting on the feet, Leites promises not to deviate from his usual characteristics. “I had already seen one of his fights, when I went to face Ed Herman, at UFC Rio 3. So I know he is a guy who doesn't shy away from the fight, wherever it may be. He's good standing up and on the ground too. As I'm a jiu-jitsu guy, I'm not going to deviate from my characteristics, but I've shown great progress in my striking in my last commitments and in this way my confidence only increases”, he assessed.
Thales will try for his third victory in the UFC since returning to the organization last year. The fighter analyzed his recent campaign and said he was satisfied with his participation. “I have nothing to complain about my return to Ultimate. My return was at UFC Rio 3 and the fight was very exciting, pleasing everyone. Then I was present at the 20th anniversary event and achieved another triumph, in a well-balanced duel. I still haven't managed to finish, but I don't even put pressure on myself about that fact. You only face tough athletes, so the important thing is to win, no matter what,” he says.
UFC Fight Night 39 will take place on April 11, a Friday. The main fight will feature another Brazilian, Rodrigo Minotauro, which will face Roy Nelson.
Comments