War Machine (photo), coincidental nickname is no problem for the Brazilian. Photo: Lucas Carrano/SUPER FIGHTS
Last month, MMA fighter Jon Koppenhaver made headlines after violently attacking his ex-girlfriend, porn actress Christy Mack, and a friend in Las Vegas (USA). Arrested, Koppenhaver, who is known in the sport by the nickname “War Machine”, awaits his trial and could be sentenced to life in prison. In Brazil, geographically distant from the controversial episode, but with the coincidence of the nickname, fighter Wendel “War Machine Negão”, who debuts in the UFC this Saturday in Brasília (DF), dismissed any type of concern due to the similarity and even sent a message to the North American.
“That was a very bad episode and they associated my name. When the report came out, many of my friends even contacted me asking what had happened, because the report came out and there were no images. I said it had nothing to do with it. And I don't intend to change my name. I am a 'War Machine'. I finish my fights most of the time in the first and second round and he doesn't. I have to honor this name and he doesn't even honor the sport with his attitudes. I’m not going to change because he’s that person, he should change his name and look for another one”, said the Brazilian during an event at a hotel in the federal capital this Thursday (11).
This Saturday (13), Wendell “War Machine” faces the Argentine Santiago Ponzinibbio on the main card of UFC Fight Night 51, at the Nilson Nelson gym, in Brasília (DF). The debutant was called up at the last minute to replace the fellow Brazilian Serginho Moraes, who was injured just a few weeks before the duel. In the main fight of the night, heavyweight Antonio Pezão face the Belarusian Andrei Arlovski.
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