Member of TUF Brasil 1, Daniel Sarafian reveals trauma of fame after reality show

D. Sarafian participated in TUF Brasil 1. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

The first edition of reality show The Ultimate Fighter Brasil, in 2012, contributed to the realization of some athletes' dream of finally reaching the UFC. However, the fame gained from the program, broadcast on open television by Globo, also brought discomfort. At least it is the case that Daniel sarafian, one of the highlights of the first edition of the program.

The São Paulo native, who would play in the final of the tournament against Cezar Mutant If he hadn't been injured, he said that the exposure on television made him realize something he hadn't known until then. “I wanted to be famous, make money and be a champion. I became famous, I didn't make a lot of money and I realized that I don't like fame. I prefer to be anonymous. I'm sorry for anyone who doesn't like reading this, but it's the truth. I’m going there to do what I like”, said the fighter, in an interview on the “Combate” channel website.

“Sometimes I receive messages from nice people, who say positive things, but I also receive others, from people who say they hate me, and want me dead. These people gave me a certain fame trauma. Many people want my good, but others want my bad. Do you know what I think? That they hate themselves. This is something for cowardly, weak people. Those who are not cowards and are strong focus on working and being victorious in the end. Those who are cowards and losers find it easier for you to go down to their level than for them to go up”, countered Sarafian, who has a record of eight wins and five losses in professional MMA.

After suffering three defeats in four fights in the UFC, Sarafian will have a test of fire next month: he will face Dan Miller at UFC Barueri, on December 20th.