Miranda (photo) made his middleweight debut with a knockout in Barueri. Photo: Lucas Carrano/SUPER FIGHTS
It's never too late to change. After more than eleven years of career and the defeat in the final of TUF Brazil 3 between heavyweights, Vitor miranda decided to move down to the middleweight category. At 35 years old, the veteran debuted in the new division with a victory over Jake collier at UFC Barueri and celebrated the option for the new division.
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“The weight is the same. We were worried at first, but halfway through my preparation I realized it was really my weight. As I got lighter, I got faster, more skilled and had better gas. If I had known, I would have gone down before. But still, it was time, and this will be my time forever”, commented the fighter, in a chat with the press shortly after the event last Saturday (20). “I, in the upper category, would not have taken that shot. I wouldn't have the timing and speed. I think changing categories was very important”, he added.
Vitor also said that the experience in heavyweight and light heavyweight helped a lot to make him feel less about the transition. “Having fought in the heavier categories before helped me a lot. I've always fought heavy Muay Thai, so taking a kick or a blow is something I'm used to. So, I felt like I was managing to hold on well. The problem even with the lighter ones is the speed and explosiveness to take down.
At 35, Vitor miranda has a professional record of 10 wins and four losses. “Lex Luthor”, as he is known, had a long career in national MMA and starred in one of the most notable rivalries on the Brazilian circuit against Fábio Maldonado, now also a UFC athlete.
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