Minotouro, on the fight with Shogun: 'I can't even think about defeat'

R.Minotouro (photo) faces Shogun at UFC 190. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Rogério Minotouro makes a crucial fight for the continuity of his career in August, when he will finally have the long-awaited rematch against Mauritius Shogun at UFC 190, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). The veteran, who has been going through an unstable moment in recent years, hindered by injuries and a crushing defeat to Anthony Johnson, says he cannot afford to suffer a second setback in a row.

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“I was on a good winning streak, I suffered a defeat now and I certainly want to be well trained for this next fight. I don't want to lose, it's a moment of victory, I have to think about it even though I know it's against a tough opponent. I have to be prepared for this victory. I'm going to be well trained, focused on the fight, forget about other things in life and focus on this moment because I can't even think about defeat”, said Minotouro, 38 years old, in an interview with the “Combate” channel website.

Minotouro highlighted that, currently, his body is completely free of injuries, which will facilitate adequate preparation for the August fight. “Today I am 100% physically and have already started training again. In this TUF, where we spent a month or so in the United States, I already trained a lot. With four more months there is still a lot of water to pass under the bridge and it is possible to train a lot for this fight. This date was good, you can make a camp big, bring sparring good to make a good strategy and be ready to fight. I'm going to further intensify my muay thai, which is Shogun's strong point, to arrive prepared in all aspects. There's no point in boxing and not being prepared in wrestling. Four months is enough to prepare in all martial arts,” he commented.

Shogun and Minotouro, who had a historic fight at PRIDE in 2005, with the Curitiba native winning, will meet again in the co-main fight of UFC 190, at HSBC Arena, on January 1st. The biggest attraction of the night will be the women's bantamweight belt dispute, between the champion, Ronda Rousey, and Bethe Correia.

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