In the year 2024, the MMA world surrendered to the talent of Carlos Prates. The 'Muay Thai Smoker' debuted in the UFC, knocked out all his opponents and won fans around the world.
In an exclusive interview to SUPER FIGHTS, Cristian Nogueira, leader of Vale Top Team and coach of 'Pesadelo', revealed that, in the short or medium term, several names from VTT could appear in the UFC octagon. For him, there is much more to come.
'Thai' Mark
Marcos Tailandes after victory in the LFA. Photo: Intagram / Marcos Degli
One of the main names in VTT is Marcos 'Tailandês', who, at 24 years old, already has 12 wins on his record and holds the interim LFA belt in the flyweight division (up to 56,7kg). According to the coach, he is an extremely dedicated athlete and there is already great expectation that he will compete in the Contender Series soon.
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“Yeah, we have the Thai guy over there, the kid you mentioned, he just won the interim LFA belt. He’s 24 years old, he’s been with me since he was 11, he’s a super dedicated kid, he trains a lot. Man, kid, we’re really looking forward to this year, that’s it, right? We’re really looking forward to him getting into Contender. I even prefer him to get in, I see a lot of guys entering the UFC already getting some work, you know? I see that the athletes who get into Contender are better managed there, they’re more focused,” said Cris Nogueira.
Nicolas 'Ugly Girl'
Nicholas 'Ugly Girl' in his victory at SFT 53 / Reproduction Instagram
In addition to 'Thailand' as a promising prospect for major events, Cris Nogueira also highlighted Nicholas Tonus, known as 'Ugly Girl'. Despite a recent defeat, the young man has a lot of potential and charisma. Even with few fights on his record, he has already been mentioned by the UFC both in Brazil and abroad. Nogueira also highlighted the friendship and partnership between him and Carlos Prates, stating that the two help each other in training and that 'Menina Feia' is a fun, intelligent athlete full of personality.
“So, for me, Thaiês is the one who will arrive. Menina Feia is a tough kid too. He just suffered a setback, he lost, unfortunately, but after one fight he was already mentioned twice in the UFC, by the people at UFC Brazil, he was mentioned abroad. He is a kid who is Carlos’ training partner, he helps Carlos, Carlos helps him a lot too. Carlos likes to train with him, he is a super fun and intelligent kid”, explained the leader of Vale Top Team.
Leslie 'Pele'
Leslie Pelé in victory at SFT. Photo: Instagram / Leslie Pelé
Cristian Nogueira also praised the young Leslie 'Pelé', 21, who made his professional debut with a victory for SFT. The coach highlighted the athlete's potential, calling him a “monster”, and illustrated his ability by recalling an episode experienced by Carlos Prates at the gym.
“Then I have Pelézinho here too, Pelé is a monster. He just fought in the SFT, won, and made his professional debut. A tough kid, a monster kid… And I heard this from Carlos once. Carlos came in angry and said: 'Cris, I'm going to beat everyone today'… Man, he beat everyone. He ran over everyone here. Then at the end he said: 'Cris, do you know who's the only one who's going to beat me here in this gym? The only one who I think will beat me here one day is Pelé'. Man, he really is a monster.”, said the coach. Carlos Prates.
Kaylane Faria and more
Kailane Faria next to Cristian Nogueira and Kalindra Faria. Photo: Instagram / Kaylane
Finally, Cristian Nogueira mentioned some names with extensive experience in professional MMA, in addition to his daughter, Kaylane Faria. At 17 years old, Kaylane follows in the footsteps of her mother, Kalindra Faria, and will soon be competing professionally.
“Besides him, we have Isaías, Fernandinho, we have Mateusão, who is a monster. Man, a lot of people. Some really cool people. Even my daughter, Kailani, who is training with us too, who is following in her mother’s footsteps. She is a little monster, and soon she will certainly be shining on the national scene,” concluded Cristian Nogueira.
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