Brazilian newcomer exudes confidence, faces Valter Walker and promises to be UFC heavyweight champion.

Montanha promotes UFC event. Photo: Getty Images/Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC

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Brazil has a new representative in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg) of MMA. At UFC Vegas 120 , an event that takes place this Saturday (8) , José Luiz Montanha makes his long-awaited debut in the octagon and faces Louie Sutherland . And, if it depends on the Mato Grosso native, with 'hunger for fighting', his journey to the top of the traditional category will be quick.

In an interview with UFC Brazil, Montanha has already shown that he will not follow in Valter Walker 's footsteps . Despite being on a high in the company, the Rio native makes it clear that he is in no hurry to reach the top 5 of the heavyweight division and face the big names. On the other hand, José Luiz, who also has jiu-jitsu as a strong point, aims to make a good impression against the Englishman to gain hype in a category that needs renewal. And the athlete has no shortage of confidence, not even fearing Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall , to the point of promising to become champion.

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“I don’t let myself get too carried away, because I’ll be coming here many more times. People know Montanha in the octagon more for his refined grappling lately, because I had it in my mind that I had to finish fights quickly for the UFC to notice me. So, I stopped showing other things. Our jiu-jitsu at Gile Ribeiro is aggressive, it hurts . We either submit or knock out on the ground . There’s no such thing as points, dominating, we want to finish the fight . And I also have karate,” he said.

“I’m ready to show some good striking too. People haven’t seen enough of my striking yet. I know he’s a tough, aggressive athlete, a natural heavyweight, he has good overhands and crosses, but I have complete confidence in my game, my preparation, the work I’ve done all this time . I’m going to nullify his game and finish him quickly, like I always have . Watch me in my debut and you’ll see the future UFC champion ,” he concluded.

Mountain Fighters in MMA

José Luiz Montanha, 29, is a promising MMA fighter and competes in the heavyweight division. The Brazilian began his career in the sport in 2016 and joined the UFC in 2026. In the sport, he has built a record of six wins, five by stoppage (four by submission and one by knockout), and one loss.

Montanha's interview with UFC Brazil

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