Everything is ready in Oakland, in the United States, for UFC-117, an event that will see five Brazilian athletes duel with five American opponents. In the main fight of the night, Anderson Silva will defend his middleweight belt against the controversial Chael Sonnen.
“I'm not here to win the silver medal, but to be the champion. It doesn't have much to do with hitting Anderson. Having the chance to punch him is just a bonus”, said Sonnen, who had the same payback as the Brazilian.
“I've fought against guys who respected me, against guys who didn't respect me and against idiots like him. But starting tomorrow, everything will change up there”, said Anderson, returning the provocation.
During the exchange of barbs, the veteran Matt hugs , who will measure forces against Ricardo “Cachorrão” shot:
“It’s the funniest press conference I’ve ever been to,” said the former welterweight champion.
Speaking of welterweights, another fight that draws fans' attention is between Jon fitch e Thiago "Pitbull" Alves, reliving the 2006 duel, when the American beat the Brazilian at UFC Fight Night 5. “Pitbull” had problems reaching the category limit during the weigh-in and gave up 20% of his purse to his opponent, but claims to be motivated to fight, which will give the winner a chance to compete for the category belt.
“I'm happy to be back after a while without fighting. I'm struggling a little to lose weight, but I'm calm and very motivated for this fight”, said the Brazilian.
Another duel that will give the winner the chance to fight for the belt will be between heavyweights junior gypsy e Roy Nelson. The Brazilian says that the chance to compete for the title makes him even stronger to seek victory:
“The fact that I know that winning this fight will give me the opportunity to fight for the belt only makes me stronger and more motivated to win,” said Cigano.
“I simply struggle to survive, to put food on my table. In my case, it’s a lot of food,” he replied. Roy Nelson, laughing.
Trying to avenge the defeat suffered by his master, Renzo Gracie, at UFC-112, Ricardo “Cachorrão” Almeida faces the former UFC champion, Matt hugs and states that he has been thinking about this fight since the loss of the teacher, in May of this year.
“I was in Renzo's corner in his fight against Matt hugs and, without a doubt, it was a night of great emotions for me. So at that moment I challenged him”, said Cachorrão.
In the first fight on the main card, another duel between Brazil and the United States, where the Tupiniquim athlete Rafael dos Anjos will try for his fourth consecutive victory against the very tough Clay guida.
Check out the full card for the event, which will be broadcast on Sportv from 23pm.
Main Card
Anderson Silva (83,7 kg) vs. Chael Sonnen (84 kg) – Fight valid for the middleweight belt
Thiago Alves (77,8 kg) vs Jon Fitch (77,4)
Ricardo “Cachorrão” Almeida (77,4 kg) vs Matt hugs (77,4 kg)
Junior “Cigano” dos Santos (109 kg) vs Roy Nelson (119,5)
Rafael dos Anjos (70,5 kg) vs. Clay guida (70,5 kg)
Preliminary Card
Dustin Hazelett (77 kg) vs Rick Story (77 kg)
Phil Davis (93,3 kg) vs Wallace Rodney (93,6 kg)
Charlie Brenneman (77,6 kg) vs. John hendricks (77,6 kg)
Boetsch Tim (93,5 kg) vs Brown Todd (93,5 kg)
Morecraft Christian (119,4 kg) vs. Stefan struve (112 kg)
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