Interview with Joinha: “This fight will put Lyoto back on the scene”

Jorge Guimaraes, “Joinha”, is the businessman responsible for managing the careers of beasts like his brothers Rodrigo Minotauro e Rogério Minotouro, Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida e José Aldo. The last two, in fact, are on the main card of UFC 129, an event scheduled for next Saturday, in Toronto, Canada.

Moments before the show's weigh-in, the businessman spoke to the SUPER FIGHTS and told how his athletes are doing for UFC 129 and upcoming UFC commitments.

Super Fights: Lyoto comes from two consecutive defeats. Does this put a different weight on the fight against Randy Couture?
Jorge Guimarães: Of course not! Lyoto is one of the best athletes in the world in this category (light heavyweight) and will soon hold this belt again.

Super Fights: After Lyoto’s second defeat to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, did you and Ed Soares (the businessman’s partner) consider the possibility of a quiet fight, instead of a confrontation against Randy Couture, a living legend of the organization and member of the UFC “Hall of Fame”?
Jorge Guimarães: No way. In the UFC there are no stairs or springboards. It is the biggest event in the world and athletes must be prepared for any fight. Getting a guy like Couture puts Lyoto back on the scene

Super Fights: How was Lyoto's preparation for this fight against Randy Couture at UFC 129?
Jorge Guimarãoes: Lyoto is still maturing, but against Couture you will see a very different athlete. He has a unique style, which could soon regain the UFC belt.

Super Fights: In addition to Aldo and Lyoto, you take care of the careers of Anderson Silva and the Nogueira brothers. How are you Rodrigo Minotauro e Rogério Minotouro?
Jorge Guimarães: Minotouro is coming off a fight he could have won against Phil Davis, but I think that with this defeat he learned a lot and will be 100% ready to face Rich Franklin at UFC 133.

Super Fights: And the Minotaur?
Jorge Guimarães: Rodrigo (Minotauro) has already fully recovered from his knee injury and will, it seems, be back at UFC Rio.

Super Fights: Against who?
Jorge Guimãres: I can't say that yet, as we are in negotiations about the fight

Super Fights: Could it be Brandan Schaub?
Jorge Guimarães: It would be a great fight! Joe Silva (responsible for scheduling UFC fights) is the best in the world. Maybe it will happen, yes!

Super Fights: And José Aldo? How is he doing for his first title defense?
Jorge Guimarães: He's great! Motivated and ready to do the Hominick

Super Fights: Aldo had difficulties with his weight, is he ok now?
Jorge Guimarães: Yes! Tomorrow he will be on top of his game, weighing 75 kilos (due to weight recovery after the weigh-in) and ready to take the belt back to Brazil.