The Brazilian junior gypsy is prepared to face the tough Shane carwin in the main fight of UFC 131, in the duel that will define the next challenger for the organization's heavyweight belt, currently held by Cain Velasquez. In the first press conference to promote the event, which takes place on June 11th, in Vancouver, Canada, Cigano states that he will go in search of the knockout, and says that Carwin does not know the power of his boxing.
“I always enter the octagon looking for a knockout and this time it will be no different. I also know that he will want to knock me out, but I really believe in my potential. He never felt the strength of hands like mine”, said the Brazilian.
Carwin, on the other hand, preferred a more cautious line and showed respect for Júnior, but states that he does not intend to miss the opportunity to fight for the UFC belt again. “I know Junior is one of the top players in the category, but this is everything for me, a great opportunity I have. I'm living a dream and I want to make the most of it,” said the American who fought for the organization's belt at UFC 116, in March last year, when he was defeated by Brock Lesnar.
Since joining the UFC in 2008, Cigano has never been defeated and more than that: there were six fights, four wins by knockout, one forfeit and one by unanimous decision. Impressive numbers and performances that already qualified him for a fight for the heavyweight title, but that was not what happened, as Cain Velazquez, current champion, was injured and did not face the Brazilian. With that, Cigano would have to face Brock Lesnar, but diverticulitis also took the American out of action. With his opponent changed twice, Júnior doesn't hide his disappointment, but he doesn't lose his main focus: winning the UFC title.
“I confess that I was a little upset because once again my fight changed, but God knows what he's doing and I can only wish Brock a quick and excellent recovery,” stated Cigano. “I think, unfortunately, I was unlucky. But I'm extremely focused and I'm not going to rest until I can win the UFC heavyweight title”, concluded the athlete from Santa Catarina.
In addition to Júnior Cigano, UFC 131 brings three more Brazilians into action: Diego Nunes faces Kenny Florian, Demian Maia face Mark Munoz, and Vagner Rocha will measure forces against Donald Cerrone. Check out the full fight program for the event below:
Main Card
Junior “Cigano” dos Santos vs. Shane carwin;
Kenny Florian vs. Diego Nunes;
Jon Olav Einemo vs. Dave Herman;
Demian Maia vs. Mark Munoz;
Donald Cerrone vs. Vagner Rocha;
Preliminary Card
Yves Edwards vs. Sam stout;
Jesse Bongfeldt vs. Chris Weidman;
Igor Pokrajac vs. Krzysztof Soszynski;
James Head vs. NickRing;
Dustin Poirier vs. Jason Young;
Joey Beltran vs. Aaron Rosa;
Darren Elkins vs. Michihiro Omigawa
Comments