Leader of the Brazilian Top Team, Murilo Bustamente, published an open letter refuting the criticisms made by Tim Leidecker from the website Sherdog. In the article, the journalist stated that the BTT and Chute Boxe teams are falling in production, and that the two teams began to collapse with the extinction of Pride, and cited the departure of the big stars from the two teams, such as Rodrigo Minotauro e Wanderlei Silva. See below, in full, Murilo Bustamante’s open letter:
“Firstly, I would like to say that the presence of Brazilian Top Team, in most Pride events, was required due to the technical quality of its fighters, and I feel comfortable saying the same about Chute Boxe. Both teams worked hard to mold their fighters so that they became part of the elite of MMA professionals. Both were successful in this endeavor, the two teams managed to produce not only world champions, but several top-class athletes. At that time, the two teams were known as the best MMA teams in the world, and several events paid to have fighters from both teams face each other. This way, the teams were able to provide work for several fighting professionals, both athletes and coaches.
Speaking for BTT, I can say that to build these great fighters the team invested heavily in their training. None of them did it alone, the BTT athletes were molded within the team. Although some people are saying that the team demanded or demanded a lot from the athletes, I can explain here what BTT actually charged and continues to charge to this day. Ten percent business and ten percent training, which, in my opinion, is more than fair for the investment made in athletes. Before founding BTT, I paid 20% for business and 20% for training, and I always valued what my old Master taught me. I give all my athletes the opportunity to train in different disciplines, including Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Wrestling, without spending anything. We invest in the athlete from the beginning of his career.
This system is so fair that it allows athletes, at the beginning of their career, who earn US$200 in their fights, to have the same training as an MMA star. This athlete pays $40 per fight for all his training. Let's say he fights five times a year, he would pay US$200 per year for his training, which would be around US$17 per month. Is this too much? In return, the team teaches him how to fight and become a professional who can earn US$1.000.000,00 per fight, or even more. If this athlete, unfortunately, is unlucky in his career as an MMA professional, he can choose to work in one of the team's various franchises, or even open his own gym, supporting his family. It really infuriates me when anyone insinuates, mostly mean idiots, that BTT overcharges its athletes. We charged and continue to charge the same thing, and I challenge any of these loudmouths to come work in Brazil, train top fighters here and charge less than what we charge.
I can safely say that both teams, BTT and Chute Boxe, will form new champions soon. The two teams, in fact, have nothing left to prove, because whoever forms Wanderlei, Shogun, Ninja, Anderson, Pelé, Minotauro, Minotouro, Arona, Paul Philo, Alan Goes, Murilo Bustamante, and many others, is because he really has professional capacity to spare. None of these athletes arrived ready on the teams, but rather were forged within its walls. So, forgive this pretentious citizen who wrote the article in question, BTT was here long before you appeared, and apparently it will be long after you disappear from the scene. I have been practicing Martial Arts for 31 years, teaching Jiu-Jitsu for 20 and MMA for 16, I can say that I love what I do and I will do it until the end of my days. When I can no longer compete, I will continue teaching my athletes using all the knowledge acquired inside and outside the ring. Therefore, I say here that BTT will still produce great athletes and, God willing, some champions, but it will not be the malicious and pessimistic analysis of some idiots that will prevent this. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the fans of the BTT team around the world for continuing to believe in our team.
Here I would like to say thank you very much,
Murilo Bustamante”
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