Reis cited prejudice against lighter divisions (Photo: Mike Roach/UFC)
When he steps into the octagon this Saturday, the 15th, to face the flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson in the main attraction of UFC Kansas, in the United States, Wilson reis will have the chance to become the first Brazilian in history to win the Ultimate flyweight belt. At bookmakers, however, confidence in the Brazilian is low, as Wilson is considered the biggest underdog on the card. But nothing that bothers the challenger, who guarantees he is prepared to surprise the world.
See too
“It's normal, I already knew that when I was going to face Demetrious, I would be the big underdog. This doesn't bother me at all, it just motivates me even more. I know I deserved this opportunity and I have total conditions to surprise and be champion”, declared the challenger, in an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS.
Asked about what strategy will be adopted to overcome the champion, Reis revealed that he is prepared to control actions in any area of the game.
"I've been in MMA for almost ten years, I consider myself a complete fighter, but I came from jiu-jitsu, I like to take the fight to the ground. However, in this fight we have some strategies in place, not just one. I will certainly be looking to take it to the ground throughout the fight, that's where I feel “at home”, but the strategy is based on all areas, on the striker, wrestrer and jiu-jitsu. It will be a very busy duel, I will always be attacking”, promised the Minas Gerais native.
Wilson also spoke about the lack of appreciation for Johnson, leader of the UFC's weight-for-pound rankings and with nine title defenses, but without the recognition of other big names who were champions, such as Anderson Silva e Georges St Pierre, for example. For him, this is due to prejudice against the lighter categories.
“Yes, I think it's because of the discrimination against the lighter divisions, like flyweight. Because we don't have many knockouts, because it's a more technical category, unfortunately it doesn't attract as many people as the heavier ones, where there are knockouts more frequently. (…) There is certainly still a lot to improve, but the UFC, together with the athletes, are doing a good job to increasingly attract more audiences”, he concluded.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW
Super Fights: You are the first Brazilian in history to compete for the UFC flyweight belt. How do you face this?
Wilson reis: It's a feeling of pride and happiness. I don't have any pressure, I just need to get there in the octagon, believe that I can be the first Brazilian to win (the flyweight title) and make history.
SL: Bookmakers point to you as the biggest underdog of the event. Does this bother you a little?
WR: It's normal, I already knew that when I was going to face Demetrious, I would be the big underdog. This doesn't bother me at all, it just motivates me even more. I know I deserved this opportunity and I have total conditions to be champion.
SL: What did you study about Johnson's game? What will be your strategy?
WR: I've been in MMA for almost ten years, I consider myself a complete fighter, but I came from jiu-jitsu, I like to take the fight to the ground. However, in this fight we have some strategies in place, not just one. I will certainly be looking to take it to the ground throughout the fight, that's where I feel “at home”, but the strategy is based on all areas, on the striker, wrestrer and jiu-jitsu. It's going to be a very busy duel, I'll always be attacking.
SL: Do you train together with the Dominick Cruz, the last fighter to defeat Demetrious, in 2011. How do you evaluate this 'partnership' between you? Did you get some tips?
WR: Dominick definitely helped me a lot for this fight. He told me what he thought of Demetrious, his strength, his tips helped me a lot in preparation. And there's a lot I already knew, because I watch Johnson's fights a lot.
SL: You were supposed to fight for the flyweight belt at UFC 201, in July 2016, but it ended up not happening due to an injury to the champion. You were kept on the card and faced Hector Sandoval, a newcomer, on the preliminary card. What was it like dealing with that situation?
WR: In fact, I ran out of options, I needed to fight to stay active and make money, because that's my job. I didn't want to wait a year. Fortunately, everything went well, it was a peaceful fight. Afterwards I prepared for another fight (against Uka Sassaki) and won well again.
SL: Johnson has nine title defenses and is in first place in the UFC's weight-for-pound rankings. Despite all his achievements, he does not receive the same recognition as other big names who were champions, such as Anderson Silva e Georges St Pierre, for example? Do you think there is some kind of prejudice with the flyweight division?
WR: Yes, I think it's because of the discrimination with the lighter divisions, like flyweight. Because we don't have many knockouts, because it's a more technical category, unfortunately it doesn't attract as many people as the heavier ones, where there are knockouts more frequently.
SL: But have you felt any appreciation since you debuted in Ultimate in 2013, or is there still a lot to improve?
WR: There is certainly still a lot to improve, but the UFC, together with the athletes, are doing a good job to increasingly attract more audiences.
SL: Looking at the flyweight category in general, do you see any names that are emerging?
WR: There are a lot of guys emerging. Ray Borg, who recently beat (Jussier) Formiga, is in a very good moment. Has the Tim Elliott, who will fight on the same day as me, Sergio Pettis and (Henry) Cejudo, who will face each other, and a bunch of other guys. But I think these are the strongest names at the moment.
SL: Are you ready to deal with all the hype and change in status that possibly winning the belt will bring to you?
WR: I visualize myself every day with the belt. I will certainly be prepared for any different situation that the belt brings me, I have no doubt that they will be good opportunities. I'm well prepared for that.
See photos of Wilson Reis' career in the UFC:
[vox id=”60630″]
Comments