Video: Former military man, Marreta explains his preference for fighting abroad: 'I take the country's flag on a mission'

Marreta faces Hermansson in UFC Sao Paulo (Photo: Reproduction-Facebook ThiagoMarreta)

It is no exaggeration to say that every fighter's dream is to perform at home, in front of their own fans. However, the carioca Thiago Marreta, which faces Jack hermansson No. UFC Sao Paulo, next Saturday (28), is a bit different from the rule. Although he emphasizes that he likes to perform on Brazilian soil, the middleweight makes no point of hiding that his preference is to perform in events abroad, but for one reason in particular: representing the Brazilian flag.

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“As anyone who knows me knows, I was in the military, I served for seven years, so when I go to fight abroad it gives me extra excitement, it feels like I'm going to represent my country, you know? Take the country's flag outside, go on a mission. I'm more excited about this, but it's always good to fight here (in Brazil) too. I fought in Curitiba (at UFC 198) and, for me, it was the most exciting in terms of fans and public, there's no comparison, for me it was the best. I also like fighting here in Brazil, but the detail is just that… an additional challenge. I’m motivated by challenges, it feels like I’m going to war, to a battle”, he declared in an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS.

Initially, the organization's plans regarding Marreta's future were different. Scheduled to take part in the main fight of UFC Poland, which took place last Saturday, October 21st, Thiago saw the opportunity to star in an event slip away after Michal Materla did not accept the fight, thus forcing the Brazilian to be rescheduled on another card. Despite the 'frustration', the athlete guarantees that the matter is over.

“I was a little sad, it would be my first main event. I was very happy, training for five rounds, super excited... and it ended up that my opponent didn't sign the contract, he didn't want to fight. But I don't have to complain, I have to thank my managers and the UFC for the opportunity to have me fight in the UFC Sao Paulo, just a week after the date I would fight. I didn't have to interrupt my training camp, I just continued, that's very important. (…) I’m very happy to be fighting here”, said Marreta, who reveals his expectation for a new chance to lead a future UFC card.

"I hope so. First I have to think about this fight, the important thing is to beat Jack, who is a very tough fighter. If we pass, I hope to have an opportunity to make a main event.”

When asked about the next challenge, Marreta, who has nine knockouts on his resume, six of them in Ultimate, believes that Hermansson will avoid entering the striking game. According to him, the dispute has everything to be lively and well studied.

“He’s a guy who moves a lot, which isn’t common among middleweights. He has this difference, something I also have, which is moving a lot, changing bases… he does that very well, too. We think it's going to be a very busy fight, like a game of chess, with both trying to find the distance. He might even exchange a little, but I think his intention is to take him down and try to use ground and pound, work on the ground fight”, he concluded.

Watch the full interview with Thiago Marreta: 

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