Zuluzinho aims to return to Japan. Photo: (Sherdog)
Named “The Black Giant”, the 9th edition of Imortal FC arrives in São Luís do Maranhão on June 2nd with a big name – literally – on the card. This is veteran Wagner Zuluzinho, son of local legend Rei Zulu and with experience with the extinct Pride and K-1. Star of the main fight, the giant will face the former TUF participant Cabo Job.
Without fighting since 2010, Zuluzinho, currently 39 years old, accepted the invitation from the organization from Curitiba with the hope of returning to the MMA radar and, thus, having the chance to be invited to fight again in Japan, where he became known for his size and for duels against the legends Fedor Emelianenko e Rodrigo Minotauro.
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“My motivation is, firstly, the Pride fans, who never missed an edition of the event. Furthermore, as the Immortal has a great reach, who knows, I might be invited to fight in Japan. If it happens, I won't think twice”, said the fighter, who has no idea how much he currently weighs. “I haven’t weighed myself yet, I can’t say.”
The mission of overcoming Zuluzinho is the responsibility of the Rio de Janeiro military police officer Cabo Job, one of the participants in the third edition of the reality show The Ultimate Fighter Brasil. Still not knowing what weapons he will use against the giant, the Rio native exudes confidence.
“He (Zuluzinho) is very big, very heavy (laughs), but I'm going in to win. I still don't know what strategy I'm going to use, I leave it up to my coaches, Beto Padilha and Hugo Duarte, but, as I'm lighter, I believe that my speed will make a difference in my favor”.
President of Imortal FC, Stefano Sartori revealed that the main fight of the event is a tribute to the most traditional family of fighters in Maranhão.
“Anyone who knows the history of our sport recognizes the historical figure of King Zulu and the importance of the work he did for the sport in the 70s and 80s, so nothing more fair than inviting a representative of the family to be part of Imortal in this special edition ”, he justified. “Although he is the host, Zuluzinho will not be easy, as the Cabo Job He's a tough guy, he had a good run on TUF, as well as being used to big challenges, as he's an honorable and fearless police officer. And to get into the cage with Zuluzinho you have to have a lot of courage. It will be a historic edition.”
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