Mutante (right) will be in action at UFC 224. Photo: Disclosure / Mutante
Living the best phase of his Ultimate career, Cezar Mutant dream big. The Brazilian, who has four wins in five fights, faces Karl Robertson at UFC 224, an event that takes place next Saturday (12), in Rio de Janeiro.
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The TUF Brazil 1 middleweight champion, in exclusive interview, spoke of his desire to debut in the division's ranking in 2018, thanks to the 'godfather' Vitor belfort and rivalry with compatriots Paulo borrachinha.
Although the exchange of provocations between the Brazilians has cooled down in recent months, Mutante doesn't forget his rival and says: “If the UFC wants, I can give Borrachinha a hard time in my next fight,” he said.
Check out the chat with Cezar Mutante below.
How was the preparation for the fight against Karl Robertson?
Cezar Mutant: I had excellent preparation at MMA Masters, intelligent training, at a very high level. I also have the support of my family, in addition to the help of my manager, Hércules Ribeiro. He helps me a lot by resolving behind-the-scenes issues, and that's great during this period. I just have to worry about training well to fight well. I'm ready to have a great fight on Saturday.
You come from four wins in your last five fights and at UFC 224 you face an athlete undefeated in her career. Do you believe that a victory can put you in the middleweight rankings?
Cezar Mutant: In fact, I consider that I have five wins in a row. My defeat was absurd, the side judges took away my victory. But, life goes on, my focus is on my opponent. I want this victory to continue my growth in the category, which is very tough. I want to be in the top-15 soon, and I hope that happens after Saturday's victory.
If you beat Roberson and still don't enter the top-15, what would you need to do to debut in the rankings?
Cezar Mutant: I want to fight, take what the UFC offers me the best. I never chose to fight, I'm a guy who faces any challenge. I think about winning this fight and continuing to grow. I want to win this one, the next one, the next one, the next one… even a shot at the title.
In recent months you have had a rivalry with Paulo borrachinha with provocations from both sides. Has the problem been resolved or do you still have this pending issue to resolve?
Cezar Mutant: If the UFC wants, I can give Borrachinha a hard time in my next fight. At the moment, my focus is completely on Roberson, I'm not even thinking about Borrachinha. He has a tough fight ahead of him too, so maybe we'll meet up ahead, but I'm not even thinking about his name right now.
It's hard not to relate his UFC career to Vitor belfort, who was a godfather at the beginning of his career in the UFC. He was your coach on TUF Brasil, a teammate on the former Blackzilians and, it seems, he should retire at UFC 224. How do you see Vitor's importance for the sport in Brazil?
Cezar Mutant: Vitor is certainly a great friend, someone I have great admiration for. He helped me a lot for a long time in my career, he is a guy for whom I have great gratitude. It really inspired me to help younger fighters nowadays too. I'm rooting for him a lot, I'll be in the arena to celebrate his victory.
Finally, you can leave a message to the fans who will watch your fight at UFC 224
Cezar Mutant: I want to ask all the Brazilian fans with me on Saturday, put pressure on the foreigners and win together. It will be a great fight, against a very tough opponent, so fan participation will be essential in the arena or at home, in front of the TV, sending positive energy. Let's win together! I also want to thank you for the space, for the interview. We are at your disposal.
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