Before Brave 17, Cavalheiro praises training in the USA and warns: 'I'm going in search of the title'

Cavalheiro will be in action this Saturday (27) (Photo: Facebook/BraveCF)

Coming off two overwhelming victories at Brave, Brazilian Rodrigo Cavalheiro was awarded a place in the main fight of the 17th edition of the event, which is scheduled for this Saturday (27), in Pakistan. For the duel against the undefeated Abdoul Abdouraguimov, Cavalheiro “joined” the American Top Team, taking advantage of the exchange with the Noguchi Team, his team, and promised that he will become the organization's welterweight champion in the next fights.

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In an exclusive interview to SUPER FIGHTS, the 35-year-old veteran fighter also spoke about the current champion of his category, Jordanian Jarrah Al-Selawe, as well as praising his new home.

“I think Brave is showing the world that it is a big event, that it is here to stay. It is on the rise. Soon it will be among the top-3, they are putting together great athletes to face each other, the card is great, great work from the matchmakers”, he analyzed.

Check the interview in full:

SUPER FIGHTS: How was the training at American Top Team for this fight?

RODRIGO CAVALHEIRO: I've been here before at ATT, but I was away for a while. There I train with the best in the world and in Brave 17 I will show how well trained I am. I trained with the best, with everyone, in fact. I had great support from everyone. I trained with Russians, Americans, with gym champions, many famous athletes. It's difficult to even mention, I didn't have a main training partner, but I trained with the fighters at the top.

SL: Who was responsible for your camp?

RC: Katel Kubis was fundamental, he came from the Noguchi Team, like me. He will be my corner in the fight and he led my training. Parrumpinha helped me on the ground, and Steve Mocco and Mike Brown in wrestling and I also had help from Conan Silveira. I'm very well prepared, Luciano Macarrão also helped me a lot. I had a very long and very good camp. Feeling very prepared. I'm arriving in Pakistan to give a show.

SL: What are the expectations for the duel with Abdoul?

RC: If God wants it, and He wants it, I will come out with another victory. It will be another overwhelming knockout. After this fight, I'm going to win the title.

SL: What is your opponent's analysis and expectations for the fight?

RC: He's actually a very good grappler, but he doesn't have that much experience in MMA. There are nine fights, I think. I'm already over 30. I'm going to explore this difference in experience. I also know that he has never faced a fighter at my level. Another victory is coming, I'm sure.

SL: What did you think of the last fight for the belt in your category, between Carlston Harris and Jarrah Al-Selawe?

RC: I knew that Carlston wouldn't hold the title, looking at his fight history. He didn't have the baggage to hold the title. If it weren't for Jarrah, he would fight me and lose the title anyway. The new champion is very good on the feet and on the ground, good at takedowns, complete. That's why I see that he deserves to have the title. Carlston is a cold fighter, who always looks for a grappling game, he is not efficient at anything else.

SL: How do you think your game matches up with Jarrah's?

RC: I think I'm on a level above him. I'm ready to go head to head with anyone who holds the Brave title. I see myself as one of the best in the world in the category. I'm ready to show that I can fight for the title. He is a high-level athlete and deserves to be champion. Soon, I will be face to face with him.

SL: How do you rate the Brave 17 card?

RC: I think Brave is showing the world that it is a big event, that it is here to stay. It is on the rise. Soon it will be among the top-3, they are putting the great athletes up against each other, the card is great, great work from the matchmakers. I'm sure the athletes will do their best on fight day. I want to see all the fights, I'm looking forward to the 27th.