Diego Brandao wants to make history in the UFC. Photo: Josh Hedges
The UFC's reality show, The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), premieres its first season in Brazil on the 25th, but the country has already had a champion on the program. The featherweight Diego Brandao he won TUF 14, in December 2011, and was the first Brazilian athlete to win the reality show of the largest MMA organization in the world.
Diego, who is scheduled to return to the octagon on May 26th against Darren Elkins, gave an exclusive interview to SUPER FIGHTS where he spoke about his career, his victory in TUF and warned: “I want to be the Mike Tyson of the UFC and knocking out everyone in the first round.”
SUPER FIGHTS: How do you see yourself in the UFC featherweight category and how far are you from the belt?
Diego Brandao: I see myself in the middle of the line today. I joined the UFC to be a champion, to give my family a better life. I already managed to buy my mother's house. Now I want the belt
SUPER FIGHTS: In the TUF final you suffered a knockdown, but managed to recover and submit. What was that moment like?
Diego Brandao: I proved in the TUF final that I am a fighter, a warrior. I got knocked down, came back and won the fight. I only lose if the guy knocks me out and the judge raises his arm. If that doesn't happen, I'll stay there like a “crazy dog” and attack him while he's standing.
SUPER FIGHTS: How is your life after TUF?
Diego Brandao: My fame has increased a lot, today I am recognized by everyone. My life is great, I have a contract with the UFC, my mother has her house (bought with the money from winning the reality show final). Whatever comes is profit.
SUPER FIGHTS: What do you hope for your career at this moment?
Diego Brandao: I'm training a lot and I want to make history in the UFC. I'm going to be the UFC's Myke Tyson and knock out everyone in the first round.
SUPER FIGHTS: How is your training currently?
Diego Brandao: I'm going to stay in the United States training with Greg Jackson. But I'm going to spend a few seasons in Thailand to improve my Muay Thai. And the Georges St Pierre He took me to train boxing with Manny Pacquiao
SUPER FIGHTS: Speaking of Greg Jackson, is he really the best coach in the world?
Diego Brandao: He is the best of the world. It's no wonder he wins the award every year. And that's why I'm there. It was with him that I exploded and with him that I want to be UFC champion
Comments