UFC 146 will be full of Brazilians, and in the most important fight, one of them puts the heavyweight belt at stake. Junior dos Santos will face former Strikeforce champion, Alistair Overeem, who defeated Brock Lesnar for the right of the title shot.
Since Cigano began to fight, the Brazilian has gone through many challenges, like Gabriel Gonzaga, Fabricio Werdum, and more recently Cain Velasques. Among those mentioned, none is a world class striker as his next opponent, a former K-1 champion, one of the most prestigious events in the history of standup fighting.
"I think it's the ultimate test for my striking. It is still the biggest challenge. He was a K-1 champion, which is the greatest striking event in the world. He is a very strong guy, good, but I trust myself a lot, and I try to knock out all my fights. Regardless of him being a striker or not, I'm going for the knockout", said the Brazilian.
Junior dos Santos is one of the best strikers in UFC, but he knows he's never faced someone as good as Alistair Overeem on the subject. Knowing this, the Brazilian has a plan B, which can surprise the Dutch. "Yes, Jiu-jitsu can be a plan B. I am MMA fighter, training everything, I am well prepared to fight, whether standing or on the ground and if I find it necessary to take to the ground, it will happen".
The heavyweight champion revealed that he fought against Cain Velasques injured in November 2011, and because of this, had a knee surgery, which meant that his training in Jiu-Jitsu began somewhat later than other. Now it seems that's all right, and he should get well physically against Overeem. "The preparation has already begun, I'm training hard for the fight, feeling well. Now is the time to get strong to then endure the hard training and get 100% in the fight".
Recently, Chael Sonnen mentioned some names of Brazilians who he admires in MMA, and among these names, was Junior Cigano. "I was surprised, because he spoke ill of the Brazilians, now named the favorite. But for me it's strategy, and if it's working, I think he really has to do it. His focus is Anderson, but if I serve as inspiration or anything else, I'll help him in anything, good for him, and thanks for appreciate my work. "
Junior dos Santos's teammate Antonio Bigfoot, recently signed with UFC and also fights in UFC 146. Defending champion expects the partner to be a kind of "guardian of the title shot". "Bigfoot will face Roy Nelson will get his chance, we will be adapting on how things will be, but the important thing is to support each other".
