Don't think it's been posted yet. I'm excited for his fight against Roque, should be a good test for both of them.
This is from www.tatame.com, some good up to date info with their news and some good interviews as well. . . interview by Alexandre Lobo
So, tell me about the fight with João Roque for the Lightweight belt.
I was expecting this fight since last November, when I was in Japan. Shooto also wanted to put this fight during a tournament in United States, but this is one of the most awaited fights and it wouldn't be Nice to happen outside Japan.
João's choice did not surprise you? Nova União guys had no idea of the how the ranking would be...
I wans't surprised. To be honest, the first one to fight me would be the winner of (Hiroyuki) Takaya and American Gilbert Melendez. If Takaya had won, he would be the challenger. But he ended defeated and according to Shooto rules, Melendez cannot challenge me, because it was his fist fight. So, it was meant to João Roque, once he occupies the first position of the ranking.
Is this fight going to happen on March 11? André Pederneiras wasn't sure about it because you were on vacations...
I was ready to put my belt in the game since the first semester. I kept myself training in Medina (Minas Gerais), where my mother lives. I've trained with some local champions. The only thing that changes now is I am back in Rio de Janeiro.
Your team, WFC, now is Shooto Brazil Dojo and features a filial in Curitiba, with Sérgio Cunha. There are new on the way?
I have been training hard in Rio with (Márcio) Cromado in RFT and also doing my physical preparation with André Vinícius. But I also want to visit Curitiba and sharpen my Muay Thai with Anderson (Silva), Pelé and Cunha. I will hit Japan with lots of gas.
Tell me which will be your strategy to defeat a ground specialist?
I will not change a thing. I will do my game and search for submissions.
There are some rumors saying Pride would be dealing with Shooto for a Lightweight GP production. Do you know something about it?
Shooto hasn't said a word. But I can tell last time I was in Japan, I've heard the same story. which also included my friend Hermes França (Brazilian Top Team). I hope it does happen. I have been waiting for it for so long. I would like to test myself doing three fights on the same night. It would be a great opportunity to promote Lightweight division.
---
who are your picks for the fight?? Roque doesn't really finish his opponents but he's got a really good safe ground and pound game and looked absolutely ripped in the last picture I saw of him when he fought in Japan. I wouldn't be too surprised if he could win a decision. I'm sure he'll have done his homework to fight off the dreaded guillotine!
Definitly hasn't been tapped in MMA. He's bad some wars with Royler in BJJ and I think even in ADCC. I just don't see him getting caught. Interested in seeing what kinda shape he comes in, he was ripped and huge last time I saw him.