Called on to face Justin McCuly at UFC 102, coming up in August, Junior “Cigano” dos Santos ended up being dropped from the card. However, what seemed like bad news, turned into something much better. When, before, he was not to appear on the main card, the Brazilian should now return in September in the main event, against none other than Mirko Cro Cop.
“I think I’ll fight September 19. They took me off the August 29 show,” he said, also announcing he will no longer be facing the same opponent. “My opponent’s changed. I’ll probably face Cro Cop. If I beat him I’ll be in really good standing. If that’s truly the case, I’m guaranteed on the main card and in the main event of the evening. If I were to fight now it wouldn’t be on the main card,” he said to Portal das Lutas, GRACIEMAG.com partner site.
With eight wins and one loss, Cigano is coming off three knockout wins, two of which were in the UFC. In his career, the Brazilian has won six fights in such fashion. Cro Cop too is coming off a knockout win, at UFC 99, in Germany. Disputed by both the UFC and Dream, the Croatian looks to remain in the American organization. To Cigano, it will be a great opportunity to face him.
“To me it’s incredible. When they asked me if they could change the fight date I was a bit bothered, because I wanted to fight right away. I’ve been away for some time now. But the Fertitta brothers asked me and I accepted. After that I found out it would be against Cro Cop and was overjoyed. It’ll be a big opportunity in my career. Lots of good things have happened in my life and this is one more. I’m going to make the most of it,” he finished.
smoogy - Dos Santos is still pretty useless on the ground. CroCop might just take him down and submit him
what makes you say that?
one loss by sub makes him useless on the ground?
but gracie mag has never been a credible source so ill wait and see
From the fights I've watched, I just get the impression that he isn't much of a skilled grappler.
He's a purple belt under Nog, so I'd think he's skilled enough by now to at least defend himself at that level. You're making him out to be Houston Alexander, which I think is more hyperbole.
I am with JDV, I have been kind of bias about 103 since there hasn't been any HUGE fights on this card for Dallas. IF this holds true, then ROAD TRIP!!!! I've seen CroCop fight against Eddie Sanchez and sitting from nosebleed at Mandalay, you could still hear the leg kick slaps! FUCKING AWESOME!
smoogy - CRBMoney14 - smoogy - Dos Santos is still pretty useless on the ground. CroCop might just take him down and submit himwhat makes you say that?one loss by sub makes him useless on the ground?but gracie mag has never been a credible source so ill wait and seeFrom the fights I've watched, I just get the impression that he isn't much of a skilled grappler.
what fight?i tried to find the fight with Ferreira but couldnthave you seen that fight? what fights are you talking about specifically?
He's going to knock Mirko's head off just like he did Werdums.
The UFC has really dropped the ball with building him up so far imo. He KTFO Werdum in his first fight and then they stick him in the prelims vs a nobody in his second and have him scheduled to face McCully in his third? Vs CroCop is a much better fight.
