By Guilherme Cruz
Photo Marcelo Alonso
Away from the rings since May of 2008, when he fought at Dream 3 and was defeated by Tatsuya Kawajiri, Luiz Firmino "Buscapé" has things to say. In exclusive interview to TATAME.com, the lightweight revealed he moved to American Top Team and eyes victories and titles in 2009. "My plan is to enter to a great event and win a belt, even the UFC. It only depends on me. I know I have conditions to fight in equal conditions with anyone of my weight, I just need to get there 100%", said the fighter, who also spoke about his decision to left Brazilian Top Team, his relationship with André Benkei, who he would like to face and the growth of MMA in Brazil. Stay tuned and check in TATAME tomorrow, an exclusive interview with the fighter.
http://tatame.com/2009/03/29/Buscape-starts-training-at-ATT-and-eye-titles
Well, I for one find this very exciting! so there.
How was your going to the ATT?
Because there were some personal problems, but not inside the BTT, because I left BTT well, I have several brothers. I like Murilo (Bustamante) a lot, I just have to thank all from BTT that always helped me.
Do you already have any fight schedule?
Me and my manager are studying some proposals for me to fight in the United States when I get there. I'll have an answer soon.
The best moments in your career were by Benkei's side, as your preparer... Did you miss him?
Absolutely, because he is different from the others. He treats the athletes he train as a son, or even more. We already talked that, when I get there in the United States, we will return with this partnership. In a few months you will see another Buscapé.
What's your plan for 2009?
My plan is to enter to a great event and win a belt, even the UFC. It only depends on me. I know I have conditions to fight in equal conditions with anyone of my weight, I just need to get there 100%.
Is there any fighter that you faced that you would like to have a rematch?
Absolutely, (Tatsuya) Kawajiri... I'll only sleep in peace when I beat him. And then (Luiz) Azeredo.
Who are the best in the world in your weight and pound for pound?
In my weight, BJ Penn, Gesias (Cavalcante) and (Shinya) Aoki, but there are many others. The best pound for pounds is Minotauro (Nogueira). I'm a big fan of that guy, he is very good and will return well, I'm sure.
And in Brazil, which lightweight fighter deserves to fight overseas?
In Brazil, it's hard to mention one, because every day appears a tough guy and full of desire to win.
How do you see the MMA in Brazil?
Thank God has grown a lot. You see Minotouro, who is considered one of the best at 205lbs, will fight here in Brazil (at Jungle Fight), which is the right place, giving show for us, Brazilians. And, both he and several Brazilian fighters want to fight here, just depends on the managers to believe more in MMA.
Whatever happened to that guy who'd post Buscape propaganda on the UG all of the time? He used to have stories that would make Frank Dux call bullshit.
Domingo - Whatever happened to that guy who'd post Buscape propaganda on the UG all of the time? He used to have stories that would make Frank Dux call bullshit.
i know who you are talking about but i dont remember his name...hahahah!
best of luck to buscape at att, ill be rooting for him.
he went 3 rounds with kawajiri rihgt?
benkei!
jjchgo -Domingo - Whatever happened to that guy who'd post Buscape propaganda on the UG all of the time? He used to have stories that would make Frank Dux call bullshit.
i know who you are talking about but i dont remember his name...hahahah!
best of luck to buscape at att, ill be rooting for him.
Musashibo Benkie say:
Bussssssssscape!!!!1
Another one bite the dusssssssssssta!!!!
Buscapeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee is awesome. I hope he comes back stronger than ever. He was right there in the mix but always seemed to lose tough decisions.
I'd love to see a rematch with Azevedo.
thetrollsmasher - he went 3 rounds with kawajiri rihgt?
Twice, lost two UD's
Sobral1 - I'd love to see a rematch with Azevedo.
That was actually Luiz AzeRedo versus Luciano AzeVedo. Azeredo is still my favorite "dark horse" fighter.
And yes, their first fight was easily one of my favorite back and forth grappling matches, and I would absolutely love to see a rematch- or to see Azeredo fighting at all, for that matter.
Edit- it wouldn't let me post the embed tag:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnLqvlaOko4
^Buscape x Azeredo
Musashibo Benkei is the man. One of the best Strength & Conditioning coaches in MMA. Great guy too.
Just what ATT needs...another badass 155er!
Uncle Justice -Sobral1 - I'd love to see a rematch with Azevedo.
That was actually Luiz AzeRedo versus Luciano AzeVedo. Azeredo is still my favorite "dark horse" fighter.
And yes, their first fight was easily one of my favorite back and forth grappling matches, and I would absolutely love to see a rematch- or to see Azeredo fighting at all, for that matter.
I agree Azeredo is awesome. Both his fights with Gomi and his fights with Jaochim Hansen all amazing
Is it just me, or does ATT have more quality fighters than any promotion other than UFC? They could be their own org.
orcus - Is it just me, or does ATT have more quality fighters than any promotion other than UFC? They could be their own org.
Nah, they don't really have anyone good:
http://www.americantopteam.com/fighters.php
"DUM DUM DUM..."
LOL! I miss Benkei's posts...
Uncle Justice -Sobral1 - I'd love to see a rematch with Azevedo.
That was actually Luiz AzeRedo versus Luciano AzeVedo. Azeredo is still my favorite "dark horse" fighter.
And yes, their first fight was easily one of my favorite back and forth grappling matches, and I would absolutely love to see a rematch- or to see Azeredo fighting at all, for that matter.
Ahh....excuse me, sir.
This is the fight I was referring to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnLqvlaOko4
No problemo, friend.
And that's Buscape against my boy, Azeredo. I don't know why, but all the youtube vids are only edited highlights instead of showing the whole fight.
I think it's pretty impressive for Azeredo to duel like that with such a talented grappler in Buscape, and then be able to stand and trade with Gomi (2nd fight) for the entire fight.