 Brazilian Top Team member Paulo Filho has competed in numerous Judo and Jiu-Jitsu events throughout the years, and it was all this training Paulão Filho says that was the key of his success in the MMA ring. In spite of his 1.71m frame, his 95kg are well divided in his small body, the Jiu-Jitsu World champion annihilated Chuteboxe member, Murilo Ninja’s game at Pride Bushido 10, which took place last April 2, in Japan. During this exclusive interview with MMA Ring Report, conceded minutes before the second edition of Floripa Fight – MMA event held in Brazil on last April 29 where Paulão was the special guest to referee, – Filho reveals the strategies he used to beat Ninja and his wishes for the upcoming Pride Welterweight GP, scheduled to take place on June 4. More than that, he revealed he has been training with a great BJJ master and learning few new tricks of the trade, Read it all below!
MMA Ring Report - You’ve beaten Chuteboxe fighter Murilo Rua at the last Pride Bushido 10. There were some rumors they called you “Paulinho” [Little Paulo] and did not believe you would win. What do you think about that?
Paulão Filho - They really called me “Paulinho”, but what the hell am I to be Paulão [Big Paulo] ? (laughs) I am a 1.71m tall, but I am a heavy guy and I am very strong. I felt good in the ring and I realized from his other fights, [that he would] have major problems with me. I thank Jiu-Jitsu a lot, because I felt excellent during the bout. Besides being not being tall, I showed my game and won. People call me Paulão [Big Paulo] due to the pressure I impose during the fight, not because of my height. I weigh 95kg and I am strong and know how to divide my weight in my body. Everybody saw that I dominated Murilo Ninja. He was not able to show his game once I took the fight to the ground and used a lot of my Jiu-Jitsu tactics to annihilate his weapons.
MMA Ring Report - So, you said you set up a specific strategy to beat him… tell more about it.
Paulão Filho - Yes. I always use a special strategy for each opponent, but in reality, you just know what are you going to do in the heat of the fight. So, sometimes you do what you are more familiar with. Due to an important history of tournaments and competitions… I fought several Judo and Jiu-Jitsu tournaments… I got the fighting feeling and I realize when things are going in the right direction or not. You fell, do you know? Watching the tape later, I was really proud and impressed I used some of the movements I hadn’t trained at all. It was a long time getting it done, with a lot of competitions. Talking about my last fight, I did a blocked him. He hit me… I dodged as much as could and then rocked him down, putting him in on the ground and did not allow him to move. I also tried to submit him but he is a tough fighter and defended himself very well.
MMA Ring Report - Talking about the Pride Welterweight GP… what are your prospects on the show?
Paulão Filho - It will be a great tournament with great fighters. Respecting a lot the champion Dan Henderson, who is a tough fighter, who has fought master Crézio in a tough match… Henderson has a lot of heart, he is a wrestler and well prepared. There are other favorites as last GP’s vice champion Murilo Bustamante, Denis Kang, Phil Baroni and all Japanese fighters. It will be a high level tournament and the winner will be the one who reach the perfect balance between his mind, body and technique.
MMA Ring Report - In your opinion, who is the toughest opponent at the GP?
Paulão Filho - Supposedly, It should be the champion Henderson, he is American, a great wrestler and more experienced, but there are others running from outside… like me! Few years ago nobody knew my work in the rings and now I feel ready to rock it on! This division is very tough and the winner should get all the respect! The best will win!
MMA Ring Report - Pride has been announcing the names to fight at Welterweight GP, the Openweight GP has suffered from some criticism. What do you think about this competition?
Paulão Filho - It’s complicated... In my opinion, an event which counts on fighters such as Rodrigo Minotauro, Alexander Emmelianenko, Mirko Cro Cop, Alistair Overeem, Fabrício Werdum and others, you have no complaints about it. In my opinion, the card is great, but people miss the champion Emmelianenko Fedor, who is out of the competition due to a hand injury, with the exception of that, the show is filled with tough fighters.
MMA Ring Report - Behind the scenes… Brazilian Top Team fans wonder who would win a fight between you and Ricardo Arona… in your opinion, who would win, in case you guys meet in a tournament?
Paulão Filho - I do have to say it’s an impossible situation. Arona is my friend and my brother and I like him so much. I have a lot of respect for him and I do admire his personality and character. We are a family and I’d never fight him. If we were in a tournament like you said I am sure he would refuse the fight as me. We grew up together, in the same neighborhood and we have such a similar way of thinking and defending Jiu-Jitsu. But if you asked me who would win… I would rather not think about it... I respect him a lot, and we are family.
MMA Ring Report - You said you defend Jiu-Jitsu… is it true you have been training with Jiu-Jitsu living legend Master Rickson Gracie?
Paulão Filho - Yes, it’s true. I have to say I’ve trained with the toughest fighters from Carlson Gracie academy. All fighters are great and I don’t want to depreciate anybody, but I have to admit and compliment master Rickson Gracie due to what he has done for me. I have been learning a lot of new tricks and techniques I will keep it to myself and incorporate to my game. I’ve never seen a great Jiu-Jitsu like that in ages.
MMA Ring Report - Please, send a message to your fans.
Paulão Filho - I want to say hi to my friends from Brazilian Top Team and also thank Rickson Gracie, a person who I admire a lot. As I said, he has been giving important tips and I feel great to defend Jiu-Jitsu’s flag having Master Rickson Gracie by my side. To the fans around the globe I say: stay away from drugs, mess and love Jiu-Jitsu. I am sure we are in the right way and in a short time we going to be more popular than Boxing.
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