Minotoro defends: “Anderson was smart”

By Guilherme Cruz

Photo Josh Hedges

 

Training partner of Anderson Silva at Minotauro Team, Rogério "Minotoro" Nogueira saw his friend defend the UFC middleweight title one more time at UFC 97, reaching the record of nine consecutive victories. With all the criticisms after a fight below expectations, the Brazilian defends his friend. "I thought it was a good fight. Anderson was very technical and tactical, was smart, made his fight standing, using the Muay Thai ", says Minotouro, commenting the boos and “GSP” shouts coming from the Canadian fans at the arena.

 

"People of Canada booed him because of St. Pierre, who wants to fight with Anderson, but that is part of the competition and that pressure. But, for me, Anderson was well", said, praising Anderson’s opponent, the black belt Thales Leites. "We can’t forget that Thales is a tough guy and that he isn’t playing. If Anderson made a mistake, Thales would try to submit, so he was very smart, because he went well on the ground, got the mount position, workd on the half guard and then got up... He fought well. It was a big test for him, because many people thought that, if they putted someone good on the ground, perhaps it could get him, but he is going over everyone".

 

To Minotouro, it’s difficult to get an opponent that can get the belt of the Brazilian. "He is complete standing and complete on the ground.Anderson has proven that he’s superior to Dan Henderson and, as for Michael Bisping... Bisping would try to strike and would be knocked out. Let's see what happens, but Anderson is still absolute in that category", concluded the Brazilian.