Coach confident in Filho against Manhoef

By Guilherme Cruz

Photo Marcelo Alonso

Who watched Paulo Filho last fights against Chael Sonnen doesn’t recognize the black belt, who was considered one of the best middleweight fighters so far. Back to the trainings with Josuel Distak, Amaury Bitetti and Oswaldo Alves, Filho is training ahrd for another tough opponent, Melvin Manhoef. In the classic fight between Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu, Distak bets on the superiority of the gentle art.

"Paulão is training a lot, he’s very strong. He’s training with me, Oswaldo and Amaury. For this fight, we focused more the Jiu-Jitsu, because this fight will be the Muay Thai against the Jiu-Jitsu. It’ll be two lions in the ring, and Paulão wins", said the coach, celebrating the evolution of the fighter in question that most concern: health. "First, I thank God that Paulão got out of medicines and depression. Paulão was born talented, if you put him to play Capoeira, he will. He trained a lot of Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, and he has the gentle art in his blood. Unfortunately, his problem of depression has led him to the defeat, but God gave another chance for him and his life, so that he could fight with Melvin".

Former WEC champion, belt that he lost in his only defeat in the career, Paulão returns to the Japanese rings at the Dream 10, which happens on July 20^th. In the same country where he shone to the world, beating big names in Pride, the Brazilian can restart his journey towards another belt. However, Distak wants to take one step at a time. "Paulão is after his dream, of regaining his belt, and this fight against Melvin will be a great chance. The winner God already knows, and we will know over the ring what God wants to Paulão’s life and Melvin’s. Melvin is a very strong fighter, respected, and as Paulão is also respected it’s going to be very interesting. We are very confident", concluded the coach.