Paulo Thiago

Undefeated in the career after 11 fights, Paulo Thiago wants to surprise again. After knocking Josh Koscheck out at UFC 95, the Brazilian wants to show that doesn’t only know about striking. Scheduled to face Jon Fitch this Saturday, the Brazilian spoke with TATAME about the training and the strategy for the challenge.

How are the trainings to face another tough opponent at the UFC?

The trainings are 100 per hour... Now we rushed a little, in the final stage of the training. I’m almost ready… Really ready I’ll be just in the day, but we’re on the final stage.

What’s the strategy to face Jon Fitch? Will you go to strike standing, as against Josh Koscheck, or will show your Jiu-Jitsu?

My team believes that the best way to face Jon Fitch is on the ground. He’s a complete fighter, strikes right and is good on taking down. has more or less the same qualities of Koscheck, but we consider him a little more refined. I think the Jiu-Jitsu could make our victory easier.

How do you feel being part of UFC 100’s card?

Everybody wanted to be fighting in this event, I think I was very lucky, thanks God. I just have to thank the organizers of the Ultimate. I debuted against a tough guy and now I’m in the main card of a historic edition of the UFC, so I just have to thank. The event is great.

In the same event, Georges St. Pierre will put his title in the line against Thiago Pitbull. How do you think this fight will be?

There will be a very tough fight for both, I won’t even risk saying who’ll win. I’ll cheer for the Brazilian, but I think the chances are 50% for each. Both are excellent fighters and it will be a very good fight. Both have their qualities, win who can put in practice your strategy. Pitbull will, as he said, go to knockout, St. Pierre is also well known for null the strategies of the opponents, he’s a very strategic guy, then I think it will be 50% for each.

Pitbull has given emphasis on the takedown defenses, so that he faced great wrestlers, as Josh Koscheck and Matt Hughes, and the fight stood stand. Do you believe that GSP will try to overthrow the Brazilian or will try to win at striking?

St. Pierre is also very good in striking, it’s difficult to know what he’ll do... In each fight he did something in accordance with the opponent, he hasn’t a line very certain, which we could say he would certainly do something. He fights according to the opponent. When you think he will strike with the guy, he takes the guy down, sometimes holds to the guy get tired... He’s a little unpredictable, but I think he’ll try to hold Thiago a little.

How is BOPE’s expectation for another fight of yours at the UFC?

I’m having full support of the BOPE guys and the PMDF, my commandants, my partners... Everyone likes the fights, they’re getting more information, and every day I'm receiving messages of support, which give me strength. They’re also helping me in training, so it’s great.