Get exclusive insights into Roberto De Souza’s mindset, preparation, and strategies for the upcoming BELLATOR x RIZIN tournament. Discover his thoughts on striking skills, guard strategies, and the pressure of being a rising champion.
| Key Points |
|---|
| De Souza emphasizes his consistent training and mental focus |
| He prefers to focus on one match at a time |
| De Souza desires to finish the match with his striking skills |
| He believes there are no significant differences between fighting in a ring or a cage |
| De Souza always enters the match with a plan and adapts as the fight progresses |
| He aims to maintain control throughout the five rounds |
| De Souza is confident in his striking abilities |
| If he wins the tournament, De Souza plans to spend the prize money on his family |
| He embraces the pressure of being a rising champion |
Roberto De Souza, the rising star in the MMA world, recently held a pre-fight media availability session to discuss his upcoming match in the BELLATOR x RIZIN tournament. In this exclusive interview, De Souza opens up about his thoughts and preparations for the fight, his strategy, and the pressure of being a rising champion. Let’s dive into the details.
The Mindset and Preparation
De Souza admits feeling nervous on the day of the interview, but assures that his overall condition is fine. He emphasizes his consistent training and mental focus, which haven’t changed since the press conference.
“I always practice and train, so my conditioning is fine. My focus mentally is also fine,” De Souza reveals.
Taking it One Match at a Time
When asked about his approach to the tournament, De Souza explains that he prefers to focus on one match at a time. If he wins, he will shift his attention to the next match. This mindset helps him stay focused and perform at his best.
Striking Skills and Finishing the Match
De Souza expresses his desire to finish the match and highlights his dedicated practice in striking skills. He believes that his match may end with a striking technique.
“If I had a chance, I’d like to try to finish it. I focus on my striking skills,” De Souza states.
Guard Strategies and Adaptation
When questioned about his guard strategies, De Souza dismisses any significant differences between fighting in a ring or a cage. He mentions that he always tries to guard and bring the fight to the middle, regardless of the setting.
Regarding the unified rules, De Souza explains that the base is the same, so he doesn’t need to prepare differently. He feels confident in his ability to adapt and perform well.
Weight Management and Preparation
De Souza shares his experience of receiving the contract weight of 73 kilos just a few days before the interview. He was initially 82 kilos but managed to bring it down to 71 kilos without risking his health. He assures that he will be ready for the match.
Strategic Plans and Adaptation
De Souza reveals that he always enters the match with a plan, but he understands that situations can change during the fight. He typically has two to three plans in mind, allowing him to adapt to different scenarios.
Stamina and Control
When asked about stamina, De Souza acknowledges the need to control the match and not go all out in the first round. He aims to maintain control throughout the five rounds.
Striking as the Key
De Souza believes that striking skills will play a crucial role in the match. While he acknowledges the difficulty of taking opponents down to the mat, he expresses confidence in his striking abilities.
Winning the Tournament and Future Plans
If De Souza wins the tournament, he will receive a one million dollar prize. When asked about his plans for the money, he mentions the possibility of spending it on his family and continuing his love for barbecues.
As the current rising champion, De Souza acknowledges the pressure to prove the strength of RIZIN. However, he embraces this pressure, as it motivates him to perform at his best.
Roberto De Souza’s pre-fight media availability provides valuable insights into his mindset, preparation, and strategies. With his focus on striking skills and adaptability, De Souza is ready to face the challenges of the BELLATOR x RIZIN tournament and showcase his abilities as a rising champion.
