It’s been said in the past that there are some disciplines or backgrounds that make the transition to MMA much easier than others.
For instance, wrestlers and fighters with a wrestling background have almost universally stated that their move to MMA was made easier because they had a weapon in their back pocket that they could always use to control where the fight took place.
The same can’t always be said for the best strikers in the world who move into MMA after spending a lifetime focusing on the knockout.
Traditionally, strikers have struggled with the shift because in the opposite direction of the wrestlers, the idea to beat them is much simpler—just get them to the ground and they can’t knock anyone out.
Brazilian Muay Thai fighter Bruno Carvalho is hoping to change that trend when he makes his Bellator MMA debut this Thursday night.
In his Muay Thai fighting career, Carvalho already holds many impressive accolades including two victories over current UFC lightweight standout Edson Barboza.
None of that matters now as he tries to make his mark in Bellator, and he aims to show that starting with his fight against Edson Berto at Bellator 94.
“I know I’m fighting a tough guy, Edson Berto, but I’m very well trained. I intend to make a good fight and enter the tournament,” Carvalho said in an interview with Bleacher Report.
The Bellator lightweight tournament is still a long way away if Carvalho can’t get past Berto, and he understands that as much as anyone going into Thursday night.
Still, the young Brazilian can’t help but eye the best of the best in the promotion and that includes champion Michael Chandler.
“Michael Chandler is an excellent athlete, undefeated in the category and an excellent wrestler,” said Carvalho. “It’s a strong category and I want to qualify to be able to face him.”
Carvalho knows now that he’s swimming with the sharks now, so it’s time to sink or swim, and he plans on proving he belongs in a big way starting with Edson Berto.
“I hope to give my best and make a great show for the audience present,” said Carvalho. “I am Brazilian and I never give up I will always be in search of a knockout or submission.”
Damon Martin is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and all quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.
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