Frank Mir at UFC 140 – Photo by Nick Laham/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir (16-5) is set to do battle versus a second straight opponent from Brazil later this month in the main event of UFC 146.
Mir takes on Junior dos Santos for the UFC title at the Las Vegas event, facing a man who also happens to be a student and friend of Mir’s last opponent, Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira.
Last December, Mir became the first fighter to finish Nogueira by submission breaking ‘Big Nog’s’ arm in the process, as well as already being the first fighter to stop Nogueira by knockout after their first meeting back in December 2008.
Mir was quick to mention both of those facts during his post-fight interview, something that has apparently not sat well with some Brazilian fans.
Speaking to Tatame.com, Mir gives his reaction to being called “arrogant” by those same Brazilian fans.
Many fans say you seem arrogant, mainly Brazilians. What do you think about that?
I guess they say it because I’m so self-confident. Sometimes I think people rather see a fighter saying ‘oh Jesus, I’m so glad, I can’t believe I won, I’ve never been that good, I’m not that good’. I never had that kinda thought, especially because I was always so focused in getting into the octagon and compete. I fought many guys who think like that and due to my self-confidence I get to their nerves. But those who are arrogant can’t understand themselves, they think their qualities are bigger than they really are. I, on the other hand, am only confident about what I know I can really do.Have you been to Brazil? What are your thoughts?
Yes. It’s very beautiful over there. I loved the weather, the humidity, people were friendly, nice and it seemed like a family giving their welcome to me. I loved the country and even told my wife we could take the kids there someday.
UFC 146 takes place on May 26, 2012 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.