Having already accomplished his dream of being crowned UFC heavyweight champion at UFC on FOX, Junior dos Santos has other career goals he would like to pursue besides mixed martial arts.
In an exclusive interview with TATAME.com, dos Santos said he is strongly considering making a run at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian said he has always preferred his boxing skills as his biggest strength in MMA, and he would like to attempt the challenge of competing on a national level.
“My trainings begin and end with Boxing,” the 27-year-old said. “There’re dynamics and strategies I’m already used to. But I’ll test myself, it’s inevitable. Who knows I get an Olympic medal,” he added.
“Cigano” is widely considered to possess the best boxing in the sport today. His trainers, including boxing coach Luiz Dorea, fully support the Brazilian’s desire to compete in the Olympics.
Dorea said few fighters have the same speed and ability that dos Santos carries, and he is confident that the Brazilian has all the potential to succeed in both MMA and boxing.
“The adaptations from Boxing to MMA are complexes. You gotta be careful about blocking the kicks and takedowns,” Dorea said. “If he’s already above average combining all those things, imagine when he fights traditional Boxing. The chances he’ll shine are huge.”
Until then, dos Santos is only focused on successfully defending the heavyweight title, but he will also await the winner of the Brock Lesnar versus Alistair Overeem match at UFC 141 to make his first title defense.
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