Since Cain Velasquez dominated one of the sport’s greatest fighters ever in Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira (and sorry, we love Nog, but by using the word ‘dominated’ we were sort of being kind…), the American heavyweight has been receiving heaps of well deserved praise and hype. In a way, the success of Velasquez has kind of overshadowed the work of another rising prospect in Junior dos Santos, who let’s not forget, has bombed out 4 opponents now in the Octagon (and who also is the student of the Nogueira brothers…cue dramatic music).
This coming Sunday, dos Santos will have another opportunity to further demonstrate he’s ‘the real deal’, when he takes on former heavyweight contender Gabriel Gonzaga. Now, we all know dos Santos can throw hands (thankfully we don’t know this from personal experience unlike Stefan Struve or Mirko “Cro Cop”), but in a report from the official UFC site, the Brazilian stated that his ground game isn’t too shabby either.
“I think my ground is good if you want to know,” said dos Santos. “I train with great guys in the USA too and I’m always learning. This fight is going to be a test for me; I have a chance to surprise people because I believe Napao will try to take me down. There are positions that I developed in secret and if I’ve the chance I won’t waste them.”
Really, this shouldn’t come as any big surprise since he does train with the Nogueira’s after all, it’s just that dos Santos hasn’t really had to show much on the mat thus far in the UFC. Maybe that will change Sunday? Maybe not. To bet on the bout head here.