After dispatching such opponents as Gabriel Gonzaga, Roy Nelson, Mirko Cro Cop and most recently, Shane Carwin, it is safe to say Junior dos Santos is the undisputed No. 1 contender for the UFC heavyweight title.
Currently riding a seven-fight winning streak, Dos Santos has earned the opportunity to challenge UFC heavyweight champion, Cain Velasquez at UFC 138 this fall. It is an opportunity that seems the Brazilian has been destined for ever since he arrived in the UFC in 2008.
Dos Santos’ boxing coach, Luis Dorea, spoke with TATAME.com and praised the Team Blackhouse standout. He believes that Dos Santos’ upcoming bout against Velasquez has motivated him to become champion.
“Cigano is ready to become the UFC champion,” Dorea said.
And although his bout with Velasquez has been a long and tedious one to wait for, his opponent will be a tough test. Velasquez, like Dos Santos, has slowly made a name for himself among the heavyweight rankings beating such competitors as Cheick Kongo, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Brock Lesnar.
Dorea said the long road for Dos Santos has matured him as a fighter and benefited his career to receive this opportunity.
“The bouts against Roy Nelson and Shane Carwin added a lot to his career. Now he’s much more mature as an athlete and has all the skills to become the next UFC champion,” he said.
“He has never had an easy bout, fought the best and now he deserves a chance at the belt. That’s his dream, that’s my dream, and we’re going for it.”
The fact that neither competitor has endured an easy fight throughout their respective careers in the UFC, makes this bout even more intriguing and it will ultimately determine the best heavyweight in mixed martial arts.
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