Felipe Pena had a well-defined plan for this year… He’d face Gordon Ryan in their fourth match at the end of February and then – in the case of a victory – he would turn his full attention to MMA.
However, as Ryan couldn’t compete at the Who’s Number One event, Preguiça’s plans were messed up.
Here’s what he had to say about the whole situation, as translated from Tatame [Portuguese]:
That is a plan (migrating to MMA) that, for me, was already set. After my last fight with Gordon, I was certain that I would do that fight and then focus on MMA, which is something I’ve wanted for a long time.
I’m at an age where I can’t wait too long, I have a few good years of competition, but for MMA I would have to migrate now.
But then what happened (with Gordon Ryan) happened, and I’m going to have to put it off even further. It is a business that I really want, it was already certain and defined.
Pena also explained that he’d most likely be fighting in the 93kg weight division:
I think [I would compete in MMA] at 93kg.
84kg (middleweight) would be tough. I’ve never fought in an event losing as much weight as the MMA guys do, I’d have to see what that adaptation would be like.
But at 93kg, for sure, it would be possible…The top one (heavyweight), no chance (laughs). It would have to be, more likely, 93kg.
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Felipe Pena is one of the most successful black belts of his generation, with three black belt world championships in the gi including the 2021 IBJJF Absolute World Championship.
- Create opportunities for sweeps, back takes, submissions, and more to keep your opponent on the defensive as you flow through your arsenal.
- Work systematically from your guard based on what they are giving you, so that you can be efficient and patient in your movements.
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