Gesias in photo by Carlos Ozório
Gesias Cavalcante won the K-1 Hero’s Lightweight GP on two occasions, a feat that secured him a place ranked among the best in the world in the division. However, a string of injuries brought on the worst phase in the fighter’s career, when he suffered back-to-back losses and went over a year without stepping into the ring. This Saturday JZ, as he is known, had a hard fought battle against Katsunori Kikumo at Dream 15, which he won by split decision.
“First I’d like to thank God for all the lessons I learned during this time I was not fighting. It was a period of hard work, injuries, and a return to fighting… I’m really happy to be back against a great fighter. Kikuno is a great athlete. It was a pleasure, but I’m aching for more,” said the American Top Team representative.
At the press-conference, JZ, who may now also appear at the Strikeforce promotion, spoke of rival Shinya Aoki, who submitted Tatsuya Kawajiri on the same evening.
“Aoki’s dangerous, especially early on. If he sees the opportunity, he seizes it. He’s clever, doesn’t miss positions. Congratulations to him. He lost at Strikeforce and it’s good to see him back.”
Asked about the kicks he suffered at the hands of Kikuno, Gesias said playfully: