Photo: Carlos Ozório
Rogério Minotouro faces off with Ryan Bader this Saturday in Indiana, where UFC 119 will be held.
“He’s a tough fighter, has impressive wrestling technique and is really strong. He’s really fast, which is most important in MMA, and he also manages to mix that with good striking. His wrestling is really strong, but I have faith in my Jiu-Jitsu to handle that, and I feel my boxing is better,” Minotouro told reporter Paula Saack on the UFC’s Brazilian website.
Coming off an evenly-matched fight with Jason Brilz at UFC 114, Minotouro knows he needs to be convincing in his next outing if he hopes to keep his title hopes alive.
“That’s the plan, but there are a lot of people in the running, like Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, Rampage and Bader himself. That’s a lot of good guys and there will be huge challenges ahead. I’m certain I’ll do well and get after that belt,” he wagers.
To keep hopes among his fans high, Minotouro promises a heart-filled performance in the octagon.
“I’d like to ask everyone to be positive, it’s going to be a great fight. Ryan is a tough athlete, but he’s going to have his work cut out for him,” he says in closing.