Rodrigo Minotauro andCigano in Bahia, Brazil (Photo by Bruno Ramôa/Chave de Braço)
UFC stars and patrons of the sport, Rodrigo Minotauro and Rogério Minotauro once again demonstrated their support for the friend who is about to defend his title on the biggest stage in world MMA. Junior Cigano, who made a home of the Team Nogueira facilities early in his career, will fight to defend his heavyweight title from Cain Velasquez this Saturday, December 29, at UFC 155, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This will be the second title defense for Cigano, who took possession of the UFC heavyweight strap by, in November of last year, beating the very man he will lock horns with this weekend. One of the champion’s biggest backers, Rodrigo Minotauro spent last week in the Brazilian State of Bahia to help with final preparations, and he is confident his understudy will pull off yet another great win.
“He’s really well prepared,” said Minotauro through a press release. “He’s in amazing shape. I’m really confident for this fight. Cigano’s been training hard and has got a major gas tank. I expect him to win by knockout again,” said the also-heavyweight before flying out this Friday to watch the fight live.
Also rooting for his friend, Rogério Minotouro too had words of praise for Cigano. Having a fight of his own coming up February 2, 2013, against Rashad Evans at UFC 156, Minotouro took part in the champion’s training at Corinthians soccer club.
“Cigano’s boxing is really crisp. He’s really quick and strong. He’s sure to keep his place at the top. I believe he’ll pull off the knockout. I don’t think Velasquez will be able to find him in the octagon; Cigano’s really up to speed on his takedown defense,” Minotouro said, also in statements released to the press.
Check out the card for the event:
UFC 155
MGM Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
December 29, 2012
Junior Cigano vs. Cain Velasquez
Jim Miller vs. Joe Lauzon
Tim Boetsch vs. Costa Philippou
Yushin Okami vs. Alan Belcher
Chris Leben vs. Karlos Vemola
Brad Pickett vs. Eddie Wineland
Erik Perez vs. Byron Bloodworth
Michael Johnson vs. Myles Jury
Leonard Garcia vs. Cody Mckenzie
Phil de Fries vs. Todd Duffee
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