Brazilian Jose Aldo, embraced by his followers, hopes to have the local factor to surprise unbeaten against Chad Mendes, who said he does not mind the public against. He held a press conference prior to UFC River from Rio Janeiro, Brazil, in the presence of featherweight champion Jose Aldo UFC, undefeated challenger Chad Mendes, Vitor Belfort well and Anthony Johnson.
The Brazilian press was very interested in knowing the pressure felt by fighting Chad Mendes in Brazilian territory: "I feel no pressure. The practice yesterday was one of the best experiences of my life. " Besides the pressure on the public exercises on foreigners in Brazil said: "Apart from the boos, I do not speak Portuguese so I do not understand much of what I cry."
Meanwhile Anthony Johnson commented: "I love this country, its people, I want to thank Brazil for letting me come here and fight with someone like Vitor Belfort, I love it." And he emphasized that he had no words to express their feelings about being in Brazil.
To Mendes, champion fighting at home is just a circumstance, but is concentrating on his fight. "I still remember the first fight of Aldo at WEC. I remember my colleagues have said, someday I'll be fighting with this guy, and I hope for the championship. Now is the time. " He also said: "I come to my fights thinking that I will win. I'm smarter and better prepared than ever. And I walk around like any other fight, he is the champion, but I'm in line behind, and I'll show the world that I am the best. "
While excited and shy Johnson talked about Vitor Belfort's words about the fight they will, "said Vitor see a hungry lion against another hungry lion. I'll do better, give you the best. I'm hungry, I can not wait. "
Belfort, the Brazilian star is said to be happy in Brazil: "Come to fight in my house, is a joy, and that the event is broadcast by Globo further. In Brazil suffered a lot before to see this sport, now everyone has the opportunity to see it. Brazil is a major exporter of athletes, the Sabbath is a party. "
He was asked to fight in a time of growing the sport in Brazil, would you put more pressure?, To which Belfort said, "I'm focused on cutting weight. I am focused on Anthony Johnson in 5 kilos off for tomorrow, today, in this fight. Today is the last day I have, this is the important moment. All Brazil wants that victory, of course, but we can only control the one hand, and I will fight a great fighter. But most important is fidelity, sport will only grow because there is not a Brazilian.
And he spoke also about growing the sport in Brazil: "The respect among athletes is paramount. Many Brazilians like to see some Americans. Many Americans like to see Jose Aldo. People have always been prejudiced, but Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta have changed that. Many who criticized the sport today before they understand it, sport is the one to teach people, because martial arts are so physically demanding and mentally, is a contact sport, but we respect. "
The champion Jose Aldo was clear and very quiet commented on the pressure of fighting at home: "The fans of course will support the Brazilians. I will go with the flag of Brazil, "also said he had no problem in the time of the fight (the main card begins at 1 am local time in Brazil):" I try to concentrate on the fight, train and arrive to the day of the fight well. Whether it is at dawn. Not a problem. "
On his rival, who arrived unbeaten in his professional career with an impressive 11-0-0, said: "That is undefeated is not more pressure on me, victories and defeats are something that happens in our sport." And also answered a question about rumors of the possibility of gaining category: "Much has been said and that, but not for me, there is much behind, when the time and think my team can spend, I'm right here ". By Juan Cardenas / Latino UFC Editor
