UFC welterweight contender Paulo Thiago faces his stiffest test to date ...
by Eduardo Cruz on Apr 15, 2010 11:37 AM EDT
Email
PrintA Q&A with the MMAmania.com readers ...
Fast-rising UFC welterweight contender Paulo Thiago is here and while we know he's tough enough to make it as both a mixed martial artist and a Brazilian supercop, what we don't know is if he has the chops to hang with the inquisitive minds of the MMAmania.com community.
Hear what Thiago has to say about Anderson Silva, Georges St. Pierre, his favorite submission and what physical attribute he considers to be "God's Gift."
Check it out:
MMAmania.com Reader: How has your UFC exposure/success impacted your role as a Police Officer?
Paulo Thiago: As a matter of fact, nowadays I'm deeply dedicated to MMA so I haven't been playing police officer that much anymore.
MMAmania.com Reader: What are you most commonly used MMA skills/Techniques in your role as a Police Officer?
Paulo Thiago: Jiu-jitsu and self-defense.
MMAmania.com Reader: In your own eyes Paulo, what was the bigger win? Your debut against Josh Koscheck or your recent submission win over his team mate Mike Swick?
Paulo Thiago: I don't see any of them as a "big win," but a consequence of hard work.
MMAmania.com Reader: Paulo, knowing that people who predicted your meteoric rise are completely full of stinking horse shit, how do you feel about your newfound popularity?
Paulo Thiago: I enjoy it, of course, but just don't have the time to be fooling around because of my popularity - I have to keep training! About what people's prediction's are ... they have the right to think, say or predict whatever they want. It's just OK; I only care about good energy, thought and talk.
MMAmania.com Reader: What do you feel is the biggest weakness in your game, and what are you doing to improve upon that weakness?
Paulo Thiago: I'm so full of weak points that I'm sure I have to train harder than the others!
MMAmania.com Reader: What inspired you to transition into MMA from such a dangerous profession?
Paulo Thiago: They are pretty much alike: The need of adrenaline, focus, danger, survival, stamina, discipline strength, endurance and so on. You just can't afford missing any of them.
MMAmania.com Reader: Where do you think you go now: A rematch with Fitch or a bout with Dan Hardy?
Paulo Thiago: Whatever comes is ok for me. UFC tells me to do it and I'll do it.
MMAmania.com Reader: You have won both KO of the night and Submission of the night in the UFC. Obviously you are well rounded. Do you train more in grappling or striking? Which do you prefer?
Paulo Thiago: My original school is the grappling; I learned to respect the striking skills and dedicated myself to improve my standing game and take downs plus defenses as well.
MMAmania.com Reader: Paulo, what did you add to your game after the camp training with Anderson Silva and what impressed you the most from his skills?
Paulo Thiago: Anderson is an extraordinary fighter and at least by now no one can be compared to him. He hasn't shown his full potential and fighting knowledge, believe me. Having the opportunity to train with him is a real blessing and each movement is worth learning.
MMAmania.com Reader: How far away do you feel you are from a potential shot and where do you feel you could beat him?
Paulo Thiago: Who are you talking about? GSP? He's not my target...not yet...
MMAmania.com Reader: If you were to become Champion someday, do you see yourself quitting your day job?
Paulo Thiago: Haven't thought about that.
MMAmania.com Reader: Do your co-workers watch your fights?
Paulo Thiago: All of them!!!
MMAmania.com Reader: Do you think Rolling Stones are better than The Beatles?
Paulo Thiago: .......
MMAmania.com Reader: Do you train your ears? How did they get so big?
Paulo Thiago: Those are God's gifts!
MMAmania.com Reader: Have you ever met Jack Bauer?
Paulo Thiago: I know he is the main protagonist of the american television series 24. I'm not much for TV.
MMAmania.com Reader: Has anyone ever told you that you look like Al Pacino -- because I don't think you do?
Paulo Thiago: ......
MMAmania.com Reader: Do you think you could arrest Fedor?
Paulo Thiago: That's a tough task!!!
MMAmania.com Reader: Have you ever met Wanderlei Silva? Is he cool?
Paulo Thiago: He is VERY friendly to everyone!
MMAmania.com Reader: At what age did you get into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Judo and was there any other martial arts or sports you were involved in growing up?
Paulo Thiago: Judô at 6, jiu-jitsu at 13, boxing at 17 and Muay Thai at 22.
MMAmania.com Reader: How did you become a part of Team Black House?
Paulo Thiago: I'm not a part of the team. The CONSTRICTOR TEAM, the team I'm part of, is a Black House partner team.
MMAmania.com Reader: Did you have any fighters that you idolized growing up?
Paulo Thiago: I wouldn't say idolized, but for sure I admired (and still do) many of them...
MMAmania.com Reader: Is there any future fighters coming out of Team Black House we should be looking for?
Paulo Thiago: I couldn't tell about team Black House, but in what concerns Constrictor you'll hear about Massaranduba, Moicano and a few others.
MMAmania.com Reader: What's your favorite submission and favorite strike?
Paulo Thiago: Triangle and high kick.
MMAmania.com Reader: What changes to your training have you made in the last year compared to what you were doing to prepare for your first win UFC fight?
Paulo Thiago: I wouldn't be able to say them point by point, but I've changed some things, took off others and added some new techniques.
MMAmania.com Reader: If you could fight anyone outside of the UFC who would it be?
Paulo Thiago: Haven't thought about it...
MMAmania.com Reader: Are you worried about your face and job being so publicized by the media because of the dangerous nature of it? Do you think drug dealers, etc. Could use this against you or your family?
Paulo Thiago: They can try if they have the balls to...all they have to keep in their minds is the fact that we are a whole and a big team taking care of each others back.
MMAmania.com Reader: You're obviously a very brave dude, you're a soldier and a fighter, not many can do well in either of those professions, is there anything that does scare you? Spiders? Snakes?
Paulo Thiago: As a God's soldier I shall fear his heavy hand! That's why I try to keep my life in the right path.
MMAmania.com Reader: Paulo, feel free to send a message for MMAMania fans and sponsors.
Paulo Thiago: One of the reasons why I fight and love doing it is the warmth of the crowd. Even though I fight in USA I still can feel myself at home every time I get there and I can guarantee that I'll always do my best in order not to disappoint my fans and even those who are not!
Special thanks to Paulo Thiago for taking the time out of his schedule to talk to the MMAmania.com readers. Be on the lookout for more fighter Q&A's in the near future.
53 comments
|
7 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
hes..
a badass, nuff said..
For what profit is it to man if he gains the world , and loses his own soul?
- Matthew 16:26
Nice work Eddie...
Very cool to have this come through now.
I recognize some Zino in a few Q’s. Thanks man.
Same here. I recognized some of my q's too. Thanks, Mr. Cruz. Good stuff.
Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth.
-Stephen King
Thanks Cruz
I haven been keeping an eye out for for your interview. Great Job!!!!
’’They've done studies you know... 60% of the Time, it works every Time...’’ – Brian Fantana
absolutely
one of my favorite new fighters by far
off topic
I’m gonna parlay: Hendo/Mousassi/Aoki (unreal odds on all 3) but need a 4th for a good round robin. Anyone got a “lock” for Bellatar tonight?
Same parlay Ive been waiting to place Kev
I saw Aoiki at +130 yesterday!!!!!!!!!
I AM SOMETIMES BIASED - Get over it!!!!!!!
by ViolentMike on Apr 15, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Askren and Reis should win, but I HATE Reis.
I AM SOMETIMES BIASED - Get over it!!!!!!!
by ViolentMike on Apr 15, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
AHH, BetUs finally opened today.
-450, damn. I was praying for -300. Othersite I saw -390
I AM SOMETIMES BIASED - Get over it!!!!!!!
by ViolentMike on Apr 15, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
What the FUCK is this BULLSHIT with BETUS lately????
No parlaying the same event for StrikeForce???
Also, last UFC, there was no parlaying with prelims. I wanted Mr. Wonderful on my parlay……
This is some BULLSHIT!!!!!
I AM SOMETIMES BIASED - Get over it!!!!!!!
by ViolentMike on Apr 15, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Could try Imada or Mayhem
John Hathaway over Diego Sanchez
by Synyster_08 on Apr 15, 2010 12:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
lol, mayhem is -1200
I got Aoki at +135
with mayhem so high, thats why I need one from belletar, Mayhem would take all the value out of it
Yeah I know
I dunno why I suggested that. Imada was at -225 or something
John Hathaway over Diego Sanchez
by Synyster_08 on Apr 15, 2010 12:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Can say that again VM, They're not even letting Aoki and King Mo
parlays. I had to place two straights yesterday – got him at +190 and +130. I think King Mo comeso ut big here, not as confident as on my aoki pick but i think he gets it done. Also I don’t know about Reis tonight man, depends on how Lierley wants to fight him. Standard sprawl and brawl is easy $ there. Haven’t seen the lines for Bellator yet though.
by NNR (formerly NameNotRequired) on Apr 15, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
too bad guys, I have no prob parlaying
I think king mo is a wasted bet, and Mousassi odds aren’t too bad!
told ya, Askren and Reis
Although that Askren stoppage was shady
I AM SOMETIMES BIASED - Get over it!!!!!!!
by ViolentMike on Apr 17, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I enjoyed this, hope we see this format a little more often
Paulo seems like a pretty down to earth guy, despite his pretty radical background. I liked rooting for him already, now even more so.
I told you all his win over Kos was no fluke! check the archives!
He is easily one of my favorite fighters! Nothing I like more then a HUmble Bad ass!
I have no desire to see him fight boring ass Fitch again! As much as I am a fan of both Paulo and Hardy, I would love to see them go at it! and I would have to give the nod to Paulo! Only way you are beating him is with stellar wrestling and awesome sub defense. If Paulo puts hardy in those submissions, he will snap his limbs, insteads of m,ade look stupid like GSP was!
Volkmann was able to get out
And put Paulo in deeper holds… Volkmann was in turn submitted easily byKampmann… Mma math doesn’t work, but still.
I think Paulo could beat Hardy and Kampmann. I wonder how he’d do vs GSP
John Hathaway over Diego Sanchez
by Synyster_08 on Apr 15, 2010 12:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Decision?
John Hathaway over Diego Sanchez
by Synyster_08 on Apr 15, 2010 12:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
+1 vs hardy
Winner of kos/Semtex, takes gsp (& gets schooled)
Winner of fitch/alves takes winner of Hardy/Paulo. (& gets schooled by a gsp smothering)
by Dball on Apr 15, 2010 12:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
As for the interview,
I was laughing at:
MMAmania.com Reader: Do you think Rolling Stones are better than The Beatles?
Paulo Thiago: …….
MMAmania.com Reader: Do you train your ears? How did they get so big?
Paulo Thiago: Those are God’s gifts!
BUT,I was really hoping to see my question about his hair cut. I want to know if he does it himself, or if he seriously pays for that shit!!!!??!!
I AM SOMETIMES BIASED - Get over it!!!!!!!
OMG!!!! LMAO!!! EDDIE!!!!
I can’t believe you asked him my Jack Bauer question AND my big ears question!! LMAO!!!
Eduardo Cruz will get my vote for Maniac of the year (cause I can’t vote for myself) and this interview WILL win interview of the year!!!!!
GREAT JOB ED!!!!!!!
Fedor invented a language that incorporates Sambo and Kimuras.
So next time FEDOR is kicking your ass, don't be offended or hurt, he may be just trying to tell you he likes your hat.
by McArthur... on Apr 15, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
ya thats really cool Cruz well done
World Worb 3
by daniel worby on Apr 15, 2010 12:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
VM
what was your haircut question?
Fedor invented a language that incorporates Sambo and Kimuras.
So next time FEDOR is kicking your ass, don't be offended or hurt, he may be just trying to tell you he likes your hat.
by McArthur... on Apr 15, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Paulo, do you cut your own hair and style it yourself, or do you actually pay money for that shit?
I AM SOMETIMES BIASED - Get over it!!!!!!!
He might not have taken it well lol.
"As you get older three things happen. The first is your memory goes, and I can't remember the other two..."
-Sir Norman Wisdom.
Good interview
I’m surprised he didn’t throw in a high kick and a triangle after some of those questions lol. Seems like a good sport, good guy, good fighter. Much respect for this man.
haha...I wonder what his expression was like when Ed asked him the questions he didn't answer
Fedor invented a language that incorporates Sambo and Kimuras.
So next time FEDOR is kicking your ass, don't be offended or hurt, he may be just trying to tell you he likes your hat.
by McArthur... on Apr 15, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
AWESOME interview!!
Paulo is a great guy to play along with some of these questions.
One of my favorites,
MMAmania.com Reader: Paulo, knowing that people who predicted your meteoric rise are completely full of stinking horse shit, how do you feel about your newfound popularity?
Who predicted his rise?
But a true champion, face to face with his darkest hour, will do whatever it takes to rise above. A man fights, and fights, and then fights some more. Because surrender is death, and death is for pussies. - Kenny Powers
+1
Fedor invented a language that incorporates Sambo and Kimuras.
So next time FEDOR is kicking your ass, don't be offended or hurt, he may be just trying to tell you he likes your hat.
by McArthur... on Apr 15, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
That was my question. John G claimed he knew PT would be something big. I called him on it.
Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth.
-Stephen King
idk i remember discussing it with him. I didn't think Thiago would go anywhere...too many hoels in his game....
but John was convinced that the Kos win was something.
by NNR (formerly NameNotRequired) on Apr 15, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
John G.'s claim was more in reference to him knowing that PT would beat Kos. It wasn't an attack on John G. per se, just his claim.
Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth.
-Stephen King
I thought it was John but wasn't sure.
But a true champion, face to face with his darkest hour, will do whatever it takes to rise above. A man fights, and fights, and then fights some more. Because surrender is death, and death is for pussies. - Kenny Powers
I only picked him to beat Kos because Kos was fighting every other month just trying to collect paychecks and was under estimating Paulo. It reminded me of Jardine/houston situation.
after that fight I did my homework on him, and found out he was LEGIT…at that time, most of you still were making excuses for Kos’s loss, and even saying that the fight shouldnt have been stopped!
all you guys do is bash me, when i try to school you guys on young fighters you never heard of…more times then not, I have been right.
SEriously, I dont even care,,,,there are a handful of guys on hear that are mature enough to give me my props when its due…to the rest of you, Keep betting the favorites when you know nothing baout their opponents..it makes the odds better for me! lol
Wasn't taking a shot at John,
I truly didn’t remember who on here said Paulo would be a legit fighter. You know your shit John.
But a true champion, face to face with his darkest hour, will do whatever it takes to rise above. A man fights, and fights, and then fights some more. Because surrender is death, and death is for pussies. - Kenny Powers
John G., I like your posts. I wish you would post more. I just like busting your balls because I think you were exaggerating. No harm meant.
Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth.
-Stephen King
here here
Relax John G
You’re no Adam G
You are legit
As a pundit
Don’t listen to them
Truth in this poem
Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.
This is my official entry
in the Jeremyjackson poetry challenge.
Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.
Am I off the pound for pound poet list with this now?
Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.
Great job Eddie.
OJR, John is making the same claim with proof right above here.
GSP(ESP) is the most predictable fighter in MMA.
Can't w8 to see Paulo thiago fight again
I think he was originaly supposed 2 fight thiago alves. I think him & hardy wud be a sick ass fight! I luvd how he ko’d swick & koscheck !
by d*locc on Apr 15, 2010 1:04 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
awesome interview
I respect Paulo even more.
I never post but been visiting this site since it was UFCmania
by Mr. Fancy Pants on Apr 15, 2010 1:08 PM EDT reply actions
Believe me, guys, it was cool to read your feedback and I feel great you enjoyed the interview. Haven’t met such a humble and cool fighter. You can say anything over him but he deserves all the respect because he’s a very nice guy. By the way, maybe “Big Foot” would be a good name for another readers’ interview. Be cool guys and thanks for the opportunity, MMAMania.com.
"Once Flamengo, Flamengo until die"
Agreed on hardest fight to date
Gosh if kampmann doesn’t win I’ll be astonished, absolutely horrified.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
