Thiago Tavares was the third Brazilian confirmed in the card of UFC Rio, held on August 27, at HSBC Arena. After Anderson Silva and Shogun, Zuffa announced the lightweight in the event in a confrontation against Spencer Fisher. Like their fans, Thiago said he was surprised and thrilled with the announcement.
"I still can not believe this news. I felt like crying, screaming … It seemed impossible for me to fight in Brazil. I do not imagine that I would fight, and I still can not believe it", said the fighter, "I learned that on Tuesday, but could not tell anyone, so I just told my dad, did not speak nor for the people of the academy, because I knew they’d be very happy and would end up spreading the news. On Friday, they started calling me and said that they saw my name on the card, so I can confirm to everyone".
Main idol of fighting in Santa Catarina, Thiago said that his friends and family will be fully represented at HSBC Arena to watch his performance closely.
"Floripa will be fully in there. Is everybody crazy in the city, asking me about tickets and everything. My father said he’ll rent a bus to take everyone", he said, "The UFC has been in Brazil, but not along these lines, with this dimension, then it is a pleasure for everyone to fight here. It will be incredible. My family and friends watching me … Zuffa is my tooth fairy, because they always carry my dreams".
Despite the party of being fighting in his country, the Brazilian knows that it will not have cakewalk against Fisher.
"He’s very tough", he said, "The guy is a student of Pat Miletich, trains with Matt Hughes and Robbie Lawler, a lefty, good in boxing and kickboxing. He submitted Thiago Alves and has one defeat in the jury decision to the champion of the category, Frankie Edgar. So I know it will be difficult. But I’ll be well prepared, in the best shape of my life. The guys put a tough opponent to face me in my country, I know my responsibility. The war will be in Brazilian territory, and I will do my best to represent well".