Few UFC titles have been as historic or important as that which Junior  “Cigano” dos Santos achieved this Saturday, when he knocked out the as- yet undefeated Cain Velasquez to become the new UFC World Heavyweight  Champion.  Before the millions of viewers who watched along on Globo  television and Canal Combate in Junior’s native country, and around  the world, the Brazilian had an untouchable performance, thanks to the  months of preparation in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.  This Tuesday, a  national holiday on which Brazil celebrates its proclamation, Cigano  has issues a statement of thanks exclusively to PVT, a letter to all.   In the message below, he thanks all of his fans, sponsors, and  trainers for what he was able to achieve Saturday.

“I want to thank all of those who helped me achieve this dream. With  professionalism, friendship, hard work, dedication, and lots and lots  of fighting.

To the UFC, Dana White, Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, who made it  possible for me to fight for this title, and to all of the UFC staff  who work so hard and so competently behind the scenes to make sure  everything runs smoothly.

Luiz Dorea, my master and the maestro of this orchestra.  You are a father to me. 
Yuri Carlton, who has been by my side since my first  punch.  A professor…
Andre Luis, who became a trainer in order to take care of me, No. 1 conditioning coach.

Tem Nogueira and the Nogueira Brothers, Rodrigo my brother and confidante in all the best moments.

Ramon Lemos, in jiu jitsu, and Billy Schiebe in Muay Thai, Josh  Janousek in Wrestling who each left their respective homes and families to be by my side for my camp in Salvador, Bahia.

Dr. Cesar Dario, who left my hands ready for the knockout, and Dr. Fabio Costa, who took care of my knee at the right time allowing me to fight.

Arivan Gomes, physical therapist who takes care of me every day, in charge of the ongoing task of preventive physical therapy, pre and post training and fights, and to Angela Gois, the physical therapist who accompanies me to the US, giving me peace of mind in my fast recovery for my fight.

Erivan, Lula Molusco, Gleison Abreu, Crocota, Tarcisio, Arthut, Norman Carlton, Paulao, Elber Passos, Junior e Kleber Orgulho, and to all those who are close by my side, rooting me on during sparring and sending me positive energy and strength.

To my friends and sponsors: PRETORIAN HARD SPORTS, DESODORANTE GILLETTE, TOTVS, ANALISE, RENATO SARAIVA, BONY ACAI, whose sponsorships allow me to  maintain the high caliber of my training, and without whose support everything would be much harder.

To Ana Claudia Guedes, my right hand and attorney in the US, who works  so hard to make sure everything runs smoothly.
To all the Brazilians, who are discovering their passion for this amazing sport.

You were all with me inside that octagon in the fight  of my life, showing the amazing energy of the biggest and best fans in the world.

And to the most important person in all of this, who was and is my foundation and my rock, Vilsana Piccoli.”