Junior dos Santos coached at a season of the reality show The Ultimate Fighter in the United States, and having that knowledge, he comments on the experiences that Vitor Belfort and Wanderlei Silva will go through on the shootings of the Brazilian edition of TUF, which is already happening in Sao Paulo.

“I’ve had a good experience inside that house. My popularity rate increased, I’ve learned a lot of things and made many friends. I tried to teach them what I knew and I also learned a lot from my team, and also with the other team”, said the champion on an interview to TATAME. “It’ll be great to Brazil, for Wanderlei and Belfort too, especially since Globo is embracing our sport… We have popularity, it’ll be excellent”.

In Cigano’s opinion, TUF Brazil will be top-rated at TV Globo, once the Brazilian fans have shown their fascinations towards reality shows.

“I guess it’ll be a success here in Brazil, just like it was a big explosion on the US. People will really dig that. We already like it, and BBB (Big Brother Brazil) proves that. It’s going to be really good for our country”, affirmed, highlighting the importance of the show for the fighters themselves. “TUF is a great opportunity for athletes leave anonymity and become famous. Normally, fans tend to cheer for TUF fighters”.

“Be yourself”

The hop tip given by Dos Santos, who saw his team fighting Brock Lesnar’s team in the US, is simple: be yourself. “It’s not a big secret. It’s a reality show, so you gotta be who you are, show the values you believe in. and I guess both Vitor and Wanderlei have much attitude, they have their own way of being and people like it. I guess the big magnet is being who you are”, advises.

For the bout between the coaches, scheduled for June in Sao Paulo, Junior doesn’t take chances.

“I don’t know how it’s going to be. The first one was good, but super quick. Vitor landed that hand of his, took the moment and got the win. Both are excellent athletes, good everywhere. I’m sure it’s going to be a good fight and I know Brazil is waiting for it. It’ll be a great show, for sure”, analyzes.

“Everybody know Wanderlei, he really goes for it. I guess he wants this rematch real bad. That time it was so quick they didn’t even fought. I guess he wants to show what “The Axe Murderer” still got. And Vitor Belfort wants to keep the good phase, so I’m sure it’s going to be a great fight”.