José Aldo motivated by the support of the fans
UFC champion, Flamengo fighter, doesn't mind rivals' provocation and asks Brazilians to unite
By Official Website Team - in
The rivalry that exists in soccer isn't carried over to any other sport. There's always banter and provocation, but athletes often count on the support of their rivals when facing foreigners. This is the case with UFC featherweight champion José Aldo, who will face American Chad Mandes this Saturday (January 14.01) at UFC Rio.
A born Flamengo fan, who often sits in the stands among the fans, Aldo once again reaffirmed his Flamengo roots, but asked for support from all Brazilians who will be present at the event and also from those who will watch the fight, in the early hours of Saturday to Sunday.
"Receiving this affection from the fans is essential. It really motivates me and always lifts me up. I'm a Flamengo fan, everyone knows that, but I'll be representing, above all, Brazil. That's why I'll be flying the Brazilian flag. That's my job," said the Flamengo champion.
At the event's official press conference, held this Thursday (January 12.01), Aldo was frequently asked about the involvement of football clubs with MMA fighters. However, he was quite straightforward in his answers. After all, he has never hidden his love for Flamengo and is not linked to the club solely for marketing purposes.
"For me, it doesn't bother me at all. It's even normal. I go to football stadiums a lot, I support Flamengo and I follow the team," he said, brushing aside the provocation from Chad Mendes, who appeared wearing the shirt of a Vasco fan club.
"I don't see a problem with that, no. He can show up with the shirt. I think it's an inside joke, since he knows I'm a Flamengo fan. But it will be Brazil versus the United States, not Flamengo and Vasco."
UFC Rio will be held in the early hours of Saturday morning, forcing José Aldo to change his training schedule slightly. The champion started working out during his fight, but he didn't mind at all. He'll arrive well prepared and has promised to do everything he can to retain his belt.
"I won't put any pressure on the fight. I tried to train well every day to arrive on time and do everything right. The fans want the win, and I want it even more. And I always go to sleep around 3 a.m. I like playing video games and staying awake," joked the Flamengo fan, revealing that he doesn't play with Flamengo in the soccer game.
"I would play with Flamengo, without a doubt. But in the game I play, Flamengo isn't there. So, I'll play with Chelsea," he concluded.
A born Flamengo fan, who often sits in the stands among the fans, Aldo once again reaffirmed his Flamengo roots, but asked for support from all Brazilians who will be present at the event and also from those who will watch the fight, in the early hours of Saturday to Sunday.
"Receiving this affection from the fans is essential. It really motivates me and always lifts me up. I'm a Flamengo fan, everyone knows that, but I'll be representing, above all, Brazil. That's why I'll be flying the Brazilian flag. That's my job," said the Flamengo champion.
At the event's official press conference, held this Thursday (January 12.01), Aldo was frequently asked about the involvement of football clubs with MMA fighters. However, he was quite straightforward in his answers. After all, he has never hidden his love for Flamengo and is not linked to the club solely for marketing purposes.
"For me, it doesn't bother me at all. It's even normal. I go to football stadiums a lot, I support Flamengo and I follow the team," he said, brushing aside the provocation from Chad Mendes, who appeared wearing the shirt of a Vasco fan club.
"I don't see a problem with that, no. He can show up with the shirt. I think it's an inside joke, since he knows I'm a Flamengo fan. But it will be Brazil versus the United States, not Flamengo and Vasco."
UFC Rio will be held in the early hours of Saturday morning, forcing José Aldo to change his training schedule slightly. The champion started working out during his fight, but he didn't mind at all. He'll arrive well prepared and has promised to do everything he can to retain his belt.
"I won't put any pressure on the fight. I tried to train well every day to arrive on time and do everything right. The fans want the win, and I want it even more. And I always go to sleep around 3 a.m. I like playing video games and staying awake," joked the Flamengo fan, revealing that he doesn't play with Flamengo in the soccer game.
"I would play with Flamengo, without a doubt. But in the game I play, Flamengo isn't there. So, I'll play with Chelsea," he concluded.