Bruno Silva’s four-game losing streak in the Ultimate Fighting Championship caught the attention of fans accustomed to his aggressive style, but also primarily of head coach Andre Dida. In this exclusive interview with Sherdog.com, the Brazilian TKO leader talks about the anxiety crisis affecting ‘Brindado’ and comments on the importance of professional athletes taking the psychological aspects of sport seriously did. He also analyzed Bruno Ferreira’s loss on the same card and Blendson Ribeiro’s fight on Saturday at UFC Edmonton.
What was the tactical plan of “Brindad” against Ismail Nauldiyev?
Our tactics were to keep the fight standing, with calf kicks, front kicks to the face, head kicks, and heavy use of boxing. We were convinced that Bruno was superior in every way – under normal circumstances he would not have lost this fight. We studied his opponent and found out that he had already lost 2 fights with calf kicks and was already knocked out in boxing, so I think the Muay Thai and Brindard experience will give us the victory. I was very sure I was deaf. But we were once again surprised when the athlete suffered an anxiety attack.
Had he ever felt the same way?
He fought in Lebanon before joining the UFC. It was exactly the same. Bruno is no longer there, only one body standing in front of his opponent. When this happened in Lebanon, before joining the UFC, we started a psychology and exposure protocol during training, training in public, and it worked out very well. “Brindad” then reigned supreme in Russia, winning all of his matches and also winning the M-1 Global belt. He then signed with the UFC, where he started with three straight wins and two bonuses.
After these three wins, he fought Alex Pereira. Although he lost in points, he fought the current champion for 15 minutes on his feet.
that’s right. When the game was over, I remember going to talk to Brindard in the locker room and asking him why he didn’t follow our strategy of taking down “Poitan”. He apologized to me and said I needed to show the world that no one is scared when it comes to brawling. I told him he missed a great chance to win. After that, Brindard’s career struggled (7 wins, 6 losses).
So did this crisis of insecurity start after the fight with Pereira?
that’s right. Immediately after fighting “Poatan”, we got into a fight. I remember when the fight with Gerald Meerschaert started, after only two minutes the opponent did nothing and I could see that Bruno was no longer there. I gave tactical instructions, but found that he did not follow me. When he went to the corner, he saw Brindard confused, trying to understand what had happened to him. There was despair in his eyes. Because I didn’t understand why my body stopped working. I was overcome by anxiety again. We knew the importance of this battle in Abu Dhabi. If there was ever a day when this crisis did not come, it was during this battle. But my nightmare became reality. Bruno suffered another crisis at the beginning of the battle. It’s very sad to see an athlete with Brindard’s background go through a situation like this and be unable to fight the way he loves, which is to put on a show where he always goes for the KO.
Have you ever tried to do anything as a coach?
I did everything to activate his mind and pushed him to the limits in training and exhibitions. For example, we asked everyone to come and watch the public practice. I asked ‘Brindad’ to take my daughter and wife to experience exhibition psychology. Because there are people I love, so I don’t want to lose. I’ve done this with boxing as well. Take an athlete from another gym and do a boxing sparring session with over 100 guests to see how he’s doing and revitalize his commitment to avoid another training day. did. Training becomes a battle because no one wants to lose in front of their wife, children, and friends. I value mental work within the team. I know that on game day, that’s all an athlete needs to win. He has the calm mind of a sniper who is just waiting for the moment to shoot, remembering that he also carries a knife, pistol, and grenade. One of the weapons will neutralize the enemy, he just needs the opportunity that is being built. Now, let’s see what the UFC does with “Brindad.” But first and foremost, he needs to take care of himself. “Brindad” is our Rocky Balboa. He likes to go hand in hand, that’s his style!! Now just wait for the best medicine and time and move on to the next page.
Regarding Bruno Ferreira, what were his tactics to defeat Abspiyan Magomedov and what do you think went wrong?
Our tactics were to engage in close boxing, using jabs and straights to cross the opponent’s movement, or kicks to the head to take away the opponent’s boxing. Then, with 1-2 minutes left in each round, perform a takedown to ensure the round ends. During the match, he got a taste of victory three times by knocking his opponent to the ground. However, in desperation, he grabbed “Hulk”, got back on his feet, and won the fight by submission. This was a surprise to all of us. Judo and jiu-jitsu are Hulk’s specialties. This shouldn’t have happened. As the same “Hulk” said after the match: “I was so caught up in my own ego that I never imagined that my opponent would want to beat me, especially since he was more on his feet. ” And combat intelligence requires you to hide your intentions in order to land just one blow. “Hulk” is an incredible fighter, extremely dedicated and intelligent. I am 100% sure that I will reach the top 10 soon. I have worked with many martial artists, but I can say that “Hulk” is special and this result will turn him into an even greater athlete. We have a long journey ahead and I have a fighter that every coach would love to work with.
Blendson Ribeiro will face off against Brazilian Caio Machado on Saturday. Both have lost two in a row, so the loser’s job could be in jeopardy. What kind of tactical match are you planning against Blendson?
This time against Blendson, my opponent was a southpaw and we came up with a great fighting strategy. Blendson is a great fighter and has everything he needs to put on a show and will be able to unleash his full arsenal in this fight. He, like Jon Jones, is a very skilled fighter in terms of striking. We understand our situation within the event and the importance of winning this battle. And he will bring victory.
