Andre Gusmao Mixed Martial Arts

ANDRE GUSMAO

Part 2

“I Just Want to Pull up a Win on This One”

Former IFL Pitbulls star Professor Andre Gusmao is at the gym in New York City in preparation for his bout with Tomasz Drwal at the Minnesota Target Center on August 9. “I just finished training about four minutes ago. I did Thai training and submission grappling. All this week I’m training once a day to condition my body for the upcoming fight,” says Gusmao.

The Gusmao vs. Drwal showdown is expected to be a very tough battle, as most of Tomasz’s victories have come from KOs or TKOs, and Andre has a reputation for favoring the stand-and-bang approach, and is undefeated in MMA.

As well as conducting his own classes in Capoeira Nago in Union Square, Andre instructs at Renzo Gracie’s Jiu Jitsu Academy, where a number of other former Pitbulls team members train, including Erik Owings, Jamal Patterson and Bryan Vetell.

In Capoeira Nago, rather than wearing colored belts to identify the level of a practitioner, colored cords known as ‘cordas’ are awarded, with the highest rank being the 15th corda, which earns the title ‘Mestre’.

Andre began his training in the art under the guidance of Mestre Suino from Capoeira Candeias. He then practiced under Contra Mestre Penguines and achieved his instructor’s degree (10th corda) at 18. Today, Andre is ranked a professor (12th corda).

As a mixed martial artist, Andre has won all of his five fights, and he says he is looking forward to making his Octagon debut against Poland’s Tomasz Drwal. “Of course: It’s a great opportunity and the UFC is the biggest MMA organization in the world – no question about it.”

A lot of UFC fans probably haven’t seen Gusmao fight. But he’s not particularly worried about making a spectacular entrance in August. “Actually, I’m more concerned about winning the fight than putting on a show. It doesn’t matter how I win.”

Andre, have you signed for more fights with the UFC?

“I have a contract for four fights.”

Have you finished fighting for the IFL?

“Yes.”

What do you know about Tomasz?

“Not much. I have a couple of videos of him, but all UFC guys are tough, and it doesn’t matter who they put in front of you, it’s going to be a rough night, so I prepare for all the guys the same way, and I’ll just be ready for anything that comes.”

What did you think of Tomasz from the videos you saw?

“I’ve seen his style of fighting and it’s the same as mine – he stands up and exchanges, so it might be a little war.”

And you’re ready for a war?

“Always.”

Have you fought in a cage before?

“No. All my fights have been in a ring so I’m pretty excited about fighting in a cage too.”

It won’t be a problem?

“I’ve trained in a cage and done my homework.”

The IFL fights go for four-minute rounds. Will your cardio be okay for five-minute rounds?

“I don’t think it will be a problem because I’ve trained with guys who have fought five-minute rounds, and some guys who fight in Japan where the bouts go for 10-minute rounds, and I have prepared myself as much as possible.”

You always have exciting fights. Will this fight with Tomasz be exciting?

“I think it’s going to be exciting, because the way I fight and the way he fights, someone’s going to get knocked out, man.”

And it’s not going to be you.

“Hell, no.”

Your sponsors?

“I just want to mention my gym, Capoeira Nago, and the Renzo Gracie Academy. The deals for my sponsors will be closing up the day before the fight, so I’m not sure who they are at present.”

Andre Gusmao vs. Mike Ciesnolevicz

For more on Andre Gusmao: www.capoeiranago-usa.com.

For more on UFC 87: www.ufc.com.

Andre’s classes are located at the Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy, 224 West 30^th Street (between 7^th and 8^th avenues), New York. Phone 212 279 6724.

ANDRE GUSMAO

The Pitbulls Mystery Man

photos © IFL

At the start of 2007, an announcement came through from the IFL that it will be adding teams from England, France, South Korea and San Diego to their competition in 2008, further endorsing the International stamp on the IFL moniker.

However, what might seem surprising is that a team from Brazil will also be included that year, despite the New York Pitbulls already having Brazilian-born fighters Renzo Gracie, Marcio Feitosa, Marcelo Azevedo, Gustavo Machado, Fabio Leopoldo, Delson Heleno, and Andre Gusmao competing in the IFL.

But one thing’s for sure, if the Brazilian-based team is anything like the New York Pitbulls, we’re going to be treated to some heavy-duty MMA in 2008.

Meanwhile, Knucklepit.com managed to catch up with Pitbull light heavyweight Andre Gusmao, on the eve of his bout with Canada’s Brent Beauparlant…

Andre has just finished some toast and juice for breakfast at the Mystic Marriott Hotel, where all the IFL athletes are staying, and is about to prepare for tomorrow’s fight.

Gusmao has lived for six years in New York City, where he teaches the first martial art he took up – capoeira. At present Andre runs his classes along Union Square, but he will be starting other classes at Renzo Gracie’s Academy on 30^th Street in January.

Andre, how old were you when you started training?

“I was fourteen.”

Do you use any skills from capoeira in MMA?

“Definitely - especially speed and a sense of distance.”

You were the ‘mystery man’ against Mike Ciesnolevicz. Do you think you surprised him in that fight?

“Probably. Because it's hard to fight a guy when you don't have tapes of him - you can't already see his style. I guess I had that to my advantage.”

You seem to keep your guard down when you fight. Do you use your kicking skills as a guard: If your opponent tries to get in striking distance, you just kick him away?

“For sure. Sometimes I have my guard down because I'm very relaxed in a fight. I also trust my legs because I have a long reach with my legs.”

What is Renzo Gracie like as a coach?

“He's just a very inspiring guy to have around. He's not like a coach that just sits around, he trains with you, especially when he's training for a fight as well.”

Most of Renzo’s team seem to surf. Do you do surfing?

“No, I'm horrible at it!”

Bryan Vetell had a lot less experience than Ben Rothwell when they fought, but Bryan still showed a lot of potential. Do you expect a big season from him in 2007?

“Oh, definitely. Bryan is a monster… the strongest man I've ever seen in my life. He was probably a little nervous, but he's the kind of guy who will dominate when he gets into it. I was joking around and called him a name and he just grabbed my arm and threw me away. It's unreal.”

What do you know about Brent Beauparlant?

“He's a very strong wrestler, a strong and tough guy.”

Will this be an exciting fight for the fans?

“Sure. Put two big guys in the ring, professional fighters, it will be a great bout.”

Will there be a lot of stand-up as well as ground fighting?

“Certainly. Brett is a wrestler but he loves throwing punches. It's going to have pretty much everything involved.”

Do you have a prediction for the fight?

“Hopefully I win!”

How will Renzo go against Carlos Newton?

“That's going to be a war. I so want to see this fight. Both of these fighters just go for it. They chase each other around like dogs. This is a fight everyone should sit down and watch and learn.”

Andre, is there anything you’d like to add?

“No, I think that's it. Watch for me and the Pitbulls in 2007.”

Gusmao vs. Ciesnolevicz (Pitbulls vs. Silverbacks)