wywiad z M. Bustamante - PRZED GP

Witam,

moze nie najswiezsze, ale co tam, wrzucam...

http://news.adcombat.com/article.shtml?id=4621

PRIDE Interview: MURILO BUSTAMANTE!
Submitted by: Marcello Tetel
Posted On 08/09/2003

First of all, tell everybody about the deal!

I came to Japan to corner Arona and Minotauro. I knew Arona had been injured
before he left Brazil, but nobody thought it was a fracture. I knew that
Arona's injury was serious, but due to the fact he had already skipped the
last match against Overeem in May, we thought Pride would make him fight
anyway.

So basically you didn't know you would fight?

How would I know?! When I left Brazil the word from Japan was 'Arona is
having exams to figure out exactly his real situation.'

When did you get the news about the offer to fight?

As soon as I got to Japan, our representative told me that Pride was
considering me as a replacement.

Your thoughts at that point?

Well, I was happy in one way, because I was flattered that Pride thought I
was worthy. At the same time, I was very disappointed because this was not
the way I was expecting to have my debut in PRIDE. We were working on an
appearance for the November show.

How long did it take to confirm your name?

It was a quick negotiation. It had to be, nobody had time to think too
much. They offered me good things, and I will represent the BTT in the
event. Things worked out good for everybody. I think they have a good
replacement, and I have my compensation.

So this is not a single fight contract?

That's correct.

What do you think about your opponent, 'Rampage' Jackson?

Honestly I don't know. Mario was responsible for Arona's preparation, and I
was focused more on Minotauro. Besides, we had a pretty busy month: I was
the main coach for fighters in Knock MMA, Heat FC and Meca 9. I have
prepared 10 fighters for matches, plus Minotauro for PRIDE. So I didn't even
see Jackson's tape, I only have seen him fighting before. He's strong, he is
a good wrestler and he has good stand up, so I'm gonna have some hardwork to
do...

So let's talk about the fight itself. How do you think it will unfold?

This is unpredictable. I had 2 days to work my mental game and convince
myself I was not coaching guys anymore! Now I am mentally prepared and ready
to step up there and compete. I'm gonna sleep, and when I wake up tomorrow
I'm will be fighting in the best tournament ever seen. There the fight will
unfold.

People is saying that the short notice could be used as an excuse. Any
words?

Short notice is short notice for me and for him. Do you think he was
expecting to facing me? As for my training, of course, I was not training
for thePride Grand Prix, it was more like maintenance training, which is way
different, but I'm feeling prepared nonetheless.

So no excuses... Well, I had the right to refuse this fight if I didn't want
to take it. I think I already proved that I don't make excuses. When I was
about to pull out my fight in my last UFC title defense due to a finger
injury, People from Zuffa asked me to fight, saying that it would be a
disaster for the show to lose the main event a week prior. I fought and even
if I had lost no excuses were going to be made. I am not a boy, I am a man
and in my life there's no place or time for excuses or regrets.

How are you feeling for the GP tomorrow?

You know, it's weird. I have a lot of pressure I put on myself, that
motivates me. At the same time, I am more relaxed. The ball is really in
Jackson's court and he is the one who has been 'in' all along, and it is he
who has to prove something. I just have to compete and do my best, but I am
going there to upset people...

Finally, go and pick the 4 guys who you think will advance to the next
round?

Man, it would be irresponsible of me to do that. The only thing I know is,
if I win my fight, my next opponent better bring a gun with him, because you
will have to kill me in November, otherwise I'll take the whole thing.

nie ma tego dobrego, co by sie zle nie skonczylo

pozdr,
TM