In an intriguing matchup at WNO, Vagner Rocha prepares to face Nicholas Meregali. Viktor Doria, Rocha’s manager and a seasoned Jiu-Jitsu black belt, sheds light on how Rocha might emerge victorious against the formidable Meregali.

The Underdog with an Edge

Doria acknowledges Rocha as the “underdog” due to Meregali’s advantages in size, strength, youth, and height. However, he emphasizes Rocha’s unique attributes, which set him apart. According to Doria, Meregali has “never fought anyone not even close to who Vagner is,” highlighting Rocha’s significant experience and grit.

Experience and Grit: Rocha’s Key Weapons

Rocha’s experience in the Octagon and years of MMA training have imbued him with exceptional grit, an attribute that Doria believes will play a crucial role. Despite being an “old dog,” Rocha’s transformation to 200 lbs has made him stronger and more formidable. Doria contrasts Rocha’s style with Cyborg, another fighter who faced Meregali but lost in overtime. He explains that while Meregali couldn’t outperform Cyborg in regulation, it was the overtime EBI rules that determined the outcome, a rule set Doria criticizes heavily.

Psychological Warfare

An interesting aspect Doria points out is the psychological warfare in which Rocha excels. He describes Rocha as a fighter who “doesn’t care” about trash talk and can unsettle his opponents with his demeanor during a fight. Rocha is known to talk back, laugh, and smile during fights, tactics that Doria believes could get into Meregali’s head if he’s not mature enough to handle it.

While Doria stops short of definitively stating Rocha will beat Meregali, he suggests that Rocha might be the one to come closest to defeating him, if not actually succeeding. His combination of physical strength, combat experience, and psychological tactics make him a unique contender, poised to challenge Meregali’s dominance in a way few others can.