Accused by the USADA (US Anti-Doping Agency) of having used the banned exogenous substance boldenone, Michel ‘Trator’ Prazeres was suspended for two years. With his sentence served, he returns to the UFC Octagon on June 26 to face Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC Vegas 30, in Las Vegas, USA. With a record of 13 victories in 13 fights, the Kazakh didn’t even make it to the third round, having victimized all his opponents via knockout or submission. Thirsty for a fight, the Michel Trator believes that his opponent will finally know the bitter taste of defeat.
He told Tatame:
“I’m watching his fights and he’s never fought a guy of my style, who will demand the most from him in all areas. As this fight unfolds, his chances are getting smaller, because my physique is much bigger than his, my grappling game is much better than his. I’m from root Jiu-Jitsu, old school, I believe that the moment I grab hold of him and go to the ground, he’s going to be suffocated”.
“He’s a really tall guy. I’m training a lot not to be a problem and I believe a lot in my qualities. I know I will print my game. He’s a very tough guy, there’s no way to say otherwise, he’s undefeated, he never made it to the third round, but with me it’s going to be different”, he adds.
Michel Trator won 14 of his 26 victories taking the fight to the decision, always showing a vigorous physical preparation. Such energy he credits to a famous fruit from the Amazon region.
“My energy certainly comes from açaí, our traditional food from Pará. I have been using it since I was a kid. Every person from Pará who takes it is a tough guy. Our original fruit from the North brings a lot of energy to us”, guarantees the fighter.
The Jiu-Jitsu black belt’s relationship with açaí goes even further. Coincidence or not, Bony Monteiro, founder of the famous Bony Açaí, has an important role in his trajectory.
“Bony has always encouraged everyone in Pará, he’s a guy with a lot of good blood, he helps a lot of people, both in Jiu-Jitsu and in MMA. I just have to be thankful, because when many people didn’t believe in me, he did, he helped me with sponsorship, tickets, together with Lyoto he talked to Wallid to put me on Jungle Fight. Anyway, I’m a privileged guy to have this guy on my side”, recognizes the UFC fighter.
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