The 2013 World Jiu-Jitsu champion, Augusto Tanquinho Mendes has been making the transition to MMA. At 31 years old and with only two fightson MMA record, it’s considered late.
In an interview the website”MMA Junkie ‘, Tanquinho who was supposed to face Bruno Viana in Legacy 37, on Friday (14), spoke about his recent foray into MMA and explanation for his late start:
“I’m enjoying myself, and I’m doing well, so that’s my path now,” Mendes said. “I’m not young. I’m not a boy, so I have no time to lose. I’m doing my best to catch up to everyone.”
“Since I managed to be world champion in jiu-jitsu, I also aim to become world champion in MMA. And I’m not scared if my opponent has more MMA experience. I train with world-class athletes such as Benson Henderson. I train hard, and I’ll be ready.”
Mendes was supposed to meet undefeated prospect Bruno Viana, who ultimately withdrew from the event for undisclosed reasons:
“It was tough to find an opponent at the last minute, but we found one,” Mendes said. “I’ll be facing Richard. I wasn’t able to find too much about him. I’ll just show up and fight, then. I found one video, but I’m not sure if it was amateur or pro. It wasn’t even complete. But it doesn’t make much of a difference. My training is done. I’ll just show up and give my best to get the victory.”
