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Guilherme Mendes: “The Crowd’s Boos Don’t Bother Me”

Guilherme Mendes: “The Crowd’s Boos Don’t Bother Me”

 

 

Gui Mendes became for the fourth time World champion this year. Even in his big achievement there was some controversy , but even that was not able to diminish the happiness of the light featherweight world champion . Gui defeated Paulo Miyao in the final in a very close match, 2-1 by way of advantages.

Satisfied with the result obtained in the Long Beach Pyramid, Gui Mendes – already champion in 2009, 2011 and 2012 -said that his preparation was perfect.

Regarding boos, Guilherme Mendes chose not to address too muc. The reason for the controversy for him is the fact that Miyao ended the match, trying hard to “catch”Gui’s foot, but time ran out and the referee did not give the advantage (which would tie the duel), which caused controversy among some people in the crowd. He told Tatame:

“I think my preparation for this championship was perfect, from the diet to the workouts. We opened the gym two years ago and our students have improved a lot and the quality of our training too. We do a great exchange with Atos San Diego (Galvao’s gym), so the training was perfect. I came here confident. i did not put pressure on myself. I came to give my best. I had thought about stopping to compete last year, only being a coach and dedicating myself to the gym, but it’s hard to stop when you know what it’s like to win, and I fought well in all my fights. ”

 

Gui and Rafa Mendes

Gui and Rafa Mendes

About the crowd’s boos:

“The Alliance team was bothered because we (Atos) were near on team points and my victory could derail the overall title for them, so they were cheering against me. But it did not bother me at all (the boos). The referees are there and they are there to leave no doubt.”

Also according to Gui Mendes, his experience was the key factor for him winning his fourth championship. While he received his black belt in October 2008, Miyao, 23, got his just a year ago, in June 2013.

“The biggest difference was my experience. I always try to have my BJJ as complete as possible. So, if I need to fight on bottom or on top,  I’ll be ready. I knew his game (Paulo) is more underneath, he would not go up at all if I pull, so I knew what to expect from him. My strategy worked well. We had trained together, one knew the game on the other. It was a tough, very cool and I’m sure he will be the next champion.”

 

With the conquest of his fourth world title, Gui is getting closer to 5x world champion Robson Moura,  biggest winner among the featherweights:

“I have this urge to beat the record of Robinho. I entered into the hall of fame now, it was something I wanted before I could stop. Now I devote myself in the gym, to see what will be the future, and next year, if I’m motivated, I will return. I think this year was my best performance. I had my toughest championships, and still managed to come out as a champion, “