Babalu shouldn't look past "Feijão", perhaps Tito should take some notes

by Gunslinger20 on Apr 14, 2009 8:16 AM EDT

"I see (Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Renato) 'Babalu' (Sobral) out here running around slapping his lips," Ortiz said. "That might be a pay-per-view fight. After the fight they're going to be saying 'Baba-who?' So that's going to be good."

Ortiz did admit he'd like to have a little time to warm up first.

"I really think I need a tune-up fight before (a fight with 'Babalu')," Ortiz said. "I probably shouldn't be saying 'tune-up fight,' but I had major back surgery, and I have no more pain.

Tito Ortiz quote from an article on MMA Junkie

Blackout had some great footage of Tito and Babalu jawing at each other from the Strikeforce event this past Saturday, although it would be a great fight between Tito and Babalu.... you cannot look past Babalu's next opponent in Rafael "Feijão" Cavalcante.

"Feijão" is an incredible light heavyweight that trains with the likes of Anderson Silva and the Noguiera Bros among others. Interviews with him are showing that he is incredibly focused for this upcoming bout with Babalu on June 6th at the next Strikeforce event that will also feature a catchweight fight between Jake Shields and Robbie Lawler.

"My goal has always been this, fight for a belt independent of the event I’m in. I’m training hard, I was already training hard and let’s go, I will be prepared for this fight", says Feijão, who trains with Anderson Silva, the Nogueira brothers and others great athletes. "I’m very well trained and at this time off I wasn’t without fight. When I went to the United States to fight for EliteXC’s title, and unfortunately it didn’t happen, we hired a sparring and I did five rounds against him, so that I wouldn’t be without fight rhythm", says.

"Feijão" interview from Tatame.com

"Feijão" has won his last 3 fights by first round KO's. Of his 7 wins, 6 are by KO and his submission victory was a submission from punches and his lone loss was a DQ from an illegal kick so technically he hasn't been beaten. Babalu is a huge step up in competition for him, but considering his training camp and the degree to which he has won his fights.... it maybe in Babalu's best interest to not look past "Feijão" and get his mind set on a clash with Tito.

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Comments

Exactly, overlooking your opponents is a rookie mistake.

by Bandaka on Apr 14, 2009 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

My point exactly

Babalu should focus less on Tito and more on Feijao…. I think Babalu’s gonna get shocked in this one, Feijao is the real deal.

by Gunslinger20 on Apr 14, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Absolutely

Feijao is a BEAST!

by MMASuPreMaCy on Apr 14, 2009 1:42 PM EDT reply actions

I don’t think the fact that Babalu and Tito had a televised staredown/ trash talk moment necessarily means that Babalu is looking past Cavalcante. I’m sure Renato knows that Rafael is a very good fighter, and that he’s preparing seriously for him.

That said, Rafael is a VERY live underdog in this fight, and i’d even say that he matches up perfectly with Babalu. He’s a BB under Nog in Jiu- Jitsu, has great muay Thai, has decent wrestling, and will have a size/ strength advantage over Babalu in this fight as well.

I honestly see him pulling the upset, prolly by 2’nd/ 3’rd round (T)KO, or UD.

That’s not to say that Babalu (tenacious and crafty as he is) couldn’t weather an early storm, muscle out a takedown, and control Feijao on the ground for a UD, or possible late sub if Feijao becomes reckless/ impatient, and leaves his neck or a limb exposed.

Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.

'09 is the year of the FW's.

by ElliotMatheny on Apr 14, 2009 2:12 PM EDT reply actions

Is Feijao’s StrikeForce deal the one he had with EliteXC? Because I am kind of surprised that he didn’t sign with the UFC since he talked about not to long ago if that isn’t the case

by The Legend on Apr 14, 2009 2:42 PM EDT reply actions