In just a few hours, UFC on FUEL TV 8 will commence with the first Japanese card of the year. It is absolutely fitting that we see some former PRIDE stars on the card, one of which, is Cristiano Marcello. The 35 year old BJJ ace will be facing UFC newcomer, Kazuki Tokudome at 155 pounds in a fight that is sure to bring the crowd to it's feet. His last fight with Reza Madadi ended with a split decision win for him, and it was gangbusters.
Bearing that in mind, Marcello feels that it's imperative that he fight to finish all the time. When asked about the recent cuts within the organization, he stated in an interview with Evan Shoman that if you put on a good performance, you'll always have a job.
I fight to submit or knock a guy out. I believe the UFC wants you to give a great show. I want to win, but more than anything, I want to perform my best. I want the submission or knockout. I feel if you give a good show and fight your best you will still have your job. People like the way I fight. When I can't fight aggressively for the win any more, I will quit MMA.
With all the recent commotion and controversy with TRT, he said that motivation was a bigger factor than TRT could ever be:
I still have a lot of motivation in MMA. THAT is my testosterone.
The pride he displays when speaking about the athletes he trains out of his gym in Brazil is immense. In perhaps an unusual method, Marcello still trains other fighters while training for his own fights.
In my Chute Boxe days, I did both at the same time, and still do today. I love my life today because a lot of people need my attention like those I train, my 2 kids, and my wife. I embrace it because if I stay home and do nothing it makes me crazy.
You can follow Cristiano via his Twitter account, @CristianoBJJ
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