Phenomenon in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, Paulo Filho was unanimity in middleweight rankings, which showed him as the second best athlete in the division. Coming undefeated to WEC, the black belt won the belt of the category, but several problems outside the ring resulted in his first defeat and his release from the organization. After several months of treatment, Filho is back to the trainings. In exclusive interview to the TATAME, Paulão talked about his treatment, the victory of Demian Maia over his tormentor, Chael Sonnen, the trainings with Arona and how would it be if his friend was in the UFC, Wanderlei Silva change of category and said about the cover report from the TATAME Magazine March issue, which put his fights with Shogun and Anderson.

How was your return to the trainings?

I’m 100%, training hard with the Master Distak, who is giving me a sensational base, and the Master Oswaldo Alves, a vision totally different of the Jiu-Jitsu. Thanks God I’m more focused, recovered from the problems I had. I met a cool girl that supports me. My father is in good health, everything is perfect for me. I think this is the best stage of my life.

You’re also training with Anderson and Minotauro in Rio?

No. I didn’t go to the X-Gym for personal reasons. I’m doing some training at Tonico Jr. academy.

I spoke with your manager and he said you were next to close with the Bellator, but it didn’t work. How is your head to return to the fights?

I’ll go to the event that pays me better... Give me the money and fuck the rest (laughs).

How was your treatment?

I was very well received by the doctor, treated my depression, I’m cured, beyond the other problems that I also had and that can happen to any athlete. Since I left the clinic, I’m strong, very well. People will have a big surprise to see Paulo Filho back.

What did you think of Demian’s victory against Chael Sonnen?

First, I would like to congratulate Demian, who is showing the best ground of MMA, undoubtedly. Sonnen is a very hard guy and he won him easily. He is doing a great job raising the flag, I was very happy, really. He showed to Sonnen that the Jiu-Jitsu is the most complete martial art.

In the March edition of TATAME, we made a card with ten dream fights, and you appear in two of them: against Maurício Shogun and Anderson Silva. How do you think would be a fight between you?

Against Shogun, I think I win, easily. He is a good athlete, has enough force, it’s intense, stripped, invents, shows the game, but I think he has gaps and with my force and well trained, I can stop his game, even because I’m physically stronger than him. But Anderson is a guy that I wouldn’t fight at all. We have the same manager, are friends and I think it has space for everybody. With Shogun would be a matter of honor, I believe that the Chute Boxe, today, is the former Luta Livre, then have a romantic motive in this fight, but Anderson is out of the question.

Speaking about Chute Boxe, what did you think of the losses of athletes like Wanderlei, Shogun, Ninja, and Rafael Cordeiro going to the United States?

Just as the Chute Boxe formed Shogun, Wanderlei, Anderson Silva, Ninja and many others, will make even more. Rudimar is a pioneer guy, Rafael Cordeiro too, they are able to restart, is a matter of time. It’s more than proof that they have one of the strongest schools in the world. They’re groundwork has been done and they could make athletes even better.

Have you already trained with Arona in your return?

I have been training again, we talk a lot. He is my soul mate, think as I think, has the same principle of honor and justice, defend the Jiu-Jitsu, lover of nature and sports. I think he has everything to return and, in my opinion, is the number one at light heavyweight, he just needs to work hard that he has no opponent in that category.

How do you think Arona would be at the UFC now?

Arona has lots of quality and a sensational star, is one of the bravest guys I know, is the stronger guy of the category and is from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is the guy who won Fedor, so there are no comments for him. He is more mature, with 30 years old, working hard in silence.

After the defeat to Quinton Rampage, Wanderlei went down to the middleweight. How do you think he will fight in this category?

Wanderlei is a strong guy. I’m a guy who always weight 204lbs training and in good shape, but now, for example, I’m with 205lbs, and have difficulties. He is heavier than me, he will feel a lot and will lose much of that power. And as he is an athlete who doesn’t have the greatest technical part, if he gets a good Wrestler, gets more complicated. He will make the experience at 185lbs and then go up. A council from who knows, he will feel it, for sure.

He will face Rich Franklin, the former middleweight champion. How do you think the fight will be?

At 205lbs I don’t see much problem, but at middleweight I don’t guarantee. Rich already fought many times in this category, he’s used to, I don’t know... I cheer for him, his Brazilian, but I think he will fell a little difficulty.