Jorge Santiago is the middleweight king on the other side of the world. Unbeatable for almost three years, when he won nine fights, the Brazilian already is at the Rising Sun land for his next fight, which takes place this Saturday in Japan. Scheduled to face Mamed Khalidov, the Sengoku champion won’t put his title in line, but he’s ready for a great fight. Check below a chat with the Sengoku champion.

How are the trainings at ATT?

The training is great, I’m training a lot my physical preparation and my Jiu-Jitsu. I’m dedicating a lot to have a good performance on my next fight. At the moment, I’m here in Japan to continue my trainings. I decided to come here two weeks before so I don’t feel the difference of time, and because I’ve fought the last time here, in January.

What’s the expectation to the return?

I’m really happy to be back to Japan and I’m very confident to this fight.

What do you know about Mamed Khalidov?

I didn’t know him before, I was studying his fights with my trainers and I think we’ll make a good fight. He has a forward game, he likes exchanging, and I’ll try to put my game from this.

He seems to be a tough guy, with the most of victories on the first round. What’s gonna be the strategy for the fight?

The strategy, actually, is to go in there and don’t make his game. I’ll let him show me and there, in time, is to have all the tools to counter attack.

After this fight, how many fight will last on the contract? What’s the expectation to the future about that?

Actually, I only had one fight on my contract, and it would be for the belt. As I won’t defend the belt this time, I still have one fight, probably on the event in the end of the year, on December 31. I like Sengoku a lot, they like me a lot here and I’m professional, that’s how I make my life. I’ll take the best decision to me on the moment.

Did any American event made proposals?

I had proposals from two American events. I would be interest to be back, but in a better condition.

The number one of your category, Anderson, will probably face Vitor Belfort next year. What do you expect from this fight?

I can’t wait to see this fight! Two fighters with high level of striking, one can fall at any moment... I hope I can fight with one of them someday.

You would fight Belfort on Affliction and studied a lot of his game. Do you think that he can end Anderson’s reigning?

Vitor is an explosive fighter, with precise moves, in the other hand, I have never seen anyone to find Anderson’s time. Fight is fight, anything can happen.

Anderson said that Vitor wouldn’t exchange with him standing up. Do you think that the ground is the best answer to Belfort?

I don’t think that Vitor will try to take him down, but I think that he may have better chances on the ground.