Photo Eduardo Ferreira

Seven times champion of Karate on Paraná, João Gilherme Bendly was responsible for the sparring on Maurício Shogun’s karate on the first fight for the belt against Lyoto Machida.

Chosen between over ten karate fighters that were tested on Paraná by Shogun, he told us how was the whole preparation for the fight.

“I memorized Lyoto from the top to the bottom so that I can impose myself in front of Shogun, because what he needed was the karate’s timing, the defense techniques of Lyoto. This timing is different and requires years of practice in Karate and that’s exactly what he needs. I adapted my game to Lyoto’s and did what he does in front of Shogun to do this specific training”, commented João.

For the second fight, that will happen on May 8th for the UFC 113, João Guilherme does not believe that Lyoto is changing main characteristics. “I think that Lyoto won’t change much his style because it’s been working very well for him. You can’t change ten years of practice in four months. I guess he will still be defensive since he’s really good at it, counter attacking. He may work on this timing and be more prepared just as Shogun. But I think Shogun will win”, said João about the challenge. “I think it will be like the last fight, the kicks from Shogun are certain and I think this fight will be aggressive, rather than the previous one, because both need to show service”.