One of the Brazilian promises in the UFC welterweight division, Paulo Thiago is training hard for his fifth fight on the event, this time against the really tough Martin Kampmann. In a chat with TATAME, the BOPE policeman revealed he’ll spend 15 days training with Anderson Silva in Rio de Janeiro, commented his wish to fight for the belt on his category, against George St. Pierre, and analyzed his category.

How are the trainings for UFC 115?

I’m doing my preparation here in Brasília, but this weekend I’ll go to Rio de Janeiro and stay there for two weeks of trainings.

Do you intend to train with Anderson Silva, people from Nova União and X-Gym?

The training in Rio is pretty good, a tough one. The gym is full of high-level athletes, international level, so is a tough train. I went there and learned a lot with them, did the physical part with Rogerão (Camões) and did good.

What do you expect of this fight?

Martin Kampmann is a really good fighter, the standing part is good, has a nice Jiu-Jitsu. I have to go there prepared to confront him both standing and on the ground, be pretty sharp.

With a victory over one of the top 10 athletes on your category, in which position do you think it’d put you on?

Beating him I will definitely move up in the rankings. He is among the 10 too. I'm going in search of my opportunity. Everybody is running behind, I'm being patient, I'm not pushing myself too much. I go slowly, step by step to get an opportunity at the right time.

Do you believe St. Pierre will still be the champion when you get there or will someone has taken it off him before that?

I think everyone can win, at least the top 10 of the category, is a matter of opportunity. He’s a really tough guy, but everyone has conditions. If he’s going to be the champion until I get the I don’t know.

St. Pierre will confront the winner between Josh Koscheck and Paul Daley on the next season of the UFC reality show. Who do you think is winning this fight?

Well, Daley has a hard pulse, but I think Koscheck is more complete, besides having a good strike, knocks down very well, is good with the submissions... I think Koscheck’s game is more complete, despite Daley is more dangerous standing. I’d bet on Koscheck.

In your opinion, does Koscheck have any chance of beating St. Pierre?

Yes, he does. But the thing is, I don’t bet on anyone, is 50-50. Both are really good on the ground, Wrestling... It’s not an easy victory for St. Pierre, it’ll be a tough fight.