Photo Guilherme Cruz

Health care at the first place. This is the slogan of André Pederneiras, president of the South American Shooto, and he announces news for the event: the Brazilians who win Shooto world titles will have a complete and free health care.

“That’s a way we found to encourage the guys who fight in Shooto… A world champion has to have a good structure coming from the event”, Pederneiras said, revealing that he news is only for the Brazilians. “I’m not Santa Claus”, jokes.

“The health insurance can be used while the athlete keeps himself as the champion, and it’ll still be valid eve if he fights in another event. That’s an independent thing because Shooto’s contract doesn’t demand exclusivity. He can fight anywhere and his health insurance is guaranteed. Shooto priories the career of the athlete. Even without a contract, Shooto wants the fighter to grow”, explains.