By Guilherme Cruz

Photo Marcelo Alonso

Without fighting since September of 2009, Roan Jucão will enter the ring again on October 16, the day when he will dispute the first phase of Glory’s GP, in Holland. On a chat with TATAME, the former champion of UFC guaranteed he’s ready for the battle. “Thanks God I’m training well, I’m feeling more and more mature and happy with this opportunity, to fight on an event of this magnitude”, said, excited with the level of his opponents. “There’re only great names. I don’t pick opponents, I fight whoever they tell me to. This was the opportunity that was waiting for to put me on the top of the division again”, guarantees, talking about his trainings and the possible return to UFC.

What are your expectations for this GP?

The best possible, I’m very excited. Thanks God I’m training well, I’m feeling more and more mature and happy with this opportunity, to fight on an event of this magnitude. I’ve only fought on one GP my whole life, in England, but there were three fights on the same evening (in 2006, Jucão won two fights and has been stopped by Leonardo Lúcio).

What do you think of the confirmed athletes for the tournament?

There’s only great names in there… Siyar Bahadurzada, world champion of SHooto, Luis Beição, Nick Thompson, Sergey Golyaev, who beat Takanori Gomi… There’re few names left, but there’s only hard guys. I’m glad to have all this names to confront. . I don’t pick opponents, I fight whoever they tell me to. This was the opportunity that was waiting for to put me on the top of the division again.

Do you want to go back to UFC?

Of course that Ultimate is the Best event in the whole world, I’ve been there, but everybody know i’ve been injured on my last fight. I beat Ryo Chonan and that’s what matters in my mind. But that’s not my expectation. If it happens, it will, but it’s not a thing I crave for. What I really want is to fight this event and win the belt without leaving any doubts. There’re other organizatons too, like Strikeforce and even Glory, which is promoting this spectacular GP. I want to be happy, fighting wherever it is, always fighting the bests.

Do you think that the fact you have not fight since September of 2009 can be a bad thing for you on this GP?

Not at all. I’m training hard. i helped (Thiago) Pitbull on his last fight and we ready fight back on the gym. I’m in a good conditioning, with no injuries and that’s what matters… It won’t disturb me in any way.