By Guilherme Cruz

Photo UFC

Terry Etim is an expert when fighting on the ground, and he trusts his talent to overcome Edson Barboza Junior at UFC Rio, next Saturday (14th). Before the bout, the English talked exclusively with TATAME and analyzed the duel, guaranteeing he will be ready for anything – even striking.

“I am sure that if the fight goes to the ground I can submit him… I think it is one of the ways. Although he is a good striker I feel confident to strike with him too”, warns Terry, who’s coming from a great win at UFC 138, which happens in England, when he submitted in 17 seconds. “(He is) a very talented and well rounded fighter. I respect Barboza a lot and I am aware of his skills. That’s why I have trained so much for this fight”.

How was the preparation for this fight?

The preparation was really good. It’s been great to get prepared under the eyes of my coaches Marcelo Brigadeiro and Colin Heron, it gave me even more confidence.

Why you decided to come earlier to Brazil and train here?

Because my coach Brigadeiro is here and I wanted to be at my best to this fight, so I came with my coach Colin and my team mate Uche Ihiekwe. It was also good to acclimatize.

Did you learn any trick that you might use in the fight?

Yes, we have been working a lot in new tricks that I intend to use on my fight.

What are your thoughts on Edson Barboza?

A very talented and well rounded fighter. I respect Barboza a lot and I am aware of his skills. That’s why I have trained so much for this fight.

Do you think the ground is the best way to defeat him?

I think it is one of the ways. Although he is a good striker I feel confident to strike with him too.

He trains with guys like Pablo Popovitch and Vagner Rocha. Do you believe you have what it takes to submit him?

Definitely. I have trained all over the world and I know that Brigadeiro is one of the top ground coaches in the world. I also have been training with great grapplers as Franklin Jensen, Juliano Ninja, Rafael Morcego and others. I am sure that if the fight goes to the ground I can submit him.

You’re coming of a huge win in your home country. How did you feel about that?

I feel great. Winning a fight on the UFC is amazing and doing it in your home country is even better.

You had the support of the fans in that fight. Did that help you at all?

Yes, it helps you to get pumped for the fight.

Now it’s a different situation in Rio. Do you feel under pressure?

Not really. I am very focused on this fight and nothing will make me lose my focus.

Edson is considered by many as Brazil’s best lightweight in UFC. Do you think a win over him puts you closer to the title?

I think it will put me closer to the top guys but I am not in a rush for a title shot. I am improving everyday and when the time comes I will be ready.

Feel free to send a message to the Brazilian fans, who’ll probably boo you at the arena.

I want to say that I love Brazil a lot. My coach is Brazilian and I have many friends here. Unfortunately, I will have to face a Brazilian but I hope that once the fight is over I can have the support from the Brazilian fans in my next fights.