By Guilherme Cruz

Photo Eduardo Ferreira

Head-coach of Nova Uniao team and Jose Aldo’s trainer, Andre Pederneiras affirmed to TATAME, this Thursday (12th), during the pre-fight press conference of UFC 142, that his novice’s preparation for Chad Mendes, the main event of this edition, wasn’t different thant the others. According to the coach, the Ultimate featherweight title holder is used to train for fighting wrestlers. “He trained like he always does. He’s been preparing for a wrestler since he joined the event, so he’s just doing what he has always done”, he said.

How was Jose Aldo’s training for this fight in UFC Rio?

He trained for three months for this fight, he’s doing awesome. He’s just cutting weight to do what he always does.

What are your thoughts about Chad Mendes as an opponent to Aldo?

He’s a tough guy. We were hoping to fight him for a long time. It end up never happening and, when we fought again, they matched him up against Kenny Florian. It’s everything just fight, according to what we planned. Let’s see what happens.

Pateta said you’ve prepared some surprises on Jose Aldo’s ground game, especially because Mendes might try to take him there. How were the trainings in that area?

He trained like he always does. He’s been preparing for a wrestler since he joined the event, so he’s just doing what he has always done.

Jose Aldo’s fighting in Rio, and will get a big projection as he never had. How to deal with the thrill?

He’s doing alright. We got a cool press office that handles his image, so it’s cool.

I noticed yesterday he had an EBX stamp on his fight shorts. Have you signed a contract with Eike Batista, one of the richest man on the planet?

Actually it was thought Flamengo that we’ve setting this partnership. After this fight we’ll sit and talk about it.