Brazil has always been known for being a passionate and fiery crowd when it comes to MMA, and some even think the fans there are wild enough to give their local fighters an edge over their foreign rivals.
From throwing things to the famous’Oh, you’re going to die! – “You’re going to die!” in Portuguese – the Brazilian fans have always been a sight to see at UFC events. But Peru Kevin Borjas doesn’t think home field advantage will be at stake when he fights Alessandro Costa in the opening fight UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro.
“First of all, Alessandro Costa is now Mexican,” said Borjas when asked about his opponent in a Interview in Spanish with MMA Junkie. “He is now Mexican and will fight as a visitor.
“I will beat him. He is not superior to me. I’m much better than him and I’m ready to fight wherever the fight happens. If he knocks me down. I’m going to get up and do my job, and that’s it. There will be no surprises. There’s nothing he could do that would surprise me.”
Costa (13-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC) has never fought professionally in Brazil. Although he was born and raised in Manaus, Brazil, Costa moved to Mexico in his late teens to pursue his MMA dream. Alongside UFC star Diego Lopes, Costa opened an MMA gym in Puebla, Mexico, and began his professional MMA career there. That’s why Borjas (9-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) doesn’t think Costa will have the support of the Brazilian fans.
Although Borjas is Peruvian, he thinks he will have the support of the fans on Saturday. His trainer, Ivan Iberico, of Pitbull Martial Arts Center, is well known in the Brazilian martial arts community for his long history in training Luta Livre, a Brazilian style of fighting.
“Here in Rio de Janeiro is basically the birthplace of Luta Livre, which is my coach’s specialty. I’m representing Luta Livre and a lot of coaches and people here support me, so I feel at home. I am not a visitor here.
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC 301.
