By Caoilte de Barra
Brazil made their presence known on Day 2 of the 2021 MMA World Championships. The team headed by the legendary Rodrigo Nogueira is the largest contingent of fighters that Brazil has ever brought to an IMMAF competition.
They had three fighters in action today with two of them being successful. Juan Pablo Oliveira put on an admirable display in his Strawweight matchup, however, failed to get the decision. It was Giulliany Perea and Josiane Oliveira that made a huge impression. Both picked big victories in their first-ever IMMAF fights.
Perea put on a grappling masterclass in her bout with Pakistan’s Eman Khan. Khan did well to escape a slick armbar, however, the Brazilian fighter transitioned to a kneebar in style forcing Khan to tap. The impressive performance lines up a quarter-final fight with Millie Ericksson.
After her fight, Perea explained her plan for the rest of the tournament.
“I’m very happy to be participating in this event, it is a global event. I’m very happy with the Brazilian Federation that gave us the opportunity to come here and display our work. And to be in the event, where there are the best athletes is an honour for me, I’m very happy to be here.”
“In the next fights, I expect to perform my game. The game on the floor is my strongest. It’s also the game of my team, where I train, in Nova Uniao, the best team in the world. I came here to represent them and to put my game to work, that is what is making me get to the finals.”
Two fights later Oliveira made a statement by defeating World Cup Junior Bantamweight gold medalist Maryana Demchuk by a Unanimous Decision. The fight primarily took place on the feet and after finding her groove midway through the first round Oliveira started to shine.
Following her victory, Oliveira explained how she was pleased with her performance. The Brazilian will be gunning for gold over the next few days.
“Yes, I’m very happy to fight in this event. I hope I win. I will fight hard to win the gold medal, but I know that there are many athletes at the international level.”
“I’m happy. I will train more and do my best on my striking and submissions. And do whatever I need to do to win the next fight. I hope I will win the gold medal. I will go for it with all I’ve got. And I’m confident.”
Head Coach Rodrigo Nogueira also spoke highly of the IMMAF World Championships and is looking forward to the relationship developing in future.
“I hope we can develop the sport together in Brazil. We want to do the Pan Ams in Brazil, that’s why I came here to talk to the IMMAF administration.”
“We expect to win and bring home at least two medals combined.”
