Jose Augusto likes to maintain his Instagram feed full of motivational posts and motion movies, so getting into the RIZIN heavyweight grand prix is one other alternative to generate income and create content material for his social media web page.
The Brazilian fighter, who was a part of the Bellator roster as a lightweight heavyweight between 2021 and 2023, debuts on Japanese soil on Could 4 in opposition to Tsuyoshi Sudario at RIZIN: Otoko Matsuri. With six of his 10 skilled wins coming by means of knockout, he desires one other end this weekend in Tokyo.
“I hope for a knockout, one thing that turns into a spotlight,” Augusto advised MMA Preventing. “My Instagram is filled with movies, quotes, issues which can be motivation for me. Each time I really feel a bit down, I revisit emotions I had, issues that have been vital for me, and that brings me again to actuality. It jogs my memory of what I’ve to do. I desire a spotlight so I can proceed to encourage myself.”
Augusto went 2-2 below the Bellator banner, together with a wild brawl with Anthony Johnson, and is now driving a three-fight successful streak with a few victories contained in the LFA cage. RIZIN reached out to LFA in search of a heavyweight to signify the corporate within the 2025 grand prix in Japan, and Augusto was the title despatched to Japan.
“It was a shock as a result of I anticipated to get a combat in Brazil, however as an alternative had the chance to combat in Japan,” Augusto stated. “And it’s nice that it’s a grand prix. I had a break of a full yr between fights at LFA. If God continues to bless me, I’ll have the ability to combat 3 times between now and December, in order that might be cool. I’ll get extra wins going, the rhythm goes via the roof, and I’m additionally getting paid in {dollars}. About time [laughs].”
Augusto will face the winner of Islambek Baktybek Uulu vs. Alexander Soldatkin if he’s victorious Sunday, and the ultimate match might be in opposition to whoever emerges between Marek Samociuk, Daniel James, Mikio Ueda and Shoma Shibisai. “Gugu” didn’t research all of the opponents on the lineup earlier than discovering out his quarterfinal foe, however had already seen Sudario as essentially the most favorable match-up among the many three Japanese heavyweights.
“I used to be assured in opposition to the three Japanese, however I feel the match-up is even higher [against Sudario],” Augusto stated. “I feel it’s going to be an excellent combat for me. Individuals like watching stand-up fights. We’ll go there and commerce palms. If he desires to change kicks, let’s try this. If he desires to go to the bottom, I’m tremendous too, however I imagine we’ll keep on the toes. It’s going to be enjoyable an thrilling. Let’s see who’s has the larger balls.”
“Gugu” feels nice competing as a heavyweight, particularly now that he can eat chocolate with out additional exercise to compensate the energy. He’s open to going again to 205 kilos at some point if the pay is true, however being undefeated on this weight class is one other incentive to remain heavier. Not having to chop weight doesn’t imply he’s working much less within the health club, although.
“For the reason that starting of my profession, my first fights, I’m the kind of athlete that at all times will get drained as a result of I’ll at all times attempt to harm the opposite man,” Augusto stated. “I’ll spend all of the vitality I’ve attempting to harm the man. I additionally get drained in a combat. The one combat I used to be extra conservative was my LFA debut as a result of I had simply finished hand surgical procedure and solely skilled six weeks for that combat. I’ll at all times get drained. I don’t care about that. I simply can’t get extra drained than the opposite man.”
