Wand speaks about new years

[DUCE]

Vanderlei Silva was recently interviewed by Gracie Magazine. Here's what Silva had to say:


Interviewer: What was your tactical mistake in the PRIDE GP semifinal fight against Arona? Why didn't you fight aggressively from the start?

Vanderlei: I used a completely wrong strategy. I was waiting for him to attack, which he didn't; I remained in this dilemma and got the worst of it. When we hit the floor I should have also played a little more Jiu-Jitsu. But I'm not here to whine; when it comes to me, it's "you win, you win," or "you lose, you lose." There's no crying over losses. There is also no saying, after losing, that it was due to hitting my head against the ground.

Interviewer: Do you agree with those who say, as he did himself, that Arona beat you both standing and on the ground?

Vanderlei: Except he didn't fight much either, it was an awful match. Of the two takedowns he applied, on one I slipped and on the other he just ran in my direction and I ended up falling. As far as standing, I got a few kicks right, but that was pretty much it. Actually it was a bad fight, we both fought poorly.

Interviewer: What went through your mind in the first few moments after the fight?

Vanderlei: At the time I was upset. When I got out of the ring my only desire was to leave the place, but the boss (Rudimar Fedrigo) talked to me and calmed me down. He is a tremendous coach, a perfect leader. He knows just what to say at the exact time. I soon calmed down and went on to support Shogun, which was the right thing to do at the time. The moment he was stepping into the ring, I yelled, "Finish that guy," and we all know he did just what I requested (laughs).

Interviewer: After the loss, were you disappointed at yourself?

Vanderlei: I was disappointed in my performance. After all, the fight was ugly and boring, quite unlike the way I like to fight. I've watched it twice at home, and I decided I'm never watching it again. Not because of having lost, as I've stated, but because of my attitude. However, this loss made me reconsider a couple of deficiencies. Losing is always a bitch, but I've drawn a few conclusions from it. I've also realized that this year I had a tough routine, with a bunch of injuries, which did hinder me a bit. I was well prepared, but a little tired from all the fighting and injuries.

Interviewer: Soon after the match you declared not to be all that interested in fighting Arona again. What happened?

Vanderlei: I said that because I had just been beaten. But I have already asked the boss to schedule the December 31st fight with Arona as soon as possible, and now with the title at stake. I think about this rematch all the time – earlier today I was beating the bag thinking of Arona. And I know he'll accept to fight me because he thinks he did a terrific fight, when what actually happened was that we both fought terribly.

Interviewer: Despite the disappointment, you had something to celebrate with your teammate's win. How do you evaluate Mauricio Rua's showing throughout the Grand Prix?

Vanderlei: His victory was undisputed, there was no doubt he was the best this year. He beat the toughest guys and displayed his talent without flaw. After he defeated Quinton Jackson he went on to show the finest fighting skills. He took part in the fight of the year against Rogerio Minotouro, and if he keeps it up he'll remain at the top for a long time. There's something very positive about him, and he takes on anyone he is put up against and lets loose his game. In spite of being newer than me at the academy, he's got a lot to teach me.

Interviewer: What did you feel as you returned home? Was it any different?

Vanderlei: I saw that that some things happen for us to realize we have friends beside us. Both my family and my co-workers gave me a lot of support. After coming back from Japan, I arrived at Chute Boxe thinking people were going to treat me differently, but it was just the opposite, and that was really moving. Everyone there applauded me and I realised they are on my side for the bad moments as well. This reception in Curitiba was very comforting and gave me a lot more will to show my potential, which stimulates me to train even more.

Interviewer: Do you consider this moment as dramatic to your career as your loss to Belfort? Can you trace a parallel between these two fights?

Vanderlei: They're both different moments, but they were both really hard. The loss to Vitor was quite complicated, but the lesson I learned from the loss to Arona was knowing that I'm a much better fighter than I showed there. This time I was truly disappointed at my Jiu-Jitsu. When the fight ended I was sure I had lost. I'm really hard on myself, I can't accept such an showing. I can hardly wait to fight again.

Interviewer: Were you disappointed at the criticism from the fans? What would you like to tell your critics?

Vanderlei: I'm never shaken by criticism. I've been competing for a long time now and I take it as normal. I doesn't happen only to me, you know, but with many athletes in all sports. And some of the criticism is good – as well as sincere when it comes from my friends and fans. What I want is to apologize to the fans, not for having lost, but for having fought that way. I'd like to tell them that now I'm going to show them all my potential and do what they all expect from me, that is, to put on a show.

Interviewer: Next year is the PRIDE Heavyweight Grand Prix. Are you really thinking about taking part in it, and how do you see your prospects?

Vanderlei: My contract with PRIDE ends at the end of the year and I'll see what they offer, and negotiate from there. It will be a lot easier if I win on December 31st. If it's a good offer, I'm in. I want to take on those guys next year. And they might actually match me up against Cro Cop, whom I've already fought. But there are plenty of new guys coming up who can make good fights against me.

Interviewer: During your stay in France you played ball with Ronaldinho (Brazilian soccer star) before Barcelona's game against St. Ettiene. Is he a fan of yours?

Vanderlei: (laughs) Ronaldinho is a nice guy. He told me he watches my fights and likes MMA. I played some ball with him, tried to pull something out, but felt that football (soccer) isn't really my calling. It's hard for me to get a kick right when I'm on the field.