Rousimar Palhares: I Could Have Been UFC Champion, Nobody Wants To Go To Ground With Me

 

Rousimar Palhares will go up against WSOF welterweight Steve Carl at the show’s ninth outing this Saturday, and on the line is the promotion’s title at 170 pounds. ‘Paul Harris’ came under fire during his time in the UFC for holding submissions too long; a criticism that ended up losing the Brazilian grappler his job.

Debuting with a title shot in the growing World Series Of Fighting is none too shabby, but ‘Toquinho’ feels he has Carl’s number in all positions. Check out what he told MMAFighting recently:

“Is he going to fight on the ground with me? I don’t know. But I hope he does [laughs], I don’t think he has anything else to do. His fights always end on the ground. It’s hard to say because I don’t know what he’s planning to do, but usually nobody wants to go to the ground against me. Let’s see if he’s going or not.”

Carl is also a submission fighting expert, claiming 16 of his 21 wins by choke or lock. Perhaps a good strategy against a ground finisher like Palhares is to turn up ready to sprawl and brawl? ‘Paul Harris’ continued:

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“I’m ready for five rounds, but you never know how long the fight will go,” he continued. “I’m well trained and confident, feeling strong. This is my weight class. I’m here to do my best. I don’t know how long the fight will go, but I hope I go out with the win.”

“I want them to see a new Toquinho,” he said. “Wait for it. It’s going to be cool. This title represents my rebirth as a fighter, but with more wisdom and intelligence. It’s going to be one of the biggest prizes I ever had.”

Jon Fitch’s recent transition to the WSOF roster didn’t go too smoothly, although he was successful in his second attempt, his debut was an embarrassing 40-second submission at the hands of Josh Burkman. Palhares will have to try and avoid the pitfall of underestimating his foe.

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‘Toquinho’ was also quoted saying the following over at Sherdog:

“I feel great at 170,” Palhares said. “I think I could have become champion in the UFC welterweight division.”

Palhares’ only fight in the UFC welterweight division was his submission win against Mike Pierce, the bout proved to be the last after a 12-fight stint with the promotion. After getting squashed at middleweight by Alan Belcher and Hector Lombard, I don’t know if he would have got through the top five at welterweight right now.

Anyway, wish ‘Tree Stump’ luck with his debut over at WSOF, and watch his highlights (if you have the stomach) courtesy of Platfus112

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