Following his impressive victory over Gilbert Yvel at UFC 108, UFC Heavyweight Junior dos Santos had the following to say in regards to his future in the UFC Heavyweight division, as well as a potential fight with his mentor “Minotauro” Nogueira. Credit to tatame for the interview.

What do you think of the fight? You expect to win so fast?

Thank God it’s over the best way possible for the people. I am very happy with the good result. I do not expect to win so fast, we never expect to. I trained to fight all three rounds with him, but knew that if his hand came in, he would get hurt, no matter how experienced he is in striking. I knew I was able to put good shots and that he would feel them, because I believe a lot on my hands, I think they are pretty heavy.

Do you think he felt the pressure of being in his debut?

I do not know, he is a very experienced guy, has a lot of fights in his career. It may be a new organization for him, but I believe he was well prepared and could cope with it whether he is debuting in the UFC or not.

Dana White said he was very excited for this fight, and when you left the octagon he said he loved you. How do you feel about this praise?

I’m glad he was quite happy. He said he was feeling a strange feeling in his stomach for this fight. It was with great interest and said I have done well, and had done a great job. Coming from the boss, some of those compliments can not help but make me happy. I am very pleased that the work is going well.

Do you consider the best striker of the heavyweights of today?

I think the best maybe not … I’m not the best at anything, but I train hard and I can maintain a good level to face the great fighters, like the tops of the UFC.

Who do you think will be your next opponent?

It’s kind of hard to know who they will put me against. I think they will wait for some results of some fights, but for me, it’s that: I do not choose opponents. Whoever it is, I will be very well prepared to make a good fight and, God willing, to give a good show for everyone.

You won its fourth victory in the organization, beating another veteran of Pride, and are growing quickly into title contention. You think you’re near a dispute over belt?

I do not know, but I think I’m putting myself among the tops. I do not know if I’m near or far, but with such good results is the way to one day get there and fight for this long-awaited UFC belt.

If the Minotaur beat Cain Velasquez, would you slow the pace of fights, not to keep winning and force the UFC to match a fight between you?

I think my business has already stated that for the UFC. Even if they have this desire, this is unclear. It is a matter of training together, Rodrigo is my coach, he taught me everything from the beginning, I owe my career to him. He put me there, made me believe in myself. It’s a different situation, the guy is my teacher, and a great friend. A fight between me and him will not happen. I do not need to slow down the fights, he is in play for the belt because he will have good result on top of Velasquez. He will compete for the belt and I’m happy to be among the tops, making good fights and big names facing the UFC.