What do you expect for your fight with Robbie Lawler?

It will be a tough fight. He is a great striker, and I’ll try to keep the fight on our feet. He will mix it up. It will be a tough fight, very entertaining.

Who is at the top of your weight class in Strikeforce?

I think all the fighters are good. I have problems with fighters on the ground, and there is the Alligator (Jacare) and Lindland… They would be tough opponents…you never know. I need to improve my ground game. I’ve recently moved over to American Top Team. I train here every month. Doing so, my ground game is better, and it will not be so hard to fight on the floor.

Are you in line for a title fight?

I hope … So far, I saw that Henderson will face Jake Shields, but I’m waiting for my chance. Whenever they want me, I’m ready to fight. I always the belt, a belt that many want to take home.

How is the training at American Top Team?

The ground training is very good. Everyone is helping me, Gesias, Thiago, Liborio… My wrestling is getting better, takedown defense, and on the ground I’m learning to escape submissions. I have to train more and get better though.

Are you Thiago Alves’ striking coach? How is that going?

Yes, we train together a lot. He is really cool, we trained a lot on foot, and learned a lot from each other. The sparring with him is very good. He’s fast and hits hard. It’s always good to train with him.

And how are you doing in training Jiu-Jitsu?

It is hard, the guys here are very good. It is though, but the coaches are teaching me, and I learn more every time. I think I’m improving. I am not going to say that I’m improving, but if Thiago Gesias and say I’m improving, then it must be true. The ground game had always been difficult for me.

Who else is helping you?

Everyone. Liborio always helps me by giving various tips. Gesias always sends me messages, saying do this or that. Others help with my wrestling… ATT is very good, I am honored to be here. It is a very good collaboration with everyone here.

And the striking practice?

Katel and Thiago help me, but I also brought my own coaches. My team is coming here, we are training hard for this fight.

Who is the best striker at ATT?

I think the Pitbull is one of the best, I really like his style. Everyone is very good, Gesias too, but Thiago is the best.

Thank to Tatame for the interview.