A pair of middleweight UFC veterans go toe-to-toe tonight when CES MMA makes history in Connecticut.
On the main card, Brazil’s Caio Magalhaes (10-6) takes on Eric Spicely (11-4). Maglhaes went 4-3 in a seven-fight run in the UFC. His four wins came consecutively, and three were by stoppage. Spicely is a product of Season 23 of “The Ultimate Fighter” and went on to six UFC fights – including a submission win over upcoming light heavyweight title challenger Thiago “Marreta” Santos.
CES MMA 55 takes place at Connecticut Convention Center in the state capital of Hartford. The card streams on UFC Fight Pass. It will be the first sanctioned MMA event in Connecticut history. Prior events in the state either have been unsanctioned or have taken place on tribal grounds. (Bellator, for example, frequently has events at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., but those events aren’t overseen by the state.)
Ahead of tonight’s card, catch up with Magalhaes ahead of his fight with Spicely.
Most fans know you from your UFC stint. Tell us about your time there.
When I joined the UFC, I only had five professional MMA fights. I had been facing top talent in Brazil, guys who were expected to get into the UFC already. When got into the UFC, I was still pretty young. It’s like my career actually started in the UFC.
Things happened so quickly – I only had a year and a half of professional experience when I got signed up. Most of my experience was from jiu-jitsu tournaments with the gi. Everything was new to me. When the opportunity presented itself, I grabbed it and tried my best. The UFC was a great experience. I got to know a lot of people and train all over.
I already knew Glover Teixeira from when he lived in Manguinhos, in Rio de Janeiro. We were already in touch a year before I signed up. That was also before he got signed up, too. We became friends. After he moved to the U.S., I started joining him for two months at a time for training, then going back to Brazil.
In hindsight, I feel I could have dedicated myself more. I could have made more of an effort. Things would have played out differently. But that’s water under the bridge now. We’re focused on the future.
What can you say about your next opponent, Eric Spicely, who has a win over Thiago Santos?
Eric Spicely and I were in the UFC at the same time. We were both on winning streaks. I had even asked my manager, Andre Pederneiras, to try and book me a fight against Eric. Our games were pretty similar since we both came from jiu-jitsu and enjoy striking. However, it never happened. I think it’s going to be very interesting to see how we match up now. He likes to work jiu-jitsu from his back and go for rear-naked chokes. I prefer a heavier top game, putting on pressure, striking and working on submissions. I think our standup is what will make the difference.
How do you see things playing out?
I’ve been watching Eric and I can tell he’s been improving his striking. That’s great for me. I get to test myself against someone who also has UFC experience. It will be a fun fight to watch, no doubt. I’m very well trained. I’m looking forward to it. I’m confident I’ll be victorious. If we go to the ground, I’ll submit him. If we stay on the feet, I have a very good chance of knocking him out. I’m ready to go all three rounds, but I believe I’ll get a finish in the second.
Talk about your experiences after being let go by the UFC.
Regarding being let go from the UFC, I did get submitted by the late Josh Samman. But against Brad Tavares, it was a close split decision. Several MMA reporters thought I was more aggressive. I came close to submitting him.
After they let me go, I ended up fighting at M-1 in Russia. I submitted Dmitry Voitov in the first round in my debut. Next, I fought for their belt against Artem Frolov, but lost by decision. It was a tough five-round battle. We were both pretty hurt afterward. It was a great experience for me – the first time going all five rounds. And in my last M-1 bout, against Mikhail Zayats, I was very aggressive and tried to win at all costs. But the judges gave it to him. When you fight in Russia, you have to kill or die. They’ll never award you the decision win.
More recently, I lost by KO to Sadibou Sy in the PFL. I accepted that bout on three weeks’ notice. I shouldn’t have done that, but I was feeling ready. I paid for my mistake. But now things are different. I moved to Connecticut with my girlfriend more than a year ago. I’m training with Glover (Teixeira) full-time. I’m very ready in every area, with great high-level coaches and training partners. I’m feeling great. I moved here to chase after my dream, which is to live from fighting. It’s not easy, but this is my dream. I believe in my work and in myself. I love this sport. I’ll keep fighting as long as I have the passion for it. My family supports me in this.
How was your training camp?
We have several training partners who can simulate Eric’s style. We have very good submission specialists, wrestlers and orthodox strikers. The Teixeira MMA academy is not a large team, but it’s a solid team. We train together from Monday through Saturday. I train in the morning and afternoon. Plus, I have a job I love – I’m the jiu-jitsu head coach with several students. I can truly make my living from fighting.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m looking forward to raising my family in the U.S. and having my own academy. This is the land of opportunity. Those of us who don’t come from money, we always have to work hard to make things happen. I know that I’ll get to live my dream. Eric Spicely is another rung I’ll have to climb. This year, after beating this well-regarded opponent, I’d love to go back to the PFL or another major promotion. I’m looking forward to putting on a show and getting a finish – it won’t go to the judges.
For more on CES MMA 55, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.
