A Brazilian featherweight prospect makes his U.S. debut Friday for LFA.
Joanderson Brito (10-2-1) takes on Jose Mariscal (9-3) at LFA 65, which takes place at Dobson Arena in Vail, Colo. The main card airs on AXS TV.
Ahead of the card, get to know the 24-year-old fighter, who comes in with a 10-fight unbeaten streak and eight wins in a row.
Full name: Joanderson Sa Brito
Nickname: My nickname is Tubarao – “Shark” in Portuguese. That’s because of my fighting style – I never stop attacking.
Birthplace: I was born in Santa Helena, state of Maranhao, Brazil. Today I live in Bauru, which is in the interior of the state of Sao Paulo.
DOB: 02.11.95
Height/weight: 5-foot-8/featherweight
Team: Chute Boxe Bauru
How’d you become a professional MMA fighter?
I started practicing as a hobby. That’s when I noticed I had a knack for it. I never really had anyone support me in this, not until now that is. Today, my coach, manager, and some sponsors help me out. In the beginning, my own family didn’t help in any way.
What can you say about some of previous opponents and some of the lessons learned?
I only lost one bout, my first one (against Rafael Moreira). The other loss is a mistake on my record. I’ve fought at lot of tough opponents. I expect this next one will be my toughest on account of the distance traveled.
How’s your training?
All I do is train. And I bring my hunger to win. The only difference from earlier in my career is that before I would walk in just to get into a fight, and today we actually study my opponent to see how things should play out.
How do you see this fight going?
I plan to win in the first round.
What can you say about Jose Mariscal, out of Elevation Fight Team?
I wasn’t previously familiar with him. I did watch some of his videos. He can strike and grapple. He does a bit of everything. It’s nothing amazing. I’ve faced way more dangerous guys.
Plans for the future?
Honestly, I don’t know. I’m only focused on this fight now.
For more on LFA 65, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.
