Since moving to the United States, Arthur Estrazulas has gotten a wide range of experience across many different promotions.
This week, he’ll add another organization to his resume when he fights for LFA for the first time. Estrazulas (10-4) takes on Bellator veteran Steve Kozola (9-2) in the LFA 69 lightweight co-main event at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, Calif.
Ahead of Friday’s card, catch up with Estrazulas before arguably the biggest fight of his career.
Can you recap your MMA career, up to now?
Regarding my career, beyond 10 wins and four losses, I see those bouts as 14 opportunities to give my best, and to evolve as an athlete and as a person. As far as my last fight (a split loss to Thiago Tavares), if I leave to the judges, my personal opinion doesn’t count. It’s the judges’ opinions that matter. I gave my best and I learned a lot in that fight.
Early in your carer, you faced Leandro Rodrigues Pontes three times. He won twice. Is that something you’d like to rectify?
I faced him three times. I had my first loss against him. After that, I beat him in a three-round decision. Then, on the third time we fought, he won early by breaking my arm (via keylock submission). I refused to tap. It’s part of both of our histories. We followed different paths after that. I don’t get stuck on past losses or victories. I’m always looking ahead. I don’t follow other fighters’ careers, as I’m usually busy at my academy. If one day we end up getting matched up again, I’ll face him like any other fighter.
What can you say about your next opponent, Steve Kozola?
I don’t do much research. I’m always training, and looking for ways to improve, whether or not I’m booked. My coaches decide how I can best use my skills. I simply have to listen to them. Without a doubt, the LFA has great matchmaking. I believe we’ll both move forward and this will not end by decision.
Although you were raised in Brazil, how do you feel about fighting on a California MMA card, in your current home state?
I’ve been in California for about five years. I feel very much at home. Kings MMA is my family. Last year, I got to fight both in Bellator and Glory Kickboxing. I see myself as a Huntington Beach local.
The LFA often is a trampoline into the UFC. Does that put extra pressure on you?
Getting to fight in big promotions is an incentive. Pressure is something we put on ourselves during training. I bang it out with my friends, who are all beasts. I train with guys like Beneil Dariush, Giga Chikadze, Marvin Vettori, and Lyoto Machida. They’re all very high-level. They help me get ready so we can represent our academy in the best possible way, and put on a show.
Can you provide some details about your training camp?
I do all my training at Kings MMA. Master Rafael Cordeiro is currently in Brazil promoting his muay Thai organization, Icon. But we have a very united team. Guilherme Almeida is coaching me in muay Thai. Beneil Dariush is always working on improving my jiu-jitsu. He’s very tough. Everyone helps. I train with my idols.
Would you talk trash to sell your fights?
I’m not interested in trash-talking. I’m not interested in learning much about my opponent. We already have a day in which we’re scheduled to fight. I think from a cultural perspective, as a Brazilian, if someone is talking a lot, it’s because he’s trying to pick a fight. Since we already we’re already scheduled, it doesn’t make sense to talk. Of course, if he wants to get into it, we can. I come from a traditional school. My only interest is to get into a battle, see blood, test myself, and evolve from those experiences.
Final thoughts?
I’m very happy. I’m thankful to train in the best academy in the world, under the best coach. I’m surrounded by brothers. I’m living a great moment in my life. If you enjoy hard-hitting contact sports, stay tuned. This is a great matchup. Sparks will fly.
For more on LFA 69, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.
