Ahead of UFC Vegas 86, Rodolfo Vieira found himself facing more than just training challenges. Tragedy struck in January when mixed martial arts veteran and coach Diego Braga, with whom Vieira first worked, was murdered by members of the criminal organization Commando Vermelho. Despite the devastating loss, Vieira remains focused on honoring Braga with a great performance on fight night.
Diego Braga was more than just a coach for Vieira. He was a mentor and a friend. Vieira recalls the disbelief he felt upon hearing the news of Braga’s untimely death and the deep sadness that followed. Braga has had a huge impact on Vieira’s training camp, and his absence will be felt deeply as Vieira prepares for his next game.
Following the tragic incident, Vieira decided to move his camp from Orlando to Rio de Janeiro. With UFC veteran Davi Ramos installed as his head coach, Vieira remained determined to move forward despite the challenges. Braga’s expertise and guidance will be sorely missed, but Vieira is determined to continue his preparations.
Preparing in the face of adversity
Despite the disruption caused by Braga’s death, Vieira remained steadfast in his commitment to his training regimen. He made adjustments and prepared himself anew. Vieira believes training in Rio has helped him sharpen his game plan and hone his skills ahead of his highly anticipated showdown at UFC Vegas 86.
As Vieira prepares to face Armen Petrosyan, he remains confident in his abilities as a legend in the world of jiu-jitsu. All four of his wins in the UFC have been secured by submission, and Vieira thinks he can continue that trend against Petrosyan. While acknowledging Petrosyan’s talent on his feet, Vieira is ready to use his grappling expertise to secure a victory inside the Octagon.
Memorial in a Cage
When Vieira steps into the Octagon at UFC Vegas 86, he will be carrying memories of Diego Braga with him. With every move, every submission attempt, every strike, Vieira is trying to honor his late coach and friend. Determined and resilient, Vieira hopes to honor Braga’s legacy with a great performance on match night.
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