Fernandes Talks Still Being A Free Agent
Posted on 13 Jun 2012
by MMAScoops.com Staff

Bibiano Fernandes (11-3) recently spoke about still being a free agent and more, here are the highlights…

On UFC: "UFC is one of the largest promotions in the world. Unfortunately, we weren't able to agree to terms this time around. In the future, who knows? I'll remain ready and prepared."

On DREAM: "I respect them a lot," Fernandes said of DREAM officials. "They've helped me a lot. They introduced to the fight world, and I won three belts in their promotion: grand prix, featherweight and bantamweight. I respect them for everything they've done for me. I'm very thankful. I respect DREAM and would fight for them again, but currently there are no planned cards. I'm a free agent. I am able to fight elsewhere."

On His Training: "I came in with only jiu-jitsu," Fernandes admitted. "My mind was stuck on jiu-jitsu. I'm someone who enjoys to fight from the bottom, to throw triangles, locks, chokes, etc. When I was booked to fight Urijah Faber, I decided I was not going to compete in jiu-jitsu tournaments anymore. It was a challenge I gave myself. And I used to believe that jiu-jitsu would always beat other martial arts. I faced Urijah without training MMA whatsoever. I took a beating. We talked afterwards, and I respect him. Around this time I had already moved to Canada. Then I was booked for a fight in Japan against 'Kid' Yamamoto. Everyone told me I was going to get knocked out. For this fight, I started training in boxing and wrestling. In my mind, I knew I would put on a good fight, but I also knew he was going to win because I had not yet matured in the sport of MMA. But I faced him regardless. I took the fight to him. I wasn't a standup expert, but I did my best and lasted all three rounds against him. I almost caught him a few times. After this fight, I finally felt mentally ready for MMA. Not only the body, but the spirit must also be ready. After Yamamoto, I finally understood what MMA was."

On Maturing as a Fighter: "I respect all my opponents," Fernandes said. "I respect those who help me. I show gratitude. So Joe Warren helped me. Joachim Hansen also helped me. I was able to feel how Joe's body moved, to feel his wrestling. And my body, it copies things. I'm able to see, feel, and then do. That's how I am. Same thing with Joachim Hansen. He's an excellent fighter. He's got great punches. Even today, I still remember that knee with which he hit me in the face. Those guys are good. When I started in MMA, I started fighting against some of the best, right away. I could have given up, but I toughed it out. I'm still here. I've taken beatings, elbows to the face that required 20 stitches. I fought Hansen, Takaya, 'Kid' Yamamoto, Rodolfo Marques, Antonio Banuelos. I only faced beasts. That's why I'm where I am today."