Schaub is known for his knockouts. Photo: Josh Hedges
Brendan Schaub will face Gabriel Napão at UFC 121 this coming October 23 in California. And to face the Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Schaub, who is know for his knockouts, delivered himself to the gentle art. Aside from his only loss, to Roy Nelson in the TUF 10 finale, Schaub has managed the knockout in all six fight on his record. However, that doesn’t go to say he doesn’t know his way on the ground.
“He trains in the gi, but as he’s always preparing for a lot of fights, we don’t think much about belt promotions. He would be a good brown belt, a really tough fighter,” comments his coach Amal Easton to GRACIEMAG.com.
Now knockout artist Schaub approves of his master’s teachings.
“I feel Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most important weapons in the UFC,” he says, guaranteeing he is ready for any hardships imposed by Napão should they end up on the ground.
“I’m prepared for the worst of situations. I work on Jiu-Jitsu with Amal Easton, with the help of Denilson Pimenta, and I train with athletes like Shane Carwin, Nate Marquardt, and Eliot Marshall, among others. They put me in the worst positions and help me avoid bad situations.”
Brendan and Carwin with Brazilian coaches Pimenta and Dentinho
Brendan has a great deal of respect for his opponent and feels the clash of styles will make for a memorable battle.
This is one of the biggest fights of my life and it will be one of the greatest in UFC history. I feel ready for him and for any other fighter in the heavyweight division. It’s a great step, an inspiration. Gabriel is a great fighter and I’m prepared for anybody.”
Although his thoughts are only on his fight at UFC 121, Schaub doesn’t hide his desire to face the other fighters he admires in the division.
“If I beat Gonzaga, I’d really like to face Frank Mir, Cain Velasquez, or Junior dos Santos. They are great fighters, who I admire, and it would be really interesting to fight them.”
