Cigano training with Dórea / Photo: UFC
The tears he cried after his lightning-quick knockout of Cain Velasquez summed up Junior Cigano’s feelings. In just a few years, Cigano went from serving tables to delivering knockouts as the number one heavyweight in the world.
“I have no words to express what I’m feeling. It’s incredible! I want to thank my team, my family. I have a lot of great people around me,” said Cigano while still in the octagon, before making a surprising announcement.
“Cain is the toughest guy I’ve ever faced. I was afraid to fight him; he’s really tough. I wasn’t 100% for this fight,” admitted the new champion, who suffered a knee injury just days before the showdown.
Later, at the press conference, Cigano remarked:
“I always go for the knockout in my fights. I was wary of his kicks, which are strong.”
On the fight between Brock Lesnar and Alistair Overeem, to decide against whom the Brazilian will make his first title defense, the Brazilian wasn’t sitting on the fence:
“I think Brock Lesnar takes it.”
His first defense will only come in 2012, and before returning to training, the new champion wants to celebrate.
“I just want to get back to Brazil and have a barbecue!” he said in finishing.
