Banha absorbs a blow from Bulgaria's Nedkov, who is undefeated in 12 fights. Photo: UFC.
“Yeah, people from São Paulo never make it in Rio de Janeiro,” said one joker when Luiz “Banha” Cané, who was dominating the first round of his fight against Bulgaria’s Stanislav Nedkov, let his undefeated opponent find his feet and knock him out in the main card at the UFC on Saturday.
However, the beast from Butantã’s stock is still up, if just because of the exciting style he displays in the octagon, never disappointing his fans nor bosses, so he should be making his return shortly, even hungrier for victory. At 30 years of age, the Jiu-Jitsu black belt and Gibi muay Thai student has racked up 11 wins, of which nine came by knockout, and four losses, three of which were knockouts.
His unrestrained strategy is the fruit of the impressive training regime at team Armory in the USA. In these training sessions, which sometimes are better to watch than a UFC fight, Banha throws down with other fighters and Dutch kickboxing teachers with enviable marksmanship.
It was at one of these, about a month ago, that the light heavyweight from São Paulo suffered a classic knockout. He got to his feet, brushed off the dust, and one month later was sharper and fearless in facing Nedkov and his cast iron chin in one of the best fights of the event. Be back soon, Banha.
