Brazilian jiu-jitsu superstar Felipe Pena, also known as “Preguiça”, had been looking forward to a crucial matchup against Gordon Ryan at the end of February. The highly anticipated contest was set to be the fourth encounter between the two elite competitors, and Pena had been preparing tirelessly for the showdown. Pena had a clear strategy in mind for the year ahead.
Felipe Pena Wanted to Dethrone Gordon Ryan
He had intended to take on Ryan in February and, in the event of a victory, shift his focus to MMA. He had been eyeing the transition to mixed martial arts for some time and felt that the timing was right to make a move. Unfortunately, Pena’s plans were thrown into disarray when Ryan was forced to pull out of the Who’s Number One event. The news came as a significant blow to Preguiça, who had been counting on the bout to propel him towards his MMA aspirations.
Will Gordon Ryan Answer the Call Out?
Speaking to Tatame in his native Portuguese, Pena expressed his disappointment at the situation. He revealed that he had put in an enormous amount of effort and sacrifice to prepare for the fight and was now left with a sense of frustration and uncertainty.
“That is a plan (migrating to MMA) that, for me, was already set. After my last fight with Gordon, I was certain that I would do that fight and then focus on MMA, which is something I’ve wanted for a long time.I’m at an age where I can’t wait too long, I have a few good years of competition, but for MMA I would have to migrate now.
But then what happened (with Gordon Ryan) happened, and I’m going to have to put it off even further. It is a business that I really want. It was already certain and defined.
I think [I would compete in MMA] at 93kg.84kg (middleweight) would be tough. I’ve never fought in an event losing as much weight as the MMA guys do, I’d have to see what that adaptation would be like.But at 93kg, for sure, it would be possible…The top one (heavyweight), no chance (laughs). It would have to be, more likely, 93kg.”
Despite the setback, Felipe Pena remained resolute in his determination to succeed. He acknowledged that setbacks were a part of the journey and that he would use this experience as motivation to push himself even harder in the future .As one of the most exciting and accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners of his generation, Pena’s focus and dedication are an inspiration to fans and fellow athletes alike. While the postponement of his fight against Ryan may have disrupted his plans for now, it is clear that Pena will continue to pursue his goals with the same passion and intensity that have defined his career to date.
