After scrapped debut, Rizin FF 3's Allan Nascimento 'twice' as motivated to beat Yuki Motoya

Back in April, Allan Nascimento was excited about his upcoming bout with Yuki Motoya at Rizin FF 1 and the possibility of it leading to a longterm deal with a major organization.

His plans, however, didn’t pan out. Although Nascimento (16-3) stuck to his end of the deal – not only making weight, but doing so after making the long journey from Brazil to Japan – Motoya (17-4) failed to reach the division’s 125-pound limit and the bout was scrapped on doctor’s advice the day before it was set to ensue.

Nascimento had worked hard for that fight and felt focused going into it. But he was also coming off a loss and looking at some cage rust. So now, as he prepares for another try at the matchup at Thursday’s Rizin FF 3, he believes it may have just worked out for the best.

“I’ll be much more ready this time,” Nascimento told MMAjunkie. “In April, I was going to fight after almost a year layoff due to injury. This time around, I’ll be coming in off two fights (both victories) in the second semester. I’m in a better fighting rhythm. It’s going to be an even better fight. So now I’m very well prepared – mentally and physically.”

Rizin FF 3 takes place Dec. 29 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

Apart from timing, Nascimento also celebrates the extra pounds that he’ll get now that the bout is a catchweight affair. So much that, with 12 hours to go for the weigh-ins, his Instagram page showed he was even allowed the luxury of carbs.

“I think Rizin waited for the right moment to book us again,” Nascimento said. “I believe I’ll be even more ready. I’ll be even better. We’ll meet at a higher weight this time – at a catchweight.

“So, for me it’s better, since I’ll have to suffer less, especially considering the long trip. I’m twice as willing and motivated to win now. I want to put on a good show in Japan. This is a big event.”

A Chute Boxe Diego Lima product, the Brazilian fighter trains alongside UFC names such as bantamweight prospect Thomas Almeida, vet Felipe Arantes and featherweight Charles Oliveira.

Nascimento may be a long way from his native Sao Paulo, but, convinced that Chute Boxe is “always at home in Japan,” he hopes to carry his team and country with him into the ring.

“I’m heading to Japan to represent Brazil and to represent Chute Boxe,” Nascimento said. “Chute Boxe is the greatest MMA school in the world, and has a very large presence in Japan.

“Without a doubt, the Chute Boxe style will prevail again in Japan. In his last Rizin fight in 2015, Motoya was knocked out by (my teammate) Felipe Efrain. I should have had a chance to knock him out in April, but now I get to do it in December.”

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