For more on Titan FC 44, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.
Less than one year after losing Titan FC’s lightweight belt to Freddy Assuncao, Gesias Cavalcante will have a chance to claim the next best thing.
Cavalcante (21-9-1) meets Kurt Holobaugh (16-4) on Friday at Titan FC 44 in Florida looking to become the promotions 115-pound interim title holder. At this point of a long career that involved stints in Shooto, Cage Rage, Dream, Strikeforce and WSOF, Cavalcante doesn’t seem too attached to the added glory that comes with some wins.
But he’s already made room in his belt collection just in case.
“To me, it doesn’t matter – it’s a fight,” Cavalcante told MMAjunkie ahead of Friday’s event, which streams on UFC Fight Pass. “I love the belt. I like having belts. I have a cool collection here at home, and I’ve already made some room for the next one. But no one fights inside that cage with the belt around their waist. In there, it’s a fight. It’s about going for it, doing what we train for, and winning. The belt comes afterward. It’s just the cherry on top. And I’m bringing another one home.”
That will involve getting past Holobaugh, a UFC and Strikeforce veteran who’s coming off back-to-back wins and has never been finished in his pro career. Cavalcante is familiar with his opponent, a “tough guy” who he believes will make for an interesting scrap. And he’s also heard of Holobaugh’s ambitious plans.
Unfortunately, he’s not interested in helping make them happen.
“Two years ago, I believe, he was coming off a good winning streak. He was trying to make his way back into the UFC,” Cavalcante said. “Unfortunately, he lost, I believe to Andre Harrison (at Titan FC 34), and that ruined his plans. Now, he’s trying to get that campaign going again. And I’m going to be the one to spoil his plans.
“I’m going to be the first guy to stop him. (I’ll be) the first guy to finish him, either by submission or knockout. I’m going to finish this fight within the five rounds.”
At 33, Cavalcante has more practice in combat sports than many fighters older than him. But rather than slowing down, he sees constant activity as the key to staying on top. Right now, Cavalcante feels healthy both inside and out.
That, he warns, can be a dangerous combination.
“I know my potential,” Cavalcante said. “I know I am technically and physically apt. When I get in there mentally balanced, I’m capable of beating anyone. I know I’m one of the top fighters in the division. You can put me in there with anyone in the world, that I know that I have what it takes to win. When I’m doing good, I know I can beat anyone. So, it’s about adjusting the details. They’re what makes the difference.
“Thankfully I’m being able to fight often, I’m healthy, and that’s what matters. I’m motivated to train. I like fighting, I like training. I’m always at the gym. I like teaching classes, I like helping the guys out. I have a big life in martial arts. That strengthens me. That strengths my spirit and strengthens me even more as a fighter.”
For more on Titan FC 44, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.