Paulo Thiago's Fight Team Can Compare to Anyone's in MMA



Posted: Sunday, March 29, 2009

by Daniel Barry
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When Paulo Thiago traveled to London to fight Josh Koscheck in UFC 95, some thought the UFC rookie wouldn't have anyone to bring with him. How wrong they were. It turns out, the new kid on the block has a whole team of ex-fighters and experienced trainers working with him in preparation for the Koscheck fight.

First of all, Thiago is managed by the legendary Wallid Ismail and is being sponsored by MMA apparel company, Basthardt. Known as "The Gracie Killer", Ismail isn't exactly a no-name manager who just happened to be invited to the big dance. And Basthardt, is already a major player in the large MMA apparel market.

Along for the ride is Thiago's head coach, Ataide Junior. You may have heard the name. He's not only a 4th degree black belt in BJJ, he's also the inventor of his own style of fighting called, Constrictor Jiu-Jitsu and has been with Thiago for 15 years. Junior is an amazing take-down specialist and also has superb striking skills. Watch for him to be acting as a second pair of eyes and ears for Thiago during the fight.

Take down specialist, Claudio Moreira is also in London with Thiago. Moreira has known Thiago for ten years and has a lot of striking and judo experience underneath his 3rd degree black belt.

Thiago's sparring partner, Alex Nacfur is no slouch either. Nacfur has some pro-MMA fighting experience and also has a black belt in BJJ. Also making the trip is Paulo's conditioning trainer, Luis "Lula" Eduardo, who has been with Thiago for over a year.

The only member of Thiago's possee who did not make the trip is Rodrigo Aguiar. Aguiar is a phenomenal striker and has worked with Thiago over the past year on improving his already impressive striking abilities. While they all may have varying specialties, they work together as a team to share their experiences and make Paulo a better fighter.

When asked how they planned on approaching the fight with Koscheck, they kept mum. They've done extensive research on Koscheck. Watched a lot of his fights on film and know his strengths and weaknesses. They would rather no give away their strategy at this point.

But, one thing is for sure. With an MMA Sportswear company by his side and one of the best fight teams in the business behind him, Thiago and the rest of the Basthardt fight team will have everything going for them when they take to the octagon next Saturday in London.

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