Gilberto Dos Santos talks with Sherdog after SFC 16

Lightweight Poster Joined : 28 Mar 2008 Posts : 101

Gilberto Dos Santos moments after the ref stopped the fight in SFC 16.

Sherdog has the opportunity to meet briefly with the new MW champion Gilberto Dos Santos in the airport when the BJJer was waiting to return home.

Sherdog.com: Hi, Gilberto. Congratulations on your title fight.
Gilberto: Thanks.

Sherdog.com: Your last fight against Jonny Steels was one of the most expected fights in SFC. The hype around the MW belt was enough to fill the MMA forums in internet for days but the result was disappointing. How are you feeling after the fight?
Gilberto: It's a mixed feeling. I'm happy to bring back home the belt but sad with the fight outcome. I've trained a lot to win fairly and winning or losing I was hoping for a big show.

Sherdog.com: Have you talked with Steels after the bout?
Gilberto: Yes. We meet in the post fight interview and in the party.

Sherdog.com: What happened then? Why his corner throw the towel?
Gilberto: I don't know. I know I was hurt and I know I hurt him... I was defending myself of his leg kicks and trying to find a chance to score a takedown and then the referee stopped the fight. We both look to the another with a quizzed face. I've asked the ref what happened but I didn't remember he doesn't speak portuguese. Jonny asked the same and then the ref pushes him to the corner while saying that his corner had thrown the towel. My corner pour in and begin the congratulations. I just can guess that his cornermen thought he was injuried.

Sherdog.com: Some people were asking a instant rematch.
Gilberto: Me too. I want to legitimize the belt. I'm ready to fight Steels anytime SFC wants. But it seems that Jonny has other plans. I've phoned him today and he told me that he was dropping to WW. But I know we'll meet in the future. Our history in he cage has not ended.

Sherdog.com: When you'll fight again?
Gilberto: I don't know. My agent has been talking with Maria Cruz and she told him "Gilberto is the fucking champion. Can you ask him to wait until we call him again?" -laughs-. So I've to wait and keep training or she will KO me.

Sherdog.com: Any preferences regarding your next opponent?
Gilberto: I really don't care. I just want the best. I don't think anyone in the MW division is at the same level that Steels, Holgate or me are right now and Holgate and Steels have dropped to WW.

Sherdog.com: Thanks for your time, Gilberto.
Gilberto: Thanks.
_________________
Gilberto Dos Santos
9-2-0

Fred Asahina
3-0-0

I will do whatever Maria Cruz says to do. If she wants an immediate rematch I will jump back up in weight and come fight you again. Im just a greedy bastard and want the WW title too. Laughing

Anything that Maria and the SCF wants they will get...
_________________

HW James 'Lightning' Boltz 1-4
MW Carl 'Stone Hands' Frazier 5-1
WW Jonny 'Magic' Steels 6-4
FW Bobby 'No Mercy' Mercer 2-1
LW Mark 'Murder' Sene 0-0