Cezar Ferreira Says He’s Ready For UFC on FOX 19

Cezar Ferreira spoke with MMAjunkie about his fight with Oluwale Bamgbose at UFC on FOX 19 and more. Some highlights are below:

On his recent disappointing streak: “Over the last year, I went through a difficult period in my career. I was trying to find myself. I had a spinal column surgery where eight screws were inserted. I fought Sam Alvey five months after that surgery. I shouldn’t have done that. But fighters are a stubborn bunch. It was a mistake on my part. I fought after a painful training camp. My mental state was also a factor in that loss. Of all the people who undergo that type of surgery, I expect that 99 percent would never come back to the sport. Thankfully I’m still fighting.”

On his drop to welterweight and loss to Jorge Masvidal: “After Alvey, my back was still hurting. And when you run out of ideas, you try something new. So I dropped in weight classes, so I could be lighter. I felt it would take the pressure off my back. That was another mistake, since I had to cut too much weight. I already weighed 77 kilograms (170 pounds) at 11 years old. That weight cut was very difficult, and I lost a lot of strength. It affected my performance greatly.”

On leaving Team Blackzilians: “The reason for switching academies was business-related. MMA is a business, so everyone must find what’s best for their own company. I did an evaluation with my wife, who helps manage me. So, I decided it was best to leave Blackzilians, manage myself and do my own training camps. That’s what I’m doing now. My exit from Blackzilians is unrelated to Vitor’s. He left way before I did. It was my own decision. I was seeking what’s best for me. I had great time at Blackzilians. I have many friends over there. There was no conflict. It was merely a contractual decision. Many people assume that if you leave, there must have been a fight. But I sat down with them on good terms. I shared my facts, they shared theirs, and we decided this was the best move. We still have a good relationship.”

On his training for the fight: “I’ve been working on my jiu-jitsu and takedowns. I’m also working on being unpredictable. I’m going back to my capoeira roots. This is a new moment in my life. We’re working on stimulating my natural talents. I’m feeling very strong and fast for this fight. I envision myself showing up as a very different fighter. I’m doing justice to my nickname ‘Mutante’ by being in a state of constant mutation.”

On his job potentially being on the line: “I think that pressure is something that people or even the organization tries to put on us. If a fighter allows it, the pressure can affect their performance in the octagon. I’m free of that. I take my work very seriously. But my job isn’t my entire life. My family is what’s most precious to me. And there’s no such thing as a last chance. We only run out of chances after we die. While I still have strength and determination, it will never be my last chance. This is a very important fight for me. I’m going to give my best, free of any pressure. I’m going to leave everything in the cage. I’m going there to fight very well, on my way to victory.”

On his current status: “Now is a new moment. I’m 100 percent cured. I’m in the correct division – 185 pounds. I’m mentally fine. Everything is ready. I’m ready to give my best. I’m stepping in the cage to win. I hope this time I can show my talent and who the real Cezar ‘Mutante’ is. I don’t think I’ve been able to showcase 100 percent of myself in the octagon yet. This time I’ll be able to show my work.”