Ahead of UFC Vegas 86, Rodolfo Vieira found himself facing more than just the challenges of training. Tragedy struck when MMA veteran and coach Diego Braga, whom Vieira was working with for the first time, was killed by members of the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in January. Despite the devastating loss, Vieira remains focused on honoring Braga with a stellar performance on fight night.
Diego Braga was more than just a coach to Vieira; he was a mentor and a friend. Vieira recalls the disbelief he felt upon receiving the news of Braga’s untimely death and the profound sadness that followed. Braga’s impact on Vieira’s training camp was significant, and his absence is deeply felt as Vieira prepares for his upcoming bout.
Following the tragic incident, Vieira decided to relocate his camp from Orlando to Rio de Janeiro. With UFC veteran Davi Ramos stepping in as his head coach, Vieira remained determined to push forward despite the challenges. Braga’s expertise and guidance were sorely missed, but Vieira was determined to carry on with his preparations.
Preparation Amidst Adversity
Despite the upheaval caused by Braga’s passing, Vieira remained steadfast in his commitment to his training regimen. Adjustments were made, and preparations continued with a renewed sense of purpose. Vieira credits his training in Rio for enhancing his game plan and sharpening his skills ahead of the highly anticipated showdown at UFC Vegas 86.
As Vieira gears up to face Armen Petrosyan, he remains confident in his abilities as a jiu-jitsu legend. With all four of his UFC victories secured by submission, Vieira sees himself continuing this trend against Petrosyan. While acknowledging Petrosyan’s prowess on the feet, Vieira is prepared to employ his grappling expertise to secure victory inside the octagon.
A Tribute in the Cage
As Vieira steps into the octagon at UFC Vegas 86, he carries with him the memory of Diego Braga. In every move, every submission attempt, and every strike, Vieira seeks to honor his fallen coach and friend. With determination and resilience, Vieira aims to pay tribute to Braga’s legacy with a masterful performance on fight night.