Brad Tavares will be going into enemy territory later this month.
The middleweight takes on Gregory Rodrigues on Jan. 21 at UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro. It’s safe to assume Brazil’s Rodrigues (13-4 MMA, 4-1 UFC) will have the crowd on his side like most Brazilians do in home fights.
Given the passion and the “you’re going to die” chants from the fans, non-Brazilians might find it intimidating and even a disadvantage to some degree – but not Tavares (19-7 MMA, 14-7 UFC). He’s unfazed by what may come with being the visitor.
“As far as going into his home country and fighting him on his home soil, it’s nothing new to me,” Tavares told MMA Junkie Radio. “Previously in my career, I went on a streak where I fought everybody in their hometown.
“I went to Japan and fought Riki Fukuda. I went to England and fought Tom Watson. I went down to Florida and fought Yoel Romero – granted, he’s from Cuba, but that’s his new hometown. He has his whole fan base there. So it’s nothing new to me. I’ve done it before. This ain’t the first time, and I’m sure it won’t be the last time.”
As far as the challenge itself, Rodrigues is entering UFC 283 with momentum. The 30-year-old has two consecutive wins, both stoppages, and won post-fight bonuses for each.
Tavares, who’s coming off a decision loss to Dricus du Plessis, knows he’s got a tough task and is aware of the dangers “Robocop” presents.
“I know one thing about him: He’s a tough dude, and you see that in his fights,” Tavares said. “He gets hurt or rocked, whatever it may be, and people think they’ve got him. They think they’ve got the fight won, and no – he puts their lights out. He’s a super dangerous guy, a super tough guy.”
