It’s amazing how wrapped up we can get even when we think we are managing time well. I’ve been training my ass off like I should be but in the process I’ve spent the rest of my time trying to be with the family or just relaxing the old bones and not doing anything (read: playing video games).

So my own official website has gone into disrepair and my unofficial website (read: my myspace page) is equally unchanged and nearly forgotten. I’ll be spending some time updating both to fill in the spaces that have been left by the changing news. Keep an eye out.

My next fight is against Mike Pyle at UFN 19 on September 16th in Oklahoma City. I expect a very tough and ready Pyle since he wasn’t able to show his game when he stepped in for me against Larson on short notice. I’ve known Mike for awhile and I know full well that his last fight was no measure of his skills. I’m training for the best Pyle has to offer. I don’t believe he has enough for me and I’m more than ready to move up in the ranks after some recent disappointment.

He’ll be in the fight of his life on the 16th. I doubt Mike underestimates me but who knows, he wouldn’t be the first. Expect a fast paced, high impact fight.

Learn about it…

  In another unexpected turn of events we have decided we may hang around Rio awhile longer. After the mess in Rio my wife decided she didn’t want to stay there anymore. I acquiesced and we began planning our move. After several weeks of apartment hunting in a new town and time away from home and family we have decided that perhaps after this extended break away from it all we will go back to Sugar Loaf city for awhile.

I’m excited to get back to hard training and the team. The shock and trauma of the ordeal is slowly wearing off so hopefully everything will go back to normal. Everything, of course, with much more attention to our surroundings but normal nonetheless… Lucas will go back to school, I will go back to training and Lu and Gabi will do what they do. Things should be smooth, hopefully.

After some discussion with the UFC, I’ve discovered that my next fight will likely happen in September. There is no date set and no opponent determined. I will send news as I receive it. It’s nice to know the UFC is supportive of my situation and has done everything above and beyond what I have needed.

So that’s that.

It’s been a bit bumpy lately for sure. Now that’s water under the bridge though and I’m looking forward to getting back to the gym and staying in shape for what I hope will be a quick fight announcement. As unfortunate as it was to miss my fight at the last minute I was relieved that the UFC understood that I did everything I could to comply with the commission’s requests and that at the end of the day time just ran out. The commission released a statement clearing me of any negative findings because there were not any but the medicals and paperwork associated with them just got delayed too long due to miscommunication and last minute results. I was also informed that there is some new rule which states that nothing can be done 48 hours before a fight. I didn’t know about that one… In any case, though they had no obligation to pay me anything, the UFC helped me out financially when it was determined that I had done what I could in the time I was given, especially after all the training. So, thanks UFC for coming through with some $$$.

Now I’m in Portland visiting my family and working out with the guys down at TQ. It was great to see those guys after so long. It’s still a tough room and it is a unique challenge training with anyone at the pro team. I hope to make it in a few more times before I leave back to Brazil.

I’ll likely visit some friends at other gyms around here too like Greg Thompson and Nate Quarry’s place and perhaps Portland Thaiboxing. There just isn’t a lot of time. I’ll see how far I can stretch the time…

Gotta do a bunch of shopping too. I already went to Best Buy to replace a bunch of the stuff those bastards stole from me and next I’ll probably get some clothes for the kids. They are growing so fast! I need to call Kris too (hi Kris!) and see about some tennis shoes.

So that’s what’s going on… I’m still glad May is ending. My birthday is June 7th so that’s a good way to start a fresh month! Take care.

Could this month get any worse?

After several months of training, tapering for the fight, dieting, traveling and even cutting half of my weight the day before weigh-ins my fight has been canceled.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission did not approve some of my medicals and we couldn’t hussle them all out in time despite last minute physicals, blood tests, international conference calls and even a little prayer. No joke, I really prayed.

I’ve been told that I would likely be put on the earliest possible show in any slot that opens at welterweight. That is little relief since I was ready now and need the money but it will have to do.

Mike Pyle is stepping in to replace me at the last minute. Mike is a great guy and a great fighter and it’s nice to see him get in the UFC, just not at my expense. I wish him the best though because he deserves it and is a friend.

My apologies to Brock about the last second change and my congratulations on your new baby.

Sorry again to my friends, family and fans. It is a very disappointing situation but I will be even more prepared for my next fight.

When it rains it pours…