By Guilherme Cruz

Photo Eduardo Ferreira

Sengoku featherweight champion, Marlon Sandro might return to the rings in the end of the year. On a chat with TATAME, the Nova União athlete revealed he’s training to put the belt of the division in line against Hatsu Hioki on Dynamite, event that happens on the Japanese’s new years’ eve. “There’s anything confirmed yet, but I might fight on December 30, on Dynamite. It’s only depending on my manager to deal with the contractual things and all, but I’m already training for a five-rounds fight, so I can defend my title”, tells Marlon.

Having the four last wins being conquered by knockout on the first round, and an average of only 70 seconds by triumph, Marlon gives special attention to his ground game, once his opponent got 11 of his 22 wins by submission. “He has a great takedown and a good Jiu-Jitsu, he’s a submitter. I’m training a lot the ground game with Leo Santos, who is his size, but has a wonderful Jiu-Jitsu, and with Pimpolho… Leo is much more experienced than him, once was the world champion, but Hioki is good on the floor”, said.

With an impressive professional record, with 17 wins in 18 fights – the only loss coming on a controversy fight with Michiiro Omigawa, Marlon doesn’t leave his exchange aside, sharpen his dangerous upper with the main names of Nova União. “I’m training with José Aldo, Hacran Dias, Amilcar Alves, Beição… I’m trying to keep the good stan-up trainings with the guys who has a good trade of punches. I’m trying to be complete, focusing on my ground game, but I’m also keeping my sparrings”, concludes.

Stay tuned on TATAME to know more about Dynamite 2010.