CR Exclusive Interview with Eduardo Dantas!

Bellator Bantamweight Champ Eduardo Dantas (Photo by Hexlinc)

Eduardo Dantas is a rarity in a sport such as MMA. At only 23 years old, he is the bantamweight champion in the 2^nd largest promotion to hold the 135-pound division. He has incredible power for a bantamweight as he has a brutal knockout win over veteran Wilson Reis with a beautifully set up flying knee. He also holds up a very advanced ground game that was especially shown with his submission win over former champ, Zach Makovsky. This is all helped by his reach advantage he has over most of his opponents as he towers over them at 5’10”.

And to top this all off, he trains at one of the best camps in the world, Nova Uniao, alongside UFC champions Jose Aldo and Renan Barao.

He was very gracious in taking time from training for his next fight for an interview.

Championship Rounds: Hey Eduardo, thank you very much for agreeing to do this interview! So, how do you see the fight between Luis Nogueira and Marcos Galvao going? Who do you predict is going to be the winner?

Eduardo Dantas: It will be a tough fight for 3 rounds, and I believe “Loro” (Marcos Galvao) will win!

CR: Describe the experience watching the bantamweight tournament unfold in determining your next challenger. What has that been like?

ED: It is great to see a tournament with so many good fighters, and to see my next [challenger]. I'm going to settle [into training]!

CR: What is it like being only 23 years old and a champion of one of the world’s biggest MMA organizations?

ED: It is very good; I hope to get to 30 years old with many titles!

CR: How many fights do you have left on your contract with Bellator? Will you come to the UFC once it’s fulfilled?

ED: Bellator is an event that I will not leave; it treats me very well. I love all the organizers at Bellator. They are my family. My contract is 1 year and 6 months. In the UFC, Renan is my friend, who will be beating everyone. I do not see anyone in the UFC beating him.

CR: When you come to the UFC, would you be willing to fight your teammate Renan Barao if he is the champion?

ED: This is our job, we are paid for our show, and so we will fight!

CR: What is it like training at such a prestigious camp such as Nova Uniao?

ED: It is paradise! Everyday I power train with the best! Thank God, I love to fight!

CR: What is a name from Nova Uniao that we should keep our eye on?

ED: Everyone, we [at Nova Unaio] just have the best!

Thanks again to Eduardo Dantas. Make sure you follow him on Twitter @Dudantas22 and watch Bellator 73 as Luis Nogueira and Marcos Galvao battle to be the next one to challenge Dantas for his belt!