Kaue Fernandes, a hardcore Fluminense fan, will have to focus on his UFC fight and avoid watching the Copa Libertadores final against Boca Juniors, which will be taking place at the same time as his walkout, but he still expects a thrilling ending and victory for Fluminense.
Kaue Fernandes, a Brazilian MMA talent, is preparing for his UFC debut, but he may find himself a little distracted on fight night. As a hardcore supporter of Fluminense, a Brazilian soccer club, Fernandes will miss their final minutes in the Copa Libertadores championship against Boca Juniors as he makes his walkout for UFC Sao Paulo against Marc Diakiese. While Fernandes won’t even watch the soccer match to avoid the emotional rollercoaster, he admits it will be strange to be fighting while the game is ending. He remains hopeful that Fluminense will secure the victory, but his focus is solely on the fight ahead.
Despite the distraction, Fernandes is determined to deliver an excellent performance in his UFC bout against Diakiese. Recognizing that his opponent is a difficult challenge, Fernandes plans to fight smart and not expose himself too much. Although he has won his last two fights by knockout, he doesn’t expect to go for a quick finish this time. He will rely on his instincts and capitalize on any opportunity that presents itself, whether it’s with striking or showcasing his jiu-jitsu skills. Fernandes acknowledges that anything can happen in the fight, especially given the unpredictable nature of his opponent.
Fernandes had been hailed as a top prospect in Brazilian MMA before making his professional debut. However, his journey to a major MMA promotion took longer than expected. He faced setbacks due to various injuries and the disruption caused by the pandemic. After almost two years of being sidelined, Fernandes made his comeback in July 2021 but suffered his first MMA loss in a decision. Despite the setback, Fernandes believes that the loss was a valuable learning experience and taught him the importance of addressing mistakes and constantly improving.
Now signed with the UFC, Fernandes feels ready for this new chapter in his career. He is determined to make the most of this opportunity and prove himself on the big stage. With a record of 8-1, he has already shown his potential, and his previous setbacks have only made him stronger. Fernandes is eager to showcase his skills and continue his MMA journey with the UFC, but his loyalty to Fluminense remains an ever-present factor, even on the night of his debut.