On The Spot ~ Raffaello 'Tractor' Oliveira

posted by Jesse Denis

MMA Spot's Jesse Denis recently caught up with newly signed UFC prospect, Rafaello 'Tractor' Oliveira. Oliveira, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and two-time North American Grappling Association champion, trains with current UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn. He got his first taste of mainstream exposure in October of 2008 when he fought at Elite XC's "SHOxc Challenger Series." After amassing a 9-1 record, Tractor was originally set to face former Pride FC Lightweight Champion Takanori Gomi at "Affliction: Trilogy" on August 1 before the promotion closed it's doors and canceled the ill-fated event.

On the verge of giving it all up, Oliveira chose to keep fighting. His contract was taken over by the UFC soon after, and he is now set to make his debut at "UFC 103" in Dallas, Tex. on September 19. He will take on fellow newcomer Nik Lentz, who is filling in for the injured Dan Lauzon. We asked Tractor how getting ready for three different opponents has affected his training, what it's like training with the champion, and much more.

First things first, how's your training going?

I'm training hard, twice a day. Sparring one day, technique and grappling the next.

You've gone through three possible opponents in the last month. You were set to take on Dan Lauzon at "UFC 103," but that fell through through with his injury. How do you feel about that? You're now set to take on Nik Lentz, does that change your game plan at all?

Yeah, I was looking forward to Lauzon, he's a good fight for me. He injured his back and now I'm fighting Nik Lentz. He's a good opponent, but the game plan is always the same. You have to train as much as possible, you never know what's going to happen.

You were supposed to face Gomi at "Affliction: Trilogy" when that fell through. Obviously that would have been the biggest fight of your career hitherto. How'd you feel when that fell by the wayside? How did you feel when your contract was picked up by the UFC?

Oh man, I was in California training with BJ [Penn]. It was a hard fight for me; I was training really hard to put my game plan to him to work, I want to fight the best, you know? The Affliction guys called me at 9:30 AM and told me; "We're sorry, but Affliction isn't going to happen. The promotion doesn't exist anymore." I was really depressed for 4 days, I almost retired. I told my wife, "I don't think I want to fight anymore." She kept me motivated, and I started to train again. Then the UFC called and offered me 4 fights. I said to myself "that's the best MMA in the world, and I want to be there."

We hear a lot of people talk about Octagon jitters, do you think debuting in the UFC will affect your performance at all?

It's the best MMA in the world; I might be nervous, but it's easier for me than fighting at home. I'll be nervous, but I'll be okay.

Who in the UFC lightweight division do you want to fight?

I just want to do my thing, put my name out for the fans, have my spot, and just fight the best. I want to get better. I don't pick my fights and I don't have any problems with anyone.

I know you train with BJ Penn. It's the big question to ask fighters nowadays, "would you fight your partners/friends?" BJ is the champion right now, if you earn a shot against him, would you take it?

I would have to think about it. He's my friend, my idol. Honestly, I don't think so, but you'll never know. For me, it'll be hard to do. Either way, he has a lot of challenges now anyways and I don't think he's going to stay at 155. He'll probably go back to 170 after a few fights. He likes to challenge himself.

Your record stands at 9-1 and your only loss is a cut stoppage to Lyle Beerbohm in a fight you were winning. Was that a loss you're looking to avenge at some point of your career?

It was his day, he didn't hurt me, just cut me with that elbow. He had good BJJ defense, he defended well, but I think I can beat him. I respect him though. I don't look for anyone, but you need to improve where you failed and see why you lost. You know, that's life.

Who would you say made you the fighter that you are?

You know, I believe in God. My trainers and friends in Brazil, my family. I fight for them. All the guys who helped me grow up in the martial arts in Brazil, BJ and his team, my boxing coach. It's so many people, all the guys who help me… Rudy Valentino, Jason Perillo. Anyone who worked to train me.

Do you still plan on being active in the jiu-jitsu and grappling circuit?

I don't know, I would possibly do some no-gi. I'm a NAGA champion, I've won twice. But right now, I'm just focused on MMA.

What areas are you working on improving the most?

Mostly stand-up, I had two amateur boxing matches in Brazil, I won both. Also my wrestling and BJJ, You have to improve everywhere.

You mentioned improving your wrestling and your stand-up; some BJJ guys have had problems with some of the wrestling based guys in the UFC, are you training for the guys like that?

Well, if you wanna be the champion, you have to improve everything, always. I'm working on my take down defense, and if I can't take down, I think I can stand and bang, but you have to work.

How did you get into the sport of MMA?

I was doing BJJ in Brazil and I got a call. It was four and a half years ago and I was offered a fight. I trained for a month and took it to challenge myself. It was a rush, and I felt great when I won. That's when I decided that I wanted to do this for a living.

Is there anyone you wanna thank in closing?

Yeah, all my family, they've helped me a lot. Premiere Martial Arts, Cage Fighter, RVCA, and Team Brazil. Tractor Fight Team, BJ Penn, and his guys, all my coaches. Minotauro's gym in Miami, my stand-up coach, Hermes Franca, and all the Boca-De La Riva team for bringing me to the states. I don't want to forget anyone, but I think that's everyone.

Posted at 09-09-2009