So, there’s this recent buzz around the Ultimate Fighting Championship scene. Seems like they’ve got “Mortal Kombat” fever or something. Just last month, the UFC went ahead and signed this powerhouse middleweight, Joilton Lutterbach. The guy’s record? A solid 38-9, with one no contest. He’s set to throw down with Sharabutdin Magomedov, who’s undefeated at 12-0, at UFC on ABC 6 this June 22. Lutterbach, hailing from Germany but with Brazilian roots, is pumped for his big debut in Saudi Arabia. And get this, it’s his 70th pro fight if you count MMA and kickboxing. Bright lights? Not a problem for him.
Lutterbach had a chat with Sherdog on Wednesday. He didn’t mince words about his upcoming fight. “I’m better than him in every area,” he declared. Boxing, wrestling, ground game – you name it. He did give Magomedov props for his kicking, but that’s about it. Despite being a year older, Lutterbach’s experience dwarfs his opponent’s, even in kickboxing.
Now, Lutterbach’s got some serious grappling skills. He’s a black belt in judo, jiu-jitsu, and luta livre. From what he’s seen, his ground game outclasses Magomedov’s. But here’s the kicker – Lutterbach wants to keep the fight standing. He’s all about the show and aims to prove his stand-up game is superior. His bold prediction? Knocking Magomedov out cold in the second round.
Lutterbach’s journey to the UFC has been nothing short of global. He’s fought all over, especially in Europe, often feeling the pressure to represent Germany due to his wife’s ancestry and the prevalence of Brazilians in the sport. But this time, in Saudi Arabia, he’s repping Brazil through and through. The support from back home has been overwhelming, especially since Magomedov isn’t exactly Mr. Popular in Brazil. Lutterbach’s inbox has been flooded with messages from fans wanting him to silence the Russian.
Though the fight’s at 185 pounds, Lutterbach admits he’d be more at home fighting at welterweight. He’s promised UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby he’s game for middleweight bouts, but welterweight is where his heart lies.
Lutterbach’s been around the block, competing in leagues like Shooto Brazil, Cage Warriors, the Professional Fighters League, and KSW. It was in KSW he faced Dricus Du Plessis, a future UFC middleweight champ. Lutterbach’s been keeping an eye on Du Plessis and the middleweight title scene. He’s got opinions, especially about who’s the toughest matchup for Du Plessis among the likes of Israel Adesanya, Khamzat Chimaev, Paulo Costa, Robert Whittaker, and Sean Strickland. His pick for the worst matchup? Chimaev.