Kaue Fernandes Plays the Long Game

All the necessary ingredients for long-term success in the Ultimate Fighting Championship appear to be in place for Kaue Fernandes, from the requisite tools and the inner drive to the world-class coach who brings it all together.

The former Shooto Brazil titleholder will set out in search of his second straight victory when he meets Guram Kutateladze in a three-round UFC Fight Night 255 lightweight prelim on Saturday at the O2 Arena in London. Fernandes, 29, carries a 9-2 overall record and a 1-1 mark inside the Octagon. He last competed at UFC on ABC 7, where he put away Mohammad Yahya with punches in the first round of their encounter some seven months ago. Fernandes welcomes the hits and misses that have shaped countless other combat sports athletes.

“To have a long career in the UFC, not only do I train for my next opponent, but I train for any situation in the cage,” he told Sherdog.com. “I believe that now I’m more technical, stronger and have better stamina. Today, I’m a fighter who’s more intelligent and more physical. My future fights will show this.”

Kutateladze enters their match with wins in 10 of his past 12 bouts. The 33-year-old Allstars Training Center rep has delivered more than half (seven) of his 13 professional victories by knockout or technical knockout. Kutateladze last saw action on Aug. 3, when he rebounded from back-to-back losses to Damir Ismagulov and Elves Brener with a three-round unanimous decision over Jordan Vucenic.

“My opponent is tough, without a doubt,” Fernandes said. “There are no slouches in the UFC. I see him as a complete fighter. He does a bit of everything, even though he prefers to bang it out. I could be wrong, but I feel he may want to grapple against me. I’m getting ready for that, as well. The adjustments I’ve made aren’t just for beating Guram. The goal remains to be in the UFC for many years to come. Of course, these things take time, but my wish is to work my way towards the belt one step at a time.

“Everyone who faces me feels the pressure that I bring,” he added. “They realize that fighting me is a war. I expect Guram to bring his best version, because I’m better than the version who beat Yahya. I’m looking forward to a great weight cut and recovery, so I can have a great performance against Guram.”

Fernandes operates out of the famed Nova Uniao camp in Rio de Janeiro, where legendary trainer Andre Pederneiras oversees his day-to-day development.

“It’s where I started. I never left,” Fernandes said. “I’m very well prepared. If Guram is also well prepared, we’ll have an incredible fight. I’m very happy with this opportunity.”

Fernandes would like nothing more than to use Kutateladze as a springboard to more significant opportunities in the 155-pound weight class.

“I hope that, with a good performance, I can have an opponent with more name recognition next time around,” he said. “I want to show the world who I truly am.”