Officials from Brazilian soccer team Sport Club Corinthians Paulista in August announced a multi-tiered marketing initiative in which UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva would be prominently featured. From the start, many questioned whether or not the partnership between soccer and mixed martial arts could have a negative impact on MMA, but early returns indicate the results have been largely positive.
In this exclusive interview with Sherdog.com, Lemos discussed the new facility and how Corinthians fits into the MMA landscape:
Sherdog.com: How would you describe the Corinthians MMA facility?
Lemos: The facility built for us is world-class. We’re bringing soccer’s professional structure to MMA. Therefore, we couldn’t fail to seek the ultimate in quality for a facility that will serve our students and fighters. We have a seven-meter-by-seven-meter cage, just like the UFC’s Octagon, with a 120-square-meter mat surrounded by a gate for the specific purpose of MMA. We have more than eight sandbags on which to practice muay Thai and boxing, along with everything else necessary for a student to come in and take a class, even if it’s his first time at the gym. We also remodeled the weight room, which is now fully outfitted with Life Fitness equipment, a spinning room, pilates and dressing rooms; the gym has everything. We’d like to thank our partners at Prime Sports, Boomboxe and Netshoes who have made it all come true. Soon, we’ll be bringing in a boxing ring and new equipment through a new partnership with Throwdown. Plus, we have the infrastructure that comes along with Corinthians: nursing, physiotherapy, restaurants and, of course, their energy.
Sherdog.com: Who are the trainers at the gym and who chose them?
Lemos: All trainers have been chosen and appointed by Anderson himself, as he followed the realization of this dream. For muay Thai, we have coaches Fernando Maestro and Alex Kangaroo, respected champions in the sport with numerous national and international titles. For boxing, we brought in Washington Silva, who competed in two Olympics -- more than any other Brazilian fighter. I’m teaching jiu-jitsu, with the help of MMA fighter and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Carlos “Caicara” Galvao.
Sherdog.com: When did activities start at the gym?
Lemos: The gym opened at the end of the year, and, from the start, we had great interest. We have a new student every day, and I realized the expectations being placed on the graduating jiu-jitsu athletes helped enrich the class. Today, we have more than 120 students divided into three styles: boxing, jiu-jitsu and muay Thai. We’re evaluating the best options for creating competition and MMA teams.
Sherdog.com: Are the coaches paid by the club?
Lemos: Corinthians is offering support we’ve never seen before. All are employed and have benefits that the club offers -- health and dental insurance for himself and his family, meal vouchers and everything a worker deserves.
Sherdog.com: What would a person interested in training at the Corinthians gym have to do?
Lemos: It’s very simple for a person who wants to train there, whether they’re a member or a non-member. Go to the secretary, and you’ll receive instructions on how to register and get to know the club. As far as the athletes who will represent Corinthians in competition are concerned, we’re still trying to figure out the best ways to give more chances to more talent.
Sherdog.com: Will Anderson Silva train there for his fight against Chael Sonnen?
Lemos: Absolutely. His schedule is being set with the coaches, managers and advisors. We’re seeing what time works best. When that’s set, he’ll certainly use the facility.
Sherdog: How important is it for the soccer club to actually embrace martial arts in relation to the facility and not just put its name on the shield?
Lemos: Corinthians is more than a soccer team. We’re also the largest social club in Latin America, and, within the framework of sports, they saw the opportunity to add even more martial arts, as we already had judo and tae kwon do. Seeing the growth of MMA and, in particular, the UFC, Corinthians once again took the lead and resolved to invest in this new venture. Joining the greatest UFC champion with the biggest soccer club in Brazil further strengthened these two brands.