At M-1 Challenge 16, Valdir “BB Monster” Araujo got his first taste of defeat when he suffered a decisive first round KO loss to M-1 Global veteran Lucio “Spartan” Linhares. “Obviously our game plan didn’t work out the way wanted,” says manager Cesar Cameiro. “Linhares is a spectacular opponent with a wealth of experience against top-tier competition. It was a hard learned lesson for Valdir and he’s promised to return and avenge his loss on the M-1 Canvass.”
Since his loss to Linhares, the “BB Monster” has gone 2-0 with wins against Patrick Anastasio and Craig Wilkerson; both bouts taking him out of the first round for the first time in his still young career as a professional mixed martial artist and leaving him with a respectable 4-1 professional record in a tough welterweight division.
Holding black belts in judo and jujitsu, the “BB Monster” has been at the gym working on correcting his weaknesses, “Striking is critical in mixed martial arts and an area I have focussed my training on since my loss,” says Araujo. “My conditioning is much better and our camp is working on the right strategy for the fight at the M-1 Selection tournament. This is my second chance to prove myself and I am not going to waste it.”
The M-1 Selection – Americas tournament second round takes place live on June 26 at Bally’s Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Tickets are available through www.TicketMaster.com. Doors open at 6.30 pm, first fight at 7:00 PM/ET.
Free broadcast coverage of the entire 2010 M-1 Selection tournament will be available to viewers worldwide on www.M-1global.com and selected affiliate partner sites.
