The Past and Future 05.12.09: Rafael
Posted by Robert Steele on 05.12.2009
This week a look at Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcate’s career, as well as analysis of his June Strikeforce fight against Jared Hamman.
Feijao is one of the brightest future stars to come out of now-defunct EliteXC and move over to Strikeforce. He had been given the opportunity to fight Strikeforce Light-Heavyweight Champion Renato "Babalu" Sobral, but in early April Babalu was forced to withdraw due to personal reasons surrounding the upcoming birth of his child. On relatively short notice, Jared Hamman will act as his replacement for a fight scheduled on June 6th.
The Past:
As the story goes, in Iha Solteira, Brazil, Feijao was discovered by Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, who happened to be traveling on business. Nogueira wanted to do some rolling and asked locals for a training partner. Feijao was the person suggested. His jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai was impressive enough that Nogueira decided to mentor Feijao.
In his first professional MMA fight he beat Eduardo Maiorino, a man more successful in Muay Thai and kickboxing than MMA. From there he would go on to win two more fights in Brazil before joining the IFL.
Feijao won his IFL debut in early in the second round with a flurry of punches. His second fight in the IFL, against Marcio Cruz, was a bit of a mess. The first round was dominated by Feijao for the most part, though he lost a point for using the ropes. The second round came to near stoppage as Feijao succumbed to Cruz's serious ground and pound. The third round ended the fight prematurely as Feijao made use of two illegal head kicks and was disqualified. Cruz did seem to connect with a head butt in the fight as well. It was a blemish on Feijao's career, but in fairness to Cruz, Feijao would most likely have lost the fight on points.
Soon following this loss, Feijao signed with EliteXC, choosing also to move down to a leaner 205lbs. In his EliteXC debut against John Doyle, the inciting force was an overhand right by Feijao that caused Doyle to stagger. Doyle retaliated with some wild swinging, but Feijao slowed the pace by putting Doyle in the clinch. Feijao pinned Doyle to the cage, landing some knees to the head. It was a final knee to the body, however, that caused Doyle to slump over and spew blood.
After his impressive debut, he fought against Wayne Cole. Feijao began by displaying more of his Muay Thai with strong knees in the clinch. One knee slipped and caught Cole in the groin, causing a momentary pause in the fight. Feijao worked back to using knees in the clinch. Cole caught and held onto a knee until Feijao leaped and gave a flying knee to the chin with his other leg. This and a flurry caused Cole to duck and cover. The fight was eventually stopped, though somewhat early perhaps, since Cole appeared to be attempting to stand.
Feijao fought his last MMA fight in EliteXC, and to date, against Travis Galbraith. Galbraith had the misfortune of having to move up in weight for the fight. Galbraith seemed to hold his own in the clinch briefly, but eventually got caught with a knee. A flurry caused the stoppage.
Months later, Feijao was one of many caught in limbo due to the financial struggles with EliteXC. He eventually put together a deal with Strikeforce and was slated to face Babalu for the Strikeforce Light-Heavyweight title. In an interview with TATAME magazine, Feijao indicated his excitement."Babalu is an idol," he said. "Since I were a little boy, when I was training, he already fought, was already winning several fights. If I have to fight him, it will be a pleasure."
With the birth of Babalu's child falling near the same date, Babalu pulled out of the fight. 10-1 Jared Hamman was quick to step-in to fight as a replacement on the June 6th card.
The Future:
Much has been made of Feijao's training with Team Nogueira, training under Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Anderson Silva. While they may be among the top fighters in the world, they are not necessarily the top trainers in the world. Still, the practical hands-on sparring with those at the best level can only help raise Feijao's skill level.
Listening to Feijao in interviews, he also seems dedicated to his training. He reiterates how important it is to prepare physically in order to be prepared mentally; if you train your hardest, you will be without any doubt going into a fight.
Feijao seems a hot prospect at light-heavyweight, but there are still some question marks. His competition has sometimes not been at a high level, or was against opponents who needed to move weight or take a fight on short notice. He hasn't displayed a tremendous amount of ground work, though he has been able to avoid takedowns effectively enough that it was rarely needed.
Jared Hamman is another fighter taking a fight with Feijao on short notice, although there is enough time that preparation should not be an excuse should Hamman lose. Hamman will be a good test for Feijao. He is well-rounded and trains under Vladimir Matyushenko. The former football player is athletic and well-conditioned. He is coming off avenging his loss to Poai Suganuma by first round TKO.
On June 6th, Feijao will get to prove whether he is truly ready to take on Babalu for the title.
