LAS VEGAS – Rodolfo Vieira feels like his career is now on borrowed time going into his fight with Chris Curtis at UFC on ESPN 38.
Vieira (8-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) returns to the octagon on Saturday’s ESPN-televised main card at the UFC Apex for a middleweight clash with Curtis (28-8 MMA, 2-0 UFC). It’s his first fight since July, and comes on the heels of his withdrawal from a scheduled bout at UFC 270 in January.
The reason Vieira had to pull out of his fight against Wellington Turman earlier this year was due to an issue that appeared on a brain scan. According to the Brazilian, it almost brought his career to a screeching halt.
“I had a problem on my brain – a malformation,” Vieira told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 38 media day. “It’s something that I was born with, so I didn’t know if it was serious or something normal. But the doctor said that I was going to be able to keep fighting and that made me very happy, because I was really afraid to have to retire.
“I was sure that I would have to stop fighting. I was waiting for the worst, and thank God that it didn’t happen, and I’m here and I’m going to fight on Saturday.”
Although Vieira experienced a scare no one should have to endure, he said it proved to be a revelation. It made him all the more grateful he’s able to continue his passion, and only enhanced his motivation and dedication for this fight and beyond.
“The good part is this issue made me realize how much I want to keep doing MMA,” Vieira said. “Even with all the fear and anxiousness.”
Vieira said there’s no secret as to his game plan for his comeback fight with Curtis. The decorated jiu-jitsu specialist has a clear game plan to get every opponent he fights to the ground, and he said things will be no different when he steps into the octagon with Curtis.
“Chris is a dangerous opponent, a very dangerous striker,” Vieira said. “He’s coming off maybe six or seven wins in a row. He’s tough. He’s a monster and it’s going to be an honor to share the cage with a guy like him. It’s going to be his striking against my jiu-jitsu. It’s no secret.”
