By: Rina Parsegian (@foxwithya)
Garry Tonon will be taking on Antonio Carlos Junior, also known as “Cara de Sapato” (shoeface), at Submission Underground 3 this Sunday. Antonio (UFC record 8-2) is a middleweight Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran who trains out of American Top Team in Florida. Chael Sonnen was originally slated to face Tonon at SUG 3, but after it was announced Sonnen would be unable to compete — Carlos Junior was announced as his replacement.
Antonio Carlos Junior’s last fight came at UFC 207 against Marvin Vettori, a fight “Cara de Sapato” won via unanimous decision. He is a former Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champion, and also won The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3: Heavyweights — the same season Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva served as coaches.
Chael stated on his “You’re Welcome!” podcast yesterday that contractually, he couldn’t take the fight against Garry Tonon at SUG 3. Tonon then asked for Fabricio Werdum, the former UFC World Heavyweight Champion — who has earned Black Belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo. Tonon also asked for # 3 ranked UFC Middleweight Jacare Souza, a five-time World Jiu Jitsu Champion.
Tonon asked for not one, but two top-shelf UFC contenders on 4 days notice when he heard about Chael’s removal.
Chael said of Tonon’s character, “Regardless of size, never mentioned rules, never mentioned money. Anything. He just wants a match.”
“That’s a guy fans can get behind and cheer for.”
Check out “You’re Welcome Podcast with Chael Sonnen Episode 182 – Front Row Brian” released on January 26th. The SUG 3 conversation starts at the 8:40 mark.
Submission Underground 3 will be live on Flograppling.com this Sunday at 3 p.m. PT — This will be a must-watch event, so don’t miss it!
