Emiliano Linares
Emiliano Linares is meticulous. Thoughtful. His base sport is Olympic wrestling and along the way he has incorporated boxing, jiu-jitsu, grappling, and technical elements required of a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) exponent. He already has the label of being "the next Chito Vera." But he doesn't boast about it, rather he embraces that challenge as "a responsibility and an honor." Linares (23 years old) also makes it clear that he is forging his own career towards the biggest goals in the world of MMA. One of his unalterable objectives, in 2021 or 2022, is to knock on the door of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). The Guayaquil native reveals, in an interview with EL UNIVERSO, that in February he will start a camp at Bonebreakers in Mexico to reach his highest level.
It is firmly believed that you will be the next Ecuadorian fighter in the UFC.
So far the journey has been very tough and there is still a long way to go. Earlier this year I had a fight in Panama, my last one in UCC, and in that same fight I suffered a fracture that left me unable to fight for a few months. There were even rumors that I would not fight again this year. But I recovered... Being labeled as the next Ecuadorian in the UFC is a very big responsibility, apart from being an honor. We have to fill the shoes, put on the jersey, and work very hard for it. I hope in 2021, or in the not too distant 2022, to knock on the doors of the UFC.
Are you concerned about being labeled as the next Chito Vera?
I believe that each person puts their own touch. Chito is the ultimate reference in MMA in the country. He has earned the respect and affection of the entire Ecuadorian public; my total respect because he is part of Team Predator. He is our greatest example, our greatest reference, our motivation. We try to follow in his footsteps, but also adding our own touches when it comes to fighting. We have our own preparation, perhaps it is a bit more complicated because, as you know, MMA is still growing, we are still educating ourselves about this sport in the country.
What does Marlon Vera preach when he visits the country?
The best advice he has given us is to step out of our comfort zone in our country. To seek our future abroad, in countries like Mexico or the United States, where there is competitiveness and a culture of MMA. For example, the Quitenian Alberto Jarrín (the executioner of Linares in the fight for the 66 kg belt in the main event of QFC 11, on December 18 in the capital) was training in Mexico. Chito Vera has done a lot to promote this issue, he is preparing the path for us and opening doors for us.
When you were starting out in MMA, you clashed precisely with Jarrín. What have you incorporated into your work to be seen as the future national asset in leagues like UFC, Bellator, One Championship, or Lux Fight League?
My base sport is Olympic wrestling, but I don't like to pigeonhole myself into any style. I am ready for any type of scenario that presents itself in the fight; in any environment. I really enjoy the exchange, striking, boxing, kicks, always moving forward, going for it.
We know that you graduated as a Superior Nursing Technician. Haven't you considered continuing your studies and fighting?
I have that degree, but I put the issue of a degree on hold because of mixed martial arts, which are giving me and my family a lot of joy. Why not dream of winning a belt from Lux Fight League de Combate Americas since we have that opportunity next year, when I can go to Mexican lands to fight for that dream.
Your agent, Julio Molina, is very confident that you are a more complete fighter and Mexico will be your catapult to the higher leagues.
Bonebreakers is one of the best camps in Latin America and it is managed by Dodger Montaño. There are many other active competitors and champions, as well as potential challengers for the belts of Combate Americas and LUX Fight League (the most important Mexican leagues after UFC). (D)