ADCC 2015: Underdog Orlando Sanchez Out to Avenge Werdum’s Loss to Vinny Magalhaes

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SAO PAULO -- Orlando Sanchez is making his presence known at ADCC 2015.

After beating Finland’s Janne-Pekka Pietilainen in the opening round, Sanchez managed to eliminate two-time ADCC champion Dean Lister on his way to the heavyweight bracket semifinals.

Now, Sanchez faces an even bigger challenge: trying to contain Vinny Magalhaes, who has been unstoppable so far, having quickly finished his two opponents in the opening rounds. The matchup is something of a personal matter for Sanchez.

“I owe all my grappling improvement to Fabricio Werdum. I care a lot for him and he took me to the next level,” Sanchez told Sherdog.com on Saturday. “I want the victory tomorrow to avenge Werdum’s lost to Vinny in 2011, and also to get some respect I think I deserve in the world of jiu-jitsu.”

Despite not spending many minutes on the mat during the first day of competition, Magalhaes said he has been satisfied with his performance and claimed that day one was tiring in a different way than usual for him.

“Sometimes you may not get physically, but mentally tired,” explained Magalhaes. “I had to fight one of my best friends in Rodrigo Artilheiro, and there is a lot of pressure and expectation surrounding me because I was the champion once. But, when I’m well-prepared, that’s the rhythm, I hope I can keep the pace tomorrow. I can’t guarantee I’m going to win, but it is what I’m seeking.”

The former UFC fighter said he was indeed expecting to face Lister in the semifinals, but Lister’s loss to Sanchez only proves that his next opponent is one to be worried about.

“Everybody expected to see me and Dean Lister in the semifinals,” said Magalhaes. “I did watch half of his fight, and it wasn’t very impressive, but Sanchez won so he earned respect. We’ll see tomorrow.”