Thierry Felipe vs. Seif at The Crown: “Ten minutes is a war”

Thierry Felipe has his first big-show match at black belt on Sunday (Nov. 8), and it comes against the reigning ultra-heavyweight world champion. In The Crown quarterfinals at the Pyramid in Long Beach, California, he faces Seif-Eddine Houmine.

On Saturday, Thierry told VF Comunica he welcomes the challenge: “My first match tomorrow is against the reigning world champion, Seif. Thank God I’ll get the chance to show my jiu-jitsu against one of the biggest names in the ultra-heavy division right now.”

“No stalling, nothing held back”

Lighter than usual, Thierry says he is in his best shape. “I’m sure I’m fully capable of winning this match, and I’m ready. Ready to throw down. Ten minutes if needed, no stalling, nothing held back.”

He also put it simply: “Every match is its own match, and ten minutes is a war.”

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Seif’s last tournament

Seif laid out his strategy: “For me, it’s taking it to the ground and finishing as fast as possible.”

The Moroccan, who lives in France, also said this is his last tournament and that he feels no pressure. “I’m here to win,” he said. His message to fans: “It doesn’t matter where you come from. What matters most is staying consistent, training and believing in yourself.”

The winner meets the winner of Pedro Machado vs. Anderson Kauan in the semifinal. Three-time champion Erich Munis is on the other side of the bracket.

Both full interviews are in our Crown vlog on the VF Comunica YouTube channel. VF Comunica’s coverage of The Crown is presented by Kingz.

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