Create a free account to unlock this article! Get Started Already a subscriber? Log In

By Hunter Homistek



Filipe Braga Costa is pissed.



His whole team at Soul Fighters BJJ is pissed, too.



When news broke that MMA legend Chael Sonnen would launch the first installment of his submission-only grappling event, Submission Underground, July 17 in Portland, Ore., however, the mood was different. Costa’s face spread into a smile when matchups were announced.



He was scheduled to face three-time UFC title challenger Kenny Florian, a high-profile opponent Costa had already defeated at the IBJJF New York Spring Invitational earlier this year.



“I was about to do the same thing I did to him before, just work a little harder to tap him out,” Costa said.



Florian, however, pulled out of the event soon after that initial matchup. While Washington state’s Joshua Calvo quickly filled in to face Costa, the damage was done. Tempers flared.



“I want to thank Josh Calvo because he took the fight on short notice,” Costa said. “I’m looking forward to meeting him and having some fun. He took the fight like a man. The other guy [Florian] wants to be like a bitch…He’s going to hide. I got hurt too, dude.



“The guy’s supposed to be like a professional MMA fighter. Come on. Everybody’s training hard. Everybody’s hurt year ‘round. This is no big deal. We’re not going to let that go. You fought for the UFC title three times, then you backed out of this fight because your thumb hurts and you’re out there putting pictures on your Instagram for the whole world to see?”



While Costa shows nothing but respect for Calvo and his willingness to step in on short notice, he can’t quite rinse the foul taste from his mouth. Not until he gets that rematch.



“We’re in no, way, shape or form looking past Josh Calvo,” Costa said. “Much respect to him. But this Kenny Florian thing is going to happen again. Trust me.”



To his former point, Costa knows he’s in for a challenge come July 17. As a submission-only grappling event with one eight-minute round and a cutthroat overtime format, the action will be furious at Submission Underground. In order to adapt to this style and to emerge victorious, Costa knows he will need to be sharp and polished.



Controlled aggression is key.



“I need to change a little bit, because I’m usually doing the regular [points-based] tournaments,” Costa said. “Now, we’re pushing a little bit more to make sure we’re not giving up, to maybe get that submission. That’s the biggest change.”



Despite understanding the fact he could expose himself in going for the submission too soon or too aggressively, Costa cares little. He’s ready to put on a show, and he expects fans to appreciate his high-octane approach.



“I’ll have the balls in there to go in and do what I have to do,” Costa said. “Sometimes, yeah, you’re going to give up some stuff. So what? You’re never going to get it if you’re not willing to commit. I’m definitely going balls to the wall...Whatever happens, it happens. Whatever, you know? We’ll fight again. We’re not going to die.”

