6 Questions for Junior dos Santos

Junior dos Santos has enjoyed a meteoric rise up the UFC heavyweight ladder, with decisive wins over Fabricio Werdum, Stefan Struve, 2006 Pride Fighting Championships open weight grand prix winner Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic and Gilbert Yvel.

The once-beaten 25-year-old will carry a five-fight winning streak into his co-main event with former title contender Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC on Versus 1 this Sunday at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colo.

Dos Santos discussed the upcoming interim heavyweight title bout between Shane Carwin and Frank Mir, the return of Brock Lesnar and his place in the UFC’s heavyweight pecking order in a recent interview with Sherdog.com.

Sherdog.com: What are your thoughts on the interim heavyweight title fight between Shane Carwin and Frank Mir at UFC 111?
Dos Santos: I think it has everything to be a great fight. The two know each other, and both fighters want this victory. I think that Shane Carwin will have a good showing. It will be an incredible battle, but I believe that standing up and using his striking, Carwin takes an advantage.

Sherdog.com: If you were betting on this fight, who would you bet on?
Dos Santos: Frank Mir. If he goes to the floor, his experience will make the difference, and that’s why I would bet on him.

Sherdog.com: Shane Carwin is undefeated and famous for his knockouts. Do you think that Mir’s experience can make a difference in a fight like this?
Dos Santos: I think so. Frank Mir has been tested many times before, has been champion of the UFC and is one of the best fighters in MMA. He has a lot more experience. Carwin had only one big fight against Gonzaga, so I believe in Frank Mir’s experience.

Sherdog.com: What do you expect from the return of Brock Lesnar? Do you think that his injury may have impaired him?
Dos Santos: I know very little about his return, but I think he has had a good recovery time and has everything he needs to return to being like he was before. He’s a guy who believes enough in himself and has a good head on his shoulders, so I think he’ll be back doing the same damage that he was doing before.

Sherdog.com: Do you think that a win against Gonzaga could launch you into a fight with Cain Velasquez?
Dos Santos: I think if I win this fight, they can put me against him or maybe in a fight for the title. The second option, I think, is the most fair, because of our rankings. I’m in a better position than they are. The last time that I saw, I was in front of Velasquez and Carwin, but now I don’t know how the rankings are. If God wants, everything will be OK in my fight against Gonzaga. If it happens, it would be a great opportunity for me to face Velasquez. I want to fight for the belt, for sure. With a good result against Gonzaga, I see myself fighting for the title, and I feel ready for it. I think I’m fully capable of fighting with any of them and winning this belt. I’m very confident about it.

Sherdog.com: How are you preparing for this fight against Gonzaga?
Dos Santos: Things are happening. The preparation is good. I’m adapting to the climate in Colorado and maintaining my stress level. I feel prepared and very confident, but I know that Gonzaga is a dangerous guy and wants to win. This is a fight he needs. I think he will come to win, but, to me, it’s no different. I’ll give it my all and do my best. I’m sure it will be a great fight, and I hope to be victorious in this battle.