Tuesday, September 29, 2009
by Marcelo Alonso (malonso@sherdog.com)
Former Chute Boxe Academy striking trainer Sérgio Cunha has been enlisted to coach Brett Rogers in his Nov. 7 bid against the world’s No. 1 heavyweight, Fedor Emelianenko, at Strikeforce “Fedor vs. Rogers.”
Cunha has relocated to Minneapolis with his wife and children for three months to work with the undefeated Rogers. The muay Thai instructor is impressed with the progress thus far.
“I prepared an intense and special program for him using all the videos and information that I have about Fedor,” said Cunha. “I’m really impressed with how focused and professional Brett is. If he keeps training that way, he will reach the fight in great shape.”
Considered one of Brazil’s most profound striking coaches, Cunha helped spur on Mauricio “Shogun” Rua to his first-round knockout against former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell at UFC 97 last April. In the past he has also worked with Wanderlei Silva, Anderson Silva, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and B.J. Penn.