UFC’s Allan Nascimento explains how working as cornermen for Chute Boxe teammates helps own fighting career

During the early 2010s, when UFC achieved great popularity in Brazil and Anderson Silva became a superstar, Allan Nascimento was considered a promising talent in Brazilian MMA. Since then, he faced a few obstacles in regional competitions before finally joining UFC, a decade later. Nascimento believes he has grown in maturity and readiness for the challenges that UFC throws his way, a transformation he attributes to his role as cornerman for Diego Lima, the leader of Chute Boxe. On the Trocação Franca podcast by MMA Fighting, he elaborated on his journey.

Nascimento chuckled as he recalled his former status as an up-and-coming prospect in MMA, expressing his gratitude for the reputation he's carved out in the industry since then. He acknowledges his longstanding relationship with Lima - a partnership of 16 years - as a significant factor behind their excellent synergy. Many fighters value and trust his presence in their corner, a role he cherishes.

Chute Boxe manages 10 UFC fighters currently, including past lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira. As a cornerman, Nascimento has supported these fighters in their bouts on numerous occasions. Nicknamed "Puro Osso", Nascimento has two UFC wins in the flyweight division, claiming victory over Jake Hadley and Carlos Hernandez. In February, he'll be heading to Mexico to accompany Daniel Santos and Felipe dos Santos.

According to Nascimento, his dual responsibilities as an active fighter and cornerman have manifold benefits, as it allows a different perspective from outside the octagon. This understanding inspires trust in a cornerman's instructions, helping fighters adjust their strategies accordingly. He explained, "Sometimes we're in the octagon and we hear what they say but we try to follow our strategy...I say what my fighter really needs to hear...that learning is important for us."

Though Nascimento won't be part of Oliveira's corner in his forthcoming fight, he's optimistic that the former champion could reclaim the UFC belt in 2024 against Islam Makhachev. Initially, a rematch was expected after Oliveira triumphed over Beneil Dariush in June, but a cut led to Oliveira's withdrawal. Nascimento reveals that the team is eagerly preparing for this battle, saying, "We're just waiting for the date, time, and place...It's the fight that makes the most sense for everyone involved, UFC, Charles and Makhachev...Charles has a different mindset now on what needs to be done."