Gabriel Gonzaga lost his confidence and his passion. He got it back tonight in Rio de Janeiro.
The former heavyweight title contender schooled hotshot prospect Edinaldo Oliveira in less than four minutes. Gonzaga made it look easy as he took the 6-foot-7 Oliveira to the ground and eventually locked on a nasty rear-naked choke to force the tap at 3:22 of the first round.
"It felt great to be back in the Octagon. My time away from the UFC was good for me. I dealt with some personal business in my life and came back refocused. Before, I was training well, but my mind just wasn't in it. Now, I'm back, I feel great. I'm focused and I showed that," said Gonzaga.
[Don't miss the action: Watch UFC 142 live on Y! Sports]
Gonzaga (13-6, 8-5 UFC) last fought with the promotion in Oct. of 2010 and then abruptly retired. He had a comeback fight with a smaller promotion in October of 2011. He rose near the top of the division after going 4-0 with the promotion, but then lost badly to UFC heavyweight champ Randy Couture at UFC 74. After that fight, Gonzaga looked tentative and wilted in big moments going just 3-4.
Oliveira (13-2, 0-1 UFC) was way in over his head tonight. He looked to small for the weight class and his takedown defense was shaky. Once Gonzaga got him to the ground, Oliveira was easy prey.
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