Often troubled middleweight fighter, Paulo Filho, is scheduled to face Bellator Champion, Hector Lombard, in a non-title, 185 pound super fight on May 13 in Monroe, Lousiana.

Once considered to be arguably the best middleweight in MMA, Filho decimated his competition during his days competing in PRIDE. Soon after, Filho became the WEC Middleweight Champion, amassing a 16-0 record along the way. Many fans assumed it would only be a matter of time before Filho’s reign of terror came to the UFC.

Then things got a little peculiar.

Scheduled to face Chael Sonnen in a rematch for the WEC title, Filho began exhibiting odd behavior. After initially pulling out of the fight to enter a rehab facility, Filho later missed weight and the bout was turned into a non-title affair. During the rematch, Filho appeared disoriented and confused. At one point, mid-fight, he turned and looked at the open air and began having a conversation as though someone were standing there. Sonnen would go on to win the fight by unanimous decision.

Shortly thereafter, the UFC absorbed the WEC middle and light heavyweight divisions along with many of its fighters. Filho didn’t make the cut and was released.

Since then, Filho has sought further treatment for clinical depression and an addiction to prescription drugs. While some of his strange behavior remains, Filho has won his last three bouts. If he can put together another run of victories, the UFC could be an option. For the time being, Filho has his sights set on just performing to the best of his abilities.

“Everyone wants it, but it’s not my main goal, even because there’re a lot of other managers who would have plenty conditions to put me on UFC. [My manager Jorge] Joinha [Guimarães], for ethical reasons, thinks it’s not the right time and I agree with him. I think everyone would like to join UFC, but more because of the advertisement. I’m not worried about it, I’m worried about fighting and doing my part, give happiness for whoever still cheers for me. That’s what I’m worried about. I want to fight until my body says to me it’s done.

In fact, if the UFC were to offer him a contract, Filho isn’t entirely sure how successful he would be with the organization. Mainly relying on wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Filho thinks his technical approach would be boring to the UFC fanbase.

“UFC has turned into an event focused for the public, the show itself, and not for who is the best fighter. As a good traditionalist from the old school, I believe I wouldn’t be successful on UFC because of my style [and] tactical positions that the audience won’t get. The UFC’s fans want to see kicks, punches, blood… I’m just like an anaconda, put it down and keep rounding so that any mistake he makes I get it.”

At the moment, a future with the UFC is a moot point. Filho’s focus is now squarely upon Lombard, a formidable champion who has had several dominant performances of his own. Personal problems aside, Filho simply wants to prove to the MMA community that the crushing athlete of the past is still there.

“We’re high-level athletes, we’re used to have a good life, but the most important is to show people that may think that Paulo Filho is done that he’s not. I have problems, so does everybody. The important thing now is Hector Lombard. It doesn’t matter that he’s in a good sequence of fights or if he has our not a belt, even because I’ve got an 18-1 record. I consider myself a complete athlete, never had easy time. Some easier, but none of them were a piece of cake. I have a expansive background, so does he.”

It’s clear that Filho has the physical abilities to still be a force in MMA, only time will tell if he can battle his demons and overcome the mental aspect of the fight game.

Bellator XVIII will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net. Check your local affiliate for specific times.

Note: Although Filho says that he has an 18-1 record, it is actually 19-1.

(Source: Tatame)