Former UFC heavyweight contender Gabriel Gonzaga will be making his return to the UFC in 2012 when he faces off with Edinaldo Oliveira at UFC 142.

In preparation for his Octagon return, Gonzaga will do his training at Team Link and a gym he owns with Marco Alvan. “Napao” believes the gym is a great building ground for not only himself, but those looking to get into MMA.

“I believe it is first a good environment, like everybody in my gym is helpful, respectful and wants to make you learn,” said Gonzaga, in an exclusive interview with FindMMAGym’s website. “If you are a good opponent, you are going to help on the training and that will make you learn too.”

Gonzaga rebounded from a pair of UFC losses to defeat Parker Porter earlier this year. The UFC took notice and signed Gonzaga to replace Rob Broughton for the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil show. As a Brazilian himself, the Oliveira fight will show how Gonzaga has come full-circle in his career.

“I started in judo, but only did it for a month before I moved to Brazilian jiu-jitsu,” Gonzaga said. “After four months, I was a Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion in the nationals and I was addicted.”

Gonzaga’s training has been influenced by Alvan, his muay thai coach, Ibere Reis, and all students at Team Link that are helping him get ready for his next fight.

By: Dan Becks