The Vikings were infamous for raiding far-off lands, and Norwegian brown belt Espen Mathiesen will join a new generation of Viking warriors when he and his team mates take on the Cabras da Peste [Brazilian rednecks] as part of Copa Podio’s 2016 season. 

Espen faces off with Yan ‘Pica Pau’ Lucas on Jan. 9, in Rio de Janeiro as one of three super fights supporting the stellar Lightweight Grand Prix. In this blog he describes his recent time spent preparing with the Kimura Nova Uniao jiu-jitsu team in Natal in North Eastern Brazil. 

Preparing For The Next Viking Invasion

I’m very excited for being part of the Viking team that’s going up against the Cabras da Peste [Brazilian rednecks]. Copa Podio is a very prestigious tournament and my opponent, ‘Pica Pau’, is legit. It's a challenge I'm more than ready for, and I will bring every ounce of Viking strength that’s inside of me to become victorious. 

Photo: instagram.com/espenmathieson

My ancestors are known for their travelling, exploring and conquering, and thats what I'm doing now. I landed in Natal, Brazil, on  November 4, and since then have worked harder then ever to reach my goal of beating Pica Pau. 

Leaving my loved ones is a part of the game, but it's for sure not easy, especially at this time of the year. Knowing that I'm sacrificing my time away from them makes me even more focused.

The training here in Natal is much different then my hometown of Egersund, due to various of reasons. Coming from a small town with mostly lower belts, this is a big contrast. 

The mats are packed with high-level black belts every day. Being able to roll with them on a daily basis helps me reaching my potential. The Brazilians have a very fluid style of jiu jitsu, so I try to implement that into my style, too. The intensity of the training here is very high, and you can't slack off. Everybody goes hard no matter the belt, no matter the weight. 

My preparation here has been a grind, and feel I that my body and mind is stronger then ever. I train three times a day Monday to Friday: two jiu-jitsu sessions and one strength and conditioning. I also do a session of either on Saturdays. 

The intensity of the training here is very high, and you can't slack off. Everybody goes hard no matter the belt, no matter the weight

My preparation is more than just training: I am also very focussed on my nutrition and mental game. Just the fact that I have the Viking spirit running through my veins gives me courage and toughness. Working with Gustavo Dantes, the BJJ Mental Coach, helps as well. A strong mind is extremely important in jiu-jitsu, especially in a fight like this were the pressure on me is huge. I'm a big believer in visualization – I have already won the match hundreds of times in my head.

I went to Fortaleza – Pic Pau's hometown – a couple of weeks ago to explore his territory. We met up and had an intense staredown. It was a very cool experience, and I felt going to his city was my way  of saying, “The Viking has arrived and I'm ready for battle”. 

January 9, will be the start of the new Viking era. I will start it alongside Tommy Langaker and Ida Fløysvik. It's a great honor to be on the same team as them, they are great people and fighters. I'm sure that the Cabras da Peste have no idea who they are up against. I can't wait to go to war with them. I'm also very grateful that I'm able to represent Scandinavia – I take a lot of pride in that, and I won't let my people down. 

Follow Espen on Instagram. 

Espen Mathiesen will fight as part of Copa Podio's event, which will be live-streamed here on FloGrappling on Jan. 9.