ATT coach: Sean O'Malley has never faced a challenge like Pedro Munhoz

A black belt under legendary master Carlson Gracie, American Top Team coach Marcos "Parrumpinha" DaMatta has been chosen to train many of the Russian and Caucasus fighters at the Florida-based gym.

Thanks to that affinity, the Brazilian community is changing his nickname to "Parrumpov."

"It was a natural affinity and it's such an honor for me being chosen to train so many top guys from that region,” DaMatta told Sherdog.com. “I really like to work with them, because even being very skilled and talented, most of the fighters from that region who train here are so humble, dedicated and open to learn.”

Among the fighters from Russian and Caucasian region that work with him are: Arman Tsarukyan, Movsar Evloev, Petr Yan, Sergey Morozov, Zhalgas Zhumagulov, Damir Ismagulov and Muhammad Mokaev from the UFC; Alexandr Shabliy from Bellator and Movlid Khaybulaev, Omari Akhmedov, Magomed Magomedkerimov and Magomed Umalatov from the PFL.

Even though he hails from Brazil, DaMatta stays neutral when fighters from his home country square off against those from Russia. That can change depending upon the situation, however.

"When Rashid and Natan [Schulte] faced each other at the PFL final, I didn’t stay in anyone's corner. But in the first PFL light heavyweight semifinal in 2022 between Antonio Carlos Jr. and Omari Akhmedov, I will stay with Omari, who was the first Russian to start to train with me. I´ve already trained [Carlos Jr.]. Today we are great friends, but he doesn’t train with me, so he will totally understand my position.”

At PFL 6 on Friday, DaMatta will be on hand in Atlanta to corner Magomedkerimov, Umalatov and Kayla Harrison. As a result, he will not be able to support ATT export Pedro Munhoz for his bout against Sean O’Malley at UFC 276. DaMatta disagrees with oddsmakers that have Munhoz as the underdog in the bantamweight fight.

"O´Malley never faced a challenge like Pedro. Probably Marlon Vera [is the closest comparison],” DaMatta said. “Many people say that Sean got hurt fighting Vera. That's not true. Vera hurt him with his low kicks, a technique that Munhoz uses very well, by the way. If I had to predict a result, I would say Munhoz will win via submission in the second round.”