As leader of the Vikings team Alexander Trans has a great deal of responsibility to represent not only himself, but his people. 

The Danish black belt will face rival team leader Braulio Estima, head of the Cabras da Peste (Brazilian roughnecks), in the final battle of the team vs team series, to be held on July 9 at the Copa Podio Middleweight Grand Prix in Argentina. 

The team challenge awards points for method of victory, just like in the Copa Podio Grand Prix. A match won by submission is worth 5 points, by points is worth 3, advantages is worth 2 points, while a draw garners 1 point. 

Even though the score is currently 7-1 in favor of the Vikings, Trans believes his team still needs to fight hard to ensure victory. 

“I think our chances are good, we're ahead 7-1 going into this round, but since a submission victory counts much more than a victory on points or advantages, everything can change quickly. 

But I'm confident that I'll win, and that our team will win as well. Anything can happen, and I respect my opponent a lot, but I believe in myself and the work I have been doing, so I'm expecting to win. I don't train as hard as I do everyday to be second.

Amazingly, this is the first time Trans – a veteran of the biggest tournaments in the world – will have ever competed in a one-on-one superfight. 

“I’m very excited about the fight, it's nice to be able to focus 100% on making a strategy for one opponent, and not having to worry about saving energy for more fights like in tournaments. 

“Also I'm excited about fighting in a professional event like Copa Podio that treats the athletes well, not like the events I'm used to fighting that doesn't care about the athletes and are only concerned with making money. So I have been looking forward to my debut in Copa Podio since last year when I signed with them.” 

Facing off against someone of Braulio’s stature doesn’t phase Trans, who’s had plenty of opportunity to fight the biggest names in the game. 

Far from worrying about feeling pressure, Trans says the challenge leaves him feeling confident. 

“It’s a very important fight for my career. I want to fight the best, winning easy fights doesn't give me any satisfaction. 

I want to test myself against the best in the sport. I've been watching Braulio's fights since I started training, he has beautiful jiu-jitsu, very tricky and intelligent, but I'm feeling very confident, and I hope to be able to put on a good fight in Argentina.