Muay Thai standout Walter “Iron Hands” Goncalves is ambitiously pursuing his dreams in ONE Championship, and he’s doing so with unwavering support from his longtime girlfriend, Natalia, who has been an integral part of his journey.
The Brazilian athlete is currently in the crucial final stages of his training regimen, preparing for an electrifying strawweight Muay Thai bout against the highly talented young fighter Aliff Sor Dechapan, set to take place on November 8 during U.S. primetime at the prestigious ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug event.
This pivotal battle will unfold at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, offering Goncalves a golden opportunity to end his current losing streak and firmly establish himself as a formidable contender in the highly competitive strawweight Muay Thai division.
While “Iron Hands” is undeniably driven by aspirations of fame and recognition within the world’s largest martial arts organization, he draws significant motivation from his relationship with Natalia, whose presence adds depth to his endeavors.
The pair’s love story began back in 2019, when they first crossed paths on Instagram. After an initial exchange of messages, they quickly arranged to meet for a date, during which they discovered an effortless connection that has kept them inseparable ever since.
Goncalves expressed to onefc.com just how significant Natalia is to him, highlighting the qualities that attracted him to her:
“What attracted me to her was her simplicity and her family, her humility, and also her smile and joy. Her vibe was really cool, so I knew I wanted to be by her side. I love her and I can’t imagine being without her. She’s a safe haven for me.”
In the competitive arena, Goncalves transforms into a fearsome, knockout artist, renowned for his heavy strikes and relentless fighting style, yet outside the ring, he embodies a joyful spirit, characterized by a genuine desire for the well-being of those around him.
Fortunately, Natalia shares this positive perspective on life, allowing them to connect deeply and align their dreams. He noted:
“What we have most in common is that we have the same energy. We have the same positivity and joy, the same desire to succeed in life and help our families. Everything we want and dream of is connected to our families.”
Although Natalia is not a professional fighter, she actively trains in Muay Thai, understanding the incredible dedication and sacrifice involved in competing at such a high level. Her support system proves to be invaluable to Goncalves as he challenges the world’s best.
Despite her unease while watching him fight, Natalia remains an unwavering supporter and his most devoted fan:
“She has always supported me, especially because she also trains Muay Thai and also goes to the gym. She has always helped me, supported me, and never criticized my profession as a fighter. I know she doesn’t like to see me fighting because she doesn’t like to see me getting punched or getting cuts on my face.”
Goncalves Leans On Girlfriend To Push Through Self-Doubt
Walter Goncalves’s girlfriend Natalia bravely watches him take on rivals in the ring, fully aware that every bout brings him closer to realizing his ultimate aspiration – purchasing a house for his beloved mother.
“Iron Hands” revealed that during moments when he considers retiring, Natalia is always there to remind him of his ambitions and motivates him to persevere:
“She always tells me to do my best. She knows that my dream is to buy my mother a house. I have thought about giving up on everything many times, but she always encourages me and tells me that my day will come, that I just need to be patient and continue on my path, that one day we will get through this and realize the dream of buying my mother a house.”
As a prizefighter, Goncalves acknowledges the immense challenges he faces, revealing that he could not succeed without the solid support that Natalia provides.
From preparing nutritious meals that align with his training diet to offering steadfast emotional encouragement, she plays a crucial role in his journey as an athlete.
Goncalves emphasized:
“When I am preparing for a fight, she is the one who prepares the food for my diet, she always helps me mentally, telling me all the time that I will win and achieve everything I want. She always encourages me and reminds me that my dream as a fighter is to have a better financial life and buy a house for my mother. It’s because of her that I never gave up on anything. I always remember her and all the support she gives me and I become stronger and more focused on my goal.”
Interview with Walter “Iron Hands” Goncalves: A Journey of Love and Combat Sports
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Walter. You’re gearing up for an exciting fight against Aliff Sor Dechapan at ONE 169. How’s preparation going?
Walter Goncalves: Thanks for having me! Preparation is going well; I’m in the final stages of my training. It’s very intense, but I feel strong and ready for the challenge ahead at such a prestigious venue like Lumpinee Stadium.
Editor: That’s great to hear! We know how important your relationship with Natalia is. Can you tell us more about how she supports you through your fight preparations?
Walter Goncalves: Absolutely. Natalia is my rock. She’s not just my girlfriend; she’s my best friend and my safe haven. She trains in Muay Thai, so she understands the dedication it takes, and having her by my side makes a huge difference. Her positivity and encouragement keep me focused and motivated.
Editor: You both seem to have a wonderful connection. What initially attracted you to Natalia?
Walter Goncalves: What attracted me was her simplicity, humility, and that incredible smile. Her joy and the vibe she brought were immediately appealing to me. I knew early on that I wanted her in my life. She makes everything seem more achievable.
Editor: It sounds like you’ve built a solid foundation together. You’ve mentioned that she doesn’t love watching you fight. How does that make you feel knowing she worries about you while still being your biggest supporter?
Walter Goncalves: It’s tough for her. Knowing she doesn’t like watching me take hits or get hurt speaks volumes about how much she cares. But despite that, she’s always there for me—cheering me on and helping me prepare. I appreciate her support more than I can say.
Editor: With your upcoming fight, you’re aiming to turn things around after a rough patch. How does your relationship with Natalia inspire you during this period?
Walter Goncalves: She inspires me to push through my doubts. We share the same energy and aspirations for success, which helps me to refocus on my goals. I want to make her proud, not just with my fights but in everything I do.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Walter. Your passion both in and out of the ring is truly inspiring, and we wish you all the best on November 8!
Walter Goncalves: Thank you so much! I appreciate the support, and I’m excited to put on a show for everyone!
Me a better person, and I can’t imagine my journey without her support.
Editor: That’s beautiful to hear. You mentioned that you’re not just fighting for yourself but also for your family, especially your mother. Can you elaborate on that motivation for our viewers?
Walter Goncalves: Definitely. My ultimate dream is to buy my mother a house. That’s what drives me when I face challenges in my career, especially when I think about giving up. Natalia always reminds me of my ambitions and how close I am to those dreams. It keeps me grounded and focused on my goals.
Editor: It sounds like she’s a significant source of strength during tough times. How does she help you when self-doubt creeps in?
Walter Goncalves: She’s always there to push me through those moments. Whenever I have doubts, she tells me to be patient and that my day will come. Her words encourage me to keep going, and she prepares my meals to help me stay on track with my diet. That support is invaluable—it’s the reminder I need to stay resolute.
Editor: As you prepare for your fight on November 8, what’s the message you want to send to your fans and supporters?
Walter Goncalves: I want them to know that I’m fighting not just for myself but for everyone who has supported me along the way. I’m determined to make my dreams a reality, and with Natalia by my side, I believe we can achieve amazing things together. I’ll be giving it my all at ONE 169!
Editor: Thank you, Walter. We wish you the best of luck in your upcoming fight and look forward to seeing you shine in the ring!
Walter Goncalves: Thank you! I appreciate the support.