Live Blogging BJJ World Championship Final Day 2008
June 8, 2008
Okay everyone, we’re gearing up for the final day of action here in the Pyramid at Cal State Long Beach!
The breakfast this morning was great, so thanks for those who came out! The general consensus from the those over coffee and eggs was that Roger Gracie will likely defeat Xande Ribeiro in the black belt absolute division.
To find someone you want to follow in competition, use CTRL+F (Windows) or Command+F (Mac) to search for their name!
Many thanks again to PeshPhoto.com for help with electricity!
As yesterday, please feel free to leave your comments below!
- Caleb
Black Belt Mens
Pablo Texieira (Brazilian Fight) vs Yusuke Honma Paraestra has started.
Samuel Braga (Gracie Barra) vs. Fabio Passos (Alliance) has started.
Samuel Braga has defeated Fabio Passos. Samuel Braga advances in the pluma division.
Yusuke Honma has defeated Pablo Texeira.
Felipe Costa (Brasa) is about to take the mat against Joao Carlos Kuraoka (Axis Japan). Costa is coached by Demian Maia.
On mat number two, we have Daniel Beleza (Nova Uniao) against Makoto Sawada (Paraestra).
Daniel Beleza is working for a triangle on Sawada.
The score is still 0-0 between Costa and Kuraoka.
Beleza still cannot finish the triangle attempt on Sawada.
Felipe Costa is now up 2-0 over Kuraoka.
Sawada still fighting off the triangle attempt.
Kuraoka just swept Felipe for two points to make the score 2-2 and is now on top.
Sawada still fighting off the triangle.
At the 9 minute mark, Sawada has escaped the triangle. His opponent is up by one advantage.
Time runs out and the score is 0-0 between Sawada and Beleza. Beleza wins for his 8 minute triangle attempt!
Yoshioka Dai (Tokyo Yellowmans) versus Leandro Escobar (Soul Fighter) is starting on mat two.
Felipe Costa and Kuraoka has ended tied 2-2 but Costa had one advantage point and advances.
Wilson Reis, Bruno Frazatto, Megaton, and others have been called to the warm up area.
On mat number one, Wilson Reis (Godoi JJ) is going to face Teodoro Canal.
Ikuta Makoto is stepping on the mat against Phelipe Freitas.
Wilson Reis is up 2-0 over Teodoro Canal.
Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles (Alliance) is warming next to mat 1.
Ikuta Makoto and Phelipe Freitas are tied 0-0.
Wilson Ries is swept, the score is now 2-2 with Canal.
Teodoro Canal has defeated Wilson Reis by one advantage point. The score was tied 0-0.
Now on mat number one is Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles (Alliance) against Jose Augusto.
Ikuta Makoto lost to Phelipe Freitas.
Marcos “Yemaso” Torregossa will take on Lucas Lepri (Alliance) now.
For some reason AC/DC’s Thunderstruck is playing over the loudspeakers.
Kron Gracie has entered, now with a shaved head and no goatee.
The AC/DC was revealed to be a technical difficulty. Coaches were having a hard time communicating with their athletes.
Lucas Lepri appears to have beaten Yemaso by gi choke from the back.
Paulo Guillobel (Gracie Humaita) now takes on Jonatas Gurgel on mat two.
Cobrinha is up 2-0 over Jose Augusto.
I missed something and now Jose Augusto has been disqualified in his match against Cobrinha.
Bruno Frazatto is now up against Augusto Lopez Mendes.
Gurgel is up 2-0 over Guillobel.
Mario Reis will face Megaton in a moment on mat 1.
Gurgel is up 4-0 over Guillobel.
(In response to the question below about Jared Weiner, I believe he was eliminated yesterday in both the absolute and his weight division. Don’t quote me on that though, it’s all a blur right now).
Bruno Frazatto has defeated Augusto Lopez Mendes.
Gurgel defeated Guillobel and now advances.
Megaton is now on the mat, and his opponent Mario Reis (Gracie Barra) has joined him.
Celsinho Vinicious is now up against Daiske (Alive) on mat two.
Looks like we have Felipe Costa versus Yusuke Honma in a moment.
Mario Reis is up 2-0 over Megaton.
Megaton nails a huge sweep, taking Reis completely off the ground, legs straight up, and comes up on top. The score is now 2-2.
Celso Vinicius is now up 2-0 over his Japanese opponent.
I blinked and now Celso Vinicius is winning 11-0.
Megaton continues in Mario Reis’ open guard.
Celso Vinicius (Ryan Gracie) wins 14-0.
Mario Reis at the last moment gets an advantage to win over Megaton.
Michel Longhi against Felipe Delamonica (Gracie Barra) has started.
Honma Yusuke versus Felipe Costa (Brasa) is now beginning.
Felipe Costa is up 2-0 over Honma Yusuke.
Michel Longhi and Felipe Delamonica are tied 2-2.
At 3:41 Yusuke Honma has tapped Felipe Costa by triangle!
Mat number one now gets Bruno Malfacine (UGF) versus Caio Terra (Cesar Gracie).
Michel Longhi defeats Felipe DelaMonica.
Daniel Beleza (Nova Uniao) is now going against Samuel Braga (Gracie Barra).
Caio Terra is now beating Bruno Malfacine 10-0.
Samuel Braga is up 2-0 over Daniel Beleza.
Malfacine just scored a quick six points. It’s now Malfacine 6, Terra 12.
Caio Terra just caught Bruno Malfacine with a gi choke from the back to win at 9m26s. The final score at the time was also 16-6.
Braga continues his 2-0 lead over Daniel Beleza.
Teodoro Canal versus Cobrinha has now started on mat one.
Samuel Braga has tapped Beleza.
Cobrinha has choked Teodoro Canal.
Bruno Frazatto now faces Mario Reis (Gracie Barra)
Felipe Freitas is up against a Japanese opponent.
Not sure why but Mario Reis is changing pants in the middle of the match.
Frazatto is up 2-0 over Mario Reis at 3m46s.
Bill Cooper is being called to the warm up area.
Frazatto and Reis are now tied 2-2 at 6m12s.
(Answering another question from below - no, I am not sure what happened to Tony Passos. I think I remember him winning a match but I don’t know his statues for today, if any).
Felipe Freitas is now tied 2-2 with Yoshioka Dai. Time runs out and it looks like the Japanese competitor now wins by an advantage.
Jonatas Gurgel is now up against Lucas Lepri (Alliance).
Frazatto now leads Reis 4-2. The time is 9m07s.
Bruno Frazatto defeats Mario Reis 4-2. Reis is not happy.
Lucas Lepri has one hook in from the back of Jonatas Gurgel.
Reis is now confronting the ref on the mat after the match arguing a point.
Celso Vinicius (Ryan Gracie) now faces Michel Longhi (Alliance).
Reis is still arguing, now with Alvaro Mansur, who is calmly addressing Reis’ (loud) concerns.
Braulio Estima has been called, as has Andre Galvao, Rafael Correia to the warm up area.
Celso Vinicius is up 2-0 over Michel Longi.
On mat 1 we have Arnaldo Nascimiento against Bill Cooper.
Cooper has one advantage, the score remains 0-0 at 1m04s.
Bill Cooper sinks a choke from the back of Nascimiento! The time is 2m47s.
Gustavo Campos (Rickson Gracie) now faces Otavio Souza (GB)!
(Answering question in the comments: Yes! I will watch out for Souza, and the Estima brothers!)
Celsinho Vinicius wins 2-0 as time runs out.
At 4m06s, Gustavo Campos is up over Otavio Souza by a score of 2-0.
At 5m39s, Otavio Souza defeats Campos by leg lock.
Cassio Werneck is now up against Sergio Moraes (Alliance), the competitor who eliminated Kron Gracie yesterday.
Vitor Estima is now awaiting his first match on mat 1.
Sergio Moraes and Cassio Werneck are tied 2-2 at 5m05s.
Murilo Santana (Yamasaki) now takes on Eduardo Santoro on mat 2.
Sergio Moraes has defeated Cassio Werneck by one advantage after a tie score of 2-2.
Brasa’s Lucas Leite now is up against Vitor Estima.
(Answering a question in the comments: Yes, Bill Cooper has been announced as being under Alliance).
Lucas Leite just got 2 points for a take down on Vitor Souza. It’s now 2-0 at the 2m52s mark.
Murilo Santana (Yamasaki) has now defeated Eduardo Santoro. The match was slow and Santana was penalized for stalling.
Leite is now up 4-0 over Estima. The time is 6m05s.
Rogel Monsalve (Alliance) is now up against Braullio Estima (Gracie Barra) on mat 2.
Andre Galvao is now in the warm up area.
Vitor Estima has a mounted triangle on Lucas Leite!
Vitor Estima has now turned the triangle into an armbar and defeats Lucas Leite at 8:26! After a clumsy celebratory backlfip from Vitor, his brother Braulio Estima completes a triangle on Monsalve at the same time!!! The two brothers hug in the middle of the arena to loud applause!
Leo Dalla against Marcel Louzado has begun on mat 2.
Marcel Louzado opens with a throw on Leo Dalla to begin 2-0.
Xande Ribeiro has moved to mat 1, where he will face Hugo Carioni from Gracie Florianopolis.
Marcel Louzado is now beating Leo Dalla 5-0 at 6m26s.
At 2m29s, Xande Ribeiro is up 3-0 over Carioni.
Louzado (Brasa) has defeated Dalla by a score or 5-0 as time runs out.
Tarsis Humphries is now warming up on mat one.
Raphael Correia (Renzo Gracie) is now up against Andre Galvao!
Galvao lands a big loud sweep and is up 2-0 over Gordinho at the 33s mark.
Xande Ribeiro is now up 6-0 over Carioni at the 7m10s mark.
The arena is quiet in the way a golf crowd is quiet during a golf swing, save for the occasional shout.
Now Xande Ribeiro has triangled Carioni at the 8m11s mark and the crowd applauds. Xande advances.
Tarsis Humphries is now up on mat 1 against Andre de Freitas (Gracie Barra).
Galvao is still up 2-0 over Gordinho.
de Freitas pulls guard on Humphries.
Galvao is on top in half guard over Gordinho, still 2-0 at 6m16s.
Galvao is now winning 7-0 over Gordinho at the 7m50s mark.
Tarsis is playing in de Freitas’ open guard. It’s still 0-0.
Galvao has mounted Gordinho. The score is 14-0.
Galvao lands a gi choke from the mount at 9m09s over Raphael “Gordinho” Correia.
(To answer the latest question, I don’t know how many matches they have left, sorry! No time to look :))
Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros is now against Marcel Fortuna on mat 2.
At the 8m25s mark Tarsis Humphries and de Freitas are still tied 0-0.
At 9m06s Tarsis now leads 2-0.
Tarsis Humphries defeats Andre de Freitas 2-0 on points.
Comprido and Fortuna are still standing almost five minutes into the match.
Alexandre de Souza (Gracie Florianopolis) now faces Alexandre Ferreira on mat 1.
Marcel Fortuna has now pulled guard on Comprido. Three minutes remain in their BJJ match.
Marcel Fortuna is attempting an armbar on Comprido. Comprido is on his back.
Marcel Fortuna has defeated Comprido 5-0 at the end of time.
Artur Cesar (UGF) is now up against Rafael Lovato Jr. (Gracie Humaita) on mat 2. The crowd reacts with loud anticipatory applause as Lovato’s name is called.
Lovato Jr. is in Cesar’s guard at the 3m33s mark. Still 0-0.
Alexandre de Souza (Gracie Florianopolis) has defeated Alexandre Ferreira, 2-0.
Roberto “Tussa” Alencar faces Fernando dePiero (Alliance).
Lovato Jr. is now down by two points., 0-2.
Tussa begins with an unsuccessful flying triangle attempt on DiPiero.
Four minutes left in the Lovato Jr. and Cesar match. It’s now 2-2!
Tussa and DiPiero are also tied 2-2!
At 2m4s Tussa armbars DiPiero!
Lovato is still tied with Cesar 2-2 but he leads on advantages!
Lovato gets three more points to make it 5-2 and then nails a kimura! Cesar taps at 8m35s!!!
Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu is now facing Flavio “Cachorrinho” Almeida on mat 2! The strong Gracie Barra presence gets loud for Cachorrinho!
Rodrigo Cavaca (Brasa) now faces Roger Gracie (Gracie Barra) on mat 1!!!!
The crowd is getting rowdier in here!
Roger stuffs a takedown, reverses it, and lands almost in mount!
Almeida is still tied 0-0 against Abreu.
Roger begins attacking. Cavaca
Almeida and Abreu are tied 2-2 at 3m40s.
Roger taps Cavaca by gi choke at 2m42s!!!
Eduardo Telles now faces Paulo Ribeiro (Gracie Barra).
Telles is up 2-0 over Paulo Ribeiro.
Almeida and Cyborg are still tied with two minutes left.
Telles is up 7-0 over Paulo Ribeiro.
Telles taps Paulo Ribeiro at the 4 minute mark.
Cachorrinho is in the fight of his life.
Time expired in the Abreu / Almeida match. Almeida has lost by one advantage under the relentless presure of Cyborg Abreu.
On mat one, Leonardo Leite (Brasa).
Bruno Paulista (Gracie Barra) now faces Gabriel Vella (Alliance).
Bill Cooper (Alliance) now faces Otavio Souza (GB)!!!
Paulista is playing open guard against Vella. Score 0-0.
Cooper is defending in Souza’s active open guard as well. Score 0-0.
Jeff Glover and Franjinha are coaching Bill Cooper from the sidelines. The match is stopped to re-tie their gis.
Vella and Paulista remain tied 0-0 at 5m05s. Lot of weight on that mat right now.
Cooper is defending an omoplata from Souza but appears to have it under control until he is swept and the score is now 2-0 in Souza’s favor. Time 4m41s.
It looks like we have Tarsis HUmprhies against Xande Ribeiro next on mat one.
At 7m26 Cooper lands a sweep and it’s now tied 2-2 against Souza!
Vella is up 3-0 over Paulista.
At 6m23s Souza sweeps Cooper and is now up 4-2. Suddenly Cooper nails a footlock on Souza at 8m40s for the win!!!!
Sergio Moraes (Alliance) is now up against Vitor Estima (Gracie Barra) on mat two!
Time has expired and Vella has defeated Paulista 3-0.
The score is 0-0 between Vitor and Moraes, and also between Xande and Tarsis.
Estima is attacking Moraes’ foot. Time 4m06s. Time has been called for the competitors to re tie their gis.
Xande and Tariss are still tied at 0-0 at 3m51s.
Sergio Moraes is up 2-0 over Vitor Estima at 5m24s.
Xande Ribeiro finally gets a sweep on Tarsis and now leads 2-0 at 5m19s.
Sergio Moraes lands a gi choke at 6m06s against Vitor Estima for the win. Alliance rolls on!
Xande is still up 2-0 over Tarsis at 6m51s
Braulio Estima is now up against Murilo Santana (Yamasaki).
Time expires and Xande defeats Tarsis 2-0. The Gracie Humaita fans rumble the stands their feet in satisfaction!
Braulio Estima is up 2-0 over Murilo Santana.
Roger Gracie now faces Eduardo Telles on mat number 1!
Braulio Estima and Murilo Santana are now tied 2-2.
Telles shoots a single leg on Roger, which is stuffed.
Santana is losing by two points to Estima now, and 3 minutes remain.
Roger Gracie and Telles are still tied at 3m26s, in a relatively static match. Advantages are tied 1-1.
I believe we may see Roberto Abreu against Rafael Lovato Jr. in a moment…
Estima is declared the winner on mat number two and will now be in the middle heavyweight finals!
Roger almost has Telles’ back with 2 and a half minutes remaining.
Roger did not get the back. It’s 0-0 as the time runs down, and Roger has advantages.
Roger wins with a score of 0-0 but advantages of 3-1 over Telles. Roger is now in the semifinals according to the announcer.
Lovato Jr is up 2-0 over Abreu at 2m24s.
Tussa Alencar is now on the mat against Alexandre de Souza (Gloria Florianopolis).
Lovato Jr remains up 2-0 over Abreu at 5m32s.
Lovato Jr is now up 4-2 over Abreu. Abreu is in turtle position. Time 7m47s.
Lovato Jr takes Cyborg’s back! It’s now 8-2!!!!
Abreu gets a takedown, it’s now 8-4 in Lovato’s favor. Just under a minute left as they retie their belts!
Lovato is now on top in half guard, as time winds down. Lovato wins!!!
Marcel Fortuna now steps on mat number two against Antonio Braga Neto.
Alexandre de Souza defeats Tussa 2-0.
Now mat one gets Leonardo Leite against Gabriel Vella (Alliance).
Gabriel Vella remains tied with Leite at 6m21s at 0-0.
Antonio Braga Neto wins 12-0 over Marcel Fortuna.
I believe the ladies will be fighting soon. Gabrielle Garcia, Laurence Cousin, Ana Laura Cordeiro and others can be seen warming up.
Various black belts from around the country are being called to the officiating table.
Leonardo Leite wins a toughly contested match against Gabriel Vella that was 0-0 at the end. Leite won on advantages.
A “short break” has been called in preparation for a preparation of unknown nature.
The pause in action was to recognize the first black belt professors officially recognized by the USJJF, who received certificates and official wallet ID cards.
Accredited black belt professors as approved by the United States Jiu Jitsu Federation:
Jeff Glover
Rolles Gracie
Rickson Gracie
Kid Peligro
Lloyd Irvin
Luis Heredia
Renato Magno
Rafael Lovato Jr.
Marcio Feitosa
Wellington “Megaton” Dias
Gustavo Dantas
Amal Easton
Rey Diogo
Tinguinha
Franjinha
Johnny Ramirez
Jacare Cavalcante
Leo Dalla
Joao Silva
Rodrigo Medeiros
Royler Gracie
Renzo Gracie
There may be other names I missed!
Black Belt Womens
Abe Takako is now going against Miriam Cerqueira (UGF) on mat two.
Miriam Cerqueira is now the superfeatherweight champion after a judges decision over Abe Takako.
Bianca Barreto is now going against Laurence Cousin.
Barreto and Cousin are tied 0-0 as time winds down. Barreto is up by two advantages and wins the featherweight division for Gracie Barra.
Luana Alzuguir (Barbosa JJ) is now up against Kyra Gracie for the lightweight world championships.
I have decided I am going to reward myself with a FAT dinner on the way home to San Diego.
Kyra is up 2-0 after the takedown. She has successfully avoided an armbar attempt from Alzuguir, who is playing from the guard. Only this match is going on right now.
Kyra is now in Alzuguir’s closed guard. The time is 4m17s.
Alzuguir has been hunting Krya’s right arm for some time. The score remains 2-0 in Kyra’s favor at 7m11s.
Kyra Gracie has now defeated Luana Alzuguir by a score of 2-0 to win the women’s black belt lightweight division.
(In response to the comment below that this must be a “total pain”: it’s not easy, but the Mighty 600,000 deserve it! :-))
Hannette Staack is now going against Fernanda Mazelli for the middleweight title.
Hanette Staack has defeated Mazelli.
Penny Thomas (Gracie Humaita) is now going against Ana Laura Cordeiro (GB) for the middle heavyweight title. This should be good!
The score between Thomas and Cordeiro is 0-0; Thomas is trying to stave off Cordeiro from taking her back!
Thomas JUST ESCAPED A NASTY ARMBAR that she REFUSED TO TAP TO! The crowd cannot believe it. The fight continues 0-0, but Cordeiro has 7 advantages to Thomas’ zero.
Time is running out! Looks like Cordeiro wins…
No! At the last moment, Thomas nearly sinks a gi choke on Cordeiro!
Cordeiro shrugs off the choke (and Penny Thomas) and time expires. Cordeiro wins by advantage with a score of 0-0. Awesome match to watch.
Now women’s heavyweight final is beginning. It’s Gabrielle Garcia against Maria do Carmo.
Just 90 seconds into the match, Garcia is up on points 9-0.
At 1m57s, do Carmo taps to a gi choke as Garcia took her back. Garcia is the new heavyweight champion in the women’s black / brown division.
After a 20 minute break, Roger Gracie will face Leonardo Leite for the super heavyweight title.
Bill Cooper has begun warming up.
The down time in competition has put too much free time in people’s hands, and Gracie Barra and Alliance are egnaging in dueling crowd chants. The different camps have self-segregated so there are large sections of fans wearing Alliance t-shirts, Gracie Barra t-shirts, and Gracie Humaita t-shirts.
Okay everyone! We are now in the Men’s Black Belt Finals!!!
Super super heavyweight division: Roger Gracie vs Leonardo Leite
The two are still grip fighting at 44 seconds in.
Leite has an advantage for a takedown attempt.
0-0 at 1m49s
0-0 at 3m41s. Still grip fighting from standing.
More of the same at the five minute mark.
Brasa’s Leo Leite gets a takedown at 5m53s. He is now up 2-0.
At 6m42s Roger gets a sweep. It’s tied 2-2 although Leite has one advantage point.
Now Roger has mounted at 7m10s! The score is now 9-0!
Roger is slowly creeping up to work the hands in for the choke… under two minutes left!
THe Brasa supporters have all moved over to the Humaita crowd and are chanting in unison against the Barra crowd!
Roger continues working for the choke!
At the 9m59s mark ROGER GRACIE GETS THE TAP FROM LEITE!!! HE RETURNS AS THE SUPERHEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!!!
Heavyweight division: Xande Ribeiro (Gracie Humaita) versus Xande de Souza (Gracie Florianopolis)
Ribeiro is now in de Souza’s open guard.
de Souza has one advantage point for a near-takedown. Time 1m55s.
de Souza has two advantages after an armbar attempt. Time 3m00s.
At 3m29 seconds Ribeiro passes and is up 3-0.
Ribeiro is given negative two advantages, and de Souza is awarded two points after several warnings for Ribeiro’s perceived stalling by the ref. Time 6m 43s.
Ribeiro is now playing open guard against de Souza. One and a half minutes are left.
There is less than a minute and Ribeiro is hanging on to his one point lead; de Souza cannot pass!
Time ticks down and Xande Ribeiro is the 2008 heavyweight world champion!!!
Bantamweight division: Honma Yusuke vs Caio Terra
Terra gets an immediate takedown, but shortly thereafter Yusuke sweeps and it’s tied 2-2.
Terra goes for a foot attack and nearly gets his back taken. Honma is up 4-2 at the 3m02s mark.
The score is tied 4-4 at the 4m12s mark.
Terra has swept again and the score is 6-4 in his favor. Three minutes remain.
Less than one minute left and it’s still 6-4 for Terra.
Time is up and Caio Terra is the new bantamweight world champion.
Featherweight division: Samuel Braga (Gracie Barra) vs. Yoshioka Dai (Tokyo Yellowmans)
Two minutes in and the score is still 0-0.
After four minutes, the score is still 0-0. Braga has one advantage point.
After eight minutes, the score is still 0-0. Braga has two advantage points.
Advantages now leave Braga on top. The final score is 0-0, but he was up 3-2 on advantages.
Pena division: Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles vs. Bruno Frazzato (Brasa)
Tied 0-0 after ninety seconds…
At 3m38s Frazzato sweeps Cobrinha and gets 2 points, but Cobrinha soon answers with two of his own. It’s now tied 2-2.
Frazzato nearly takes Cobrinha’s back! The score is now 4-2 in Frazzato’s favor! There are five minutes left.
Cobrinha sweeps just before the six minute mark. It’s now 4-4!
With just 2 minutes left, it’s still tied 4-4, with no advantages.
It’s still tied 4-4 but Frazzato nearly swept Cobrinha, giving him an advantage point.
At the 9m10 mark, COBRINHA SLAPS A VICIOUS FOOT LOCK ON FRAZZATO! FRAZZATO TAPS LOUDLY and Cobrinha is the champion again.
Lucas Lepri vs Celso Vinicius
Still tied 0-0 with no advantages after two minutes.
After five minutes, the score is still 0-0, no advantages.
At 6m39s Vinicius earned an advantage point. He’s working to pass Lepri’s guard.
Vinicius now has three advantages and the score is still 0-0 with less than one minute left.
Vinicius got a takedown at 9m52 seconds and he’s now up 2-0.
Celso Vinicius is the 2008 lightweight champion. As his hand is raised, the Gracie Barra crowd is cheering loudly, and Vinicius points to his Ryan Gracie patch.
Middleweight division: Sergio Moraes (Alliance) vs. Bill Cooper (Alliance)
Cooper misses an armbar attempt and Moraes shakes him off, almost taking his back upon Cooper’s landing.
Moraes just got two points for a takedown. He’s winning 2-0 just under the 2 minute mark.
Cooper is playing guard on bottom. Moraes is stacking Cooper but he can’t seem to pass.
At 4m02 seconds the fighters recompose their gis. Cooper is down by two points and two advantages.
Bill Cooper is now down 4-0. Moraes is proving to be a very tough new face on the scene. Four minutes remain.
Now with just three minutes left, Cooper pulls full guard.
Just one minute left, and Moraes remains in Cooper’s guard. Cooper is still down by four.
Bill Cooper is given two points as the ref deemed Moraes was stalling. It’s 4-2 with one minute left.
Cooper is taken down and the score is 6-4 in Moraes favor.
Time ticks away and Sergio Moraes is the new middleweight champion!
Medium heavyweight division: Braulio Estima (Gracie Barra) vs. Andre Galvao (Brasa)
After one minute and thirty seconds, the score is tied 0-0. Galvao opened with a flying triangle attempt which he missed.
Galvao remains working towards an omoplata after that missed triangle. Time: 2m37s.
Brauilio is now in Galvao’s closed guard. The guard opens and they briefly both go for straight foot locks.
Now Estima is standing over Galvao’s open guard.
Galvao sweeps Estima and is now up 2-0!
The time is 6m30s and Galvao is on top in Estima’s open guard, up 2-0.
Galvao has almost taken Estima’s back! Galvao then sinks a gi choke at 8m40s! ANDRE GALVAO IS THE NEW MEDIUM HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!
Super heavyweight division: Rafael Lovato Jr. vs. Antonio Braga Neto (Gordo JJ)
The crowd favorite is Lovato, who takes the mat to loud cheers. The Gracie Barra cheering crew has thrown their voice behind Neto.
After one minute Lovato is on top and the score is 0-0.
Neto sweeps to make the score 2-0 in his favor at 2m10s.
Lovato has a triangle attempt! The crowd begins cheering but Neto quickly escapes.
Neto is in firm control in half guard on top. 4m33s.
The score is now 5-0 for Neto! He is in side mount now. Four minutes remain.
90 seconds remain…
The action is paused while they retie their gis.
After restarting, Lovato worked from the guard but was unable to make anything happen in the remaining moments. Antonio Braga Neto is the new Super Heavyweight world champion of BJJ!
ABSOLUTE MEN’S BLACK BELT FIGHT:
ROGER GRACIE versus XANDE RIBEIRO
The two lock up in the middle, searching for grips…
One minute in, and the two remain on their feet, jockeying for the better place to find a throw.
I DON’T KNOW IF WE HAD A DATABASE TWITCH WITH ALL THE TRAFFIC, BUT FOR SOME REASON THE DETAILS OF THE FIGHT HAVE GONE -POOF!- AND I CANNOT RETRIEVE THEM. THE BOTTOM LINE: XANDE RIBEIRO IS THE NEW CHAMPION! HE WON 4-2 ON POINTS!
Quick closing thoughts:
- Many thanks to PeshPhoto for the great shots!
- What a tournament! The organization was phenomenal! The competition was crazy!
- AND THANK YOU MIGHTY 600,000 FOR TUNING IN!!!
I am out of here!
- Caleb
Last and final update: 7:20 PM.
#120 2008 BJJ World Championships
June 8, 2008
Roger Gracie smashed more opponents yesterday at the Mundials.
In today’s episode of The FightWorks Podcast, we have coverage of the biggest BJJ events that have taken place since our last show.
- The promotion of Gracie Barra’s Carlos Gracie Jr to red and black belt after 32 years as a black belt. Earlier this week on TheFightWorksPodcast.com we posted video of the event but there are surely those in our listening audience who may not have caught those videos yet. We are going to include the audio of the congratulatory speeches from Rickson Gracie and Renzo Gracie for Carlinhos.
- We are smack in the middle of the 2008 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championships at Cal State University Long Beach’s pyramid. The world’s very best BJJ competitors have arrived and the chips have already begun to fall. We have audio from:
- Robert Drysdale & Demian Maia, two world champions who are not competing this year as they’re moving on to MMA.
- Alliance’s Fabio Gurgel and Tarsis Humphries, before the day’s action began.
- Kid Peligro will help go over some of the results thus far in the competition.
We’ll bring you the details of all the big news from yesterday, straight from our play-by-play.
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (recommended)
[mp3] Download the show
Day 1 Live Blogging from the BJJ World Championships
June 7, 2008
This will be pretty fast and furious (forgive the reference to the movie!), but we’re here in Los Angeles at the Pyramid reporting live from the 2008 BJJ Mundials! As with last year, perhaps the best way to find out how your favorite grappler is doing will be to do a CTRL+F to Find their name.
Feel free to post your thoughts in the comments below!
- Caleb
Miscellaneous:
- The black belt open division is being decided by committee. At the moment as there are no official rankings a discussion of the largest BJJ camps ensures fair and balanced brackets. Present were Saulo Ribeiro, Fabio Gurgel, Marcio Feitosa, Demian Maia, Mauricio Motta Gomes, and others.
- Relson Gracie’s son Rhalan yesterday was disqualified after applying a kneebar to an opponent. Rhalan claims that he was told kneebars were allowed by an official. It turns out that the “official” was the person responsible for checking gis, and also flat mistaken.
- Big names in attendance who are not competing: Josh Barnett, Royler Gracie, Demian Maia, Robert Drysdale, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza.
Purple Belt Mens
Neiman Gracie is taking on Omar Santiago. He is being coached by Renzo Gracie and Kayron Gracie.
Santiago was working some x-guard on Neiman but he is now defending an armbar attempt in Neiman’s guard.
Neiman wins by armbar.
Ryan Hall just stepped on the mats against a very large opponent from Team Megaton.
Several minutes into the match, the score is still 0-0 across the board in Ryan Hall’s match.
When the timer sounds, it’s still 0-0 for Ryan Hall’s match, and the judges award the match to his opponent.
Purple Belt Womens
Nyjah Easton was holding Jasmin Sewgobind in her guard when I last checked but I am unsure of the outcome of their match.
Brown Belt Mens
Kayron Gracie choked Nic Gregoriades
Kayron Gracie takes first place, fellow Gracie Barra member Bruno Alves takes second by gentleman’s decision.
Leo Santos (UNIJJ) is in action.
Leo Santos wins on points.
Leo Santos is getting ready to take the mats again.
Leo Santos is still standing against his opponent who is wearing a BYJJ patch many minutes later.
Leo Santos eventually won. Slow, uneventful match.
Leo Santos (UNIJJ) is involved in a very physical match against an opponent from Chute Boxe Jiu-Jitsu.
Leo Santos wins on points and takes the gold medal for the division.
Womens Brown / Black
Luka Dias (Humaita) lost her first match to Sayaka Shioda (AACC) by armbar
Hanette Quadros Staack defeats Gabrielle Garcia
Sayaka Shioda defeats Monica Fonseca Da Silva by footlock.
Kyra Gracie is up next…
Kyra Gracie will take on McDermott (brown belt).
Kyra is up 2-0 by takedown.
Sophia McDermott is now down 0-5 against Kyra.
Kyra in McDermott’s kalf guard, attacking.
Kyra defeats McDermott, who did not score any points but fought a tough fight.
Christie Thomas (Relson Gracie) is now up against Sayaka Shioda, who is already looking for foot attacks.
Shioda is up on Thomas by points, and is now in Thomas’ guard.
Shioda catches Christy Thomas in an ankle lock.
Laurence Cousin (Behring), the 2007 featherweight world champion from France is getting ready to take the mat.
Cousin’s opponent: Hanette Staack.
Michele Nicolini is up against a brown belt from Gracie Humaita.
Cousin has Staack in her guard.
Nicolini quickly wins her first match.
Staack is still in Cousin’s guard, many minutes later.
Cousin wins!
Michele Nicolini is stuck in a flying triangle, which she eventually escapes!
Nicolini is down on points 6-4.
Nicolini loses 10-4.
Laurence Cousin steps on the mat against Kyra Gracie!
Cousin is underneath Kyra in half guard. Kyra is attempting a head - arm triangle choke.
After nearly having the head arm triangle for many minutes, Kyra spins into an armbar and taps Cousin.
Michele Nicolini is tied against Ana Laura Cordeiro (Gracie Barra) 2-2.
Nicolini is now down on points against her much larger opponent. She suddenly succumbs to an armbar from the mount from Cordeiro.
Shioda has her back taken quickly by Kyra Gracie.
Kyra’s been going for a gi choke against Shioda from the back… Shioda is defending.
Renzo Gracie is imploring Kyra to maintain the position. Josh Barnett is coaching Shioda.
After defending valiantly for many minutes, Shioda taps to Kyra’s choke.
Leticia Ribeiro (Gracie Humaita) is stepping on to the mat against Sayaka Shioda (AACC).
Christy Thomas (Relson Gracie) is fighting Ana Laura Cordeiro (GB).
Ana Laura Cordeiro has defeated Christy Thomas.
Leticia Ribeiro is beating Shioda 10-0.
Luka Dias is getting ready to face Gabrielle Garcia.
Patricia Lage (Barbosa JJ) armbarred Jennifer Petrina (Gracie Humaita).
Gabrielle Garcia is up 2-0 over Luka Dias after a takedown.
Shioda is still giving Ribeiro a run for her money. Ribeiro’s husband Fabricio Camoes is cheering on Leticia, who ultimately wins on points. Very tough match.
Gabrielle Garcia’s size appears to be too much for Luka this time around. Dias is now down 8-0 on points.
Kyra Gracie is now on the mat against Gabriela Bermudez (Gracie Humaita).
Luka Dias loses to Gabrielle Garcia. The score is 11-0.
Kyra Gracie is winning 4-0 over Gabriela Bermudez.
Hanette Staack is upagainst Sophia McDermott (Machado Australia).
Kyra defeats Gabriela Bermudez 4-0.
A medic has been called out to attend to Sophia McDermott. She may have dislocated her shoulder. Staack is declared the victor.
Penny Thomas and Christy Thomas are one of the last fights of the evening. The score is tied 0-0.
Leticia Ribeiro is about to compete againar Bianca Barreto (Gracie Barra).
Barreto is now up 2-0 over Leticia Ribeiro.
Penny Thomas (Limao) is now up on points over Christy Thomas.
Bianca Barreto has taken Leticia Ribeiro’s back.
Penny Thomas defeats Christy Thomas (Relson Gracie) on points.
Bianca Barreto still has Leticia Ribeiro’s back. Ribeiro is face down on the mat and Barreto is looking for an opening.
Bianca Barreto defeats Leticia Riebiro.
Laurence Cousin wins her final match of the day by armbar.
Men’s Open Weight Black Belt Division
The action on all mats is stopped and a five minute video from Budo Video is shown recapping the open weight division fights since the IBJJF’s Mundials.
Mike Fowler is down 0-2 against an Roberto Abreu.
Mike Fowler is on bottom in half guard.
Fowler is falling behind on points to his much larger opponent, and remains on bottom.
Abreu beats Fowler.
Robin Geiseler (Relson Gracie) lost his first match.
Andre Galvao is about to take the mats against an
unnamed opponent.
Galvao’s opponent is Martins Soares. Galvao is now passing his guard, almost taking the ack as the opponent turtles. They are stood up.
Galvao is having his way with Soares, almost dancing around his defenses. Soares taps to a kimura to loud applause.
Flavio Almeida is in action against an unknown opponent and is in half guard on top.
Cobrinha versus Rafael Lovato JR! Starting now!!!!!
Lovato is on bottom. No points yet.
Cobrinha is having a tough time getting by Lovato’s long legs. Fabio Gurgel is coaching from the sidelines.
Flavio Almeida is being attended to by the medics for a cut on his head.
Roger Gracie is on the sidelines, presumably getting ready for an imminent match.
Lovato is still on bottom, gets a takedown. Points awarded.
Lovato is now in Cobrinha’s guard.
Roger Gracie is now in the half guard of his opponent.
Cobrinnha is going for a omoplata, Lovato stands.
Xande Ribeiro is in action.
Flavio Almeida gets a big slam on his opponent.
Cobrinha sweeps Lovato for two points.
Roger Gracie is mounting his opponent, going for choke.
Roger sinks the choke.
Xande is about to take his opponent’s back.
Flavio Almeida wins his first match on points.
Xande sinks a choke on his opponent and wins his first match.
Lovato Jr. wins AS THE CLOCK EXPIRES WITH A SWEEP against Cobrinha!!!
Cobrinha’s large crowd from Alliance is protesting, of course.
Andre Galvao is up against Roberto Abreu.
Galvao defeats Abreu by kneebar.
Roger Gracie steps on the mat against an unknown opponent in a black Koral gi.
Xande Ribeiro is now on the mat against an unknown opponent.
Roger is on top in half guard in his match.
Roger is already mounted on his opponent, getting ready to set up the choke.
His opponent regains half guard.
Xande wins by submission. (Sorry, I missed it.)
Roger has his opponent’s back.
Roger taps his opponent for the win.
Rafael Lovato Jr. is up against Gracie Florianopolis’ Marcel Fortuna.
Lovato Jr. pulls guard.
Lovato Jr. eventually secures an armbar over Marcel Fortuna.
Flavio Almeida is now on the mat against an unknown opponent.
Almeida gets the takedown and is up 2-0.
Almeida is still up 2-0 against his opponent many minutes later.
Almeida wins by points, 2-0.
Just as I feel a break in the action and try to take a break, I see Rafael Lovato Jr. and Andre Galvao getting ready to go against each other. I settle back in.
Xande Ribeiro is in action against Antonio Braga Neto (thanks for help with the name Ross!), and is winning 2-0.
Xande has mounted his opponent, is looking for the choke.
Xande sinks the choke on Neto.
Lovato Jr. versus Andre Galvao has begun!
Lovato pulls guard. Galvao is standing.
Lovato is plaing open guard, Galvao is attempting to pass.
More of the same. The two are restarted in the center.
Galvao gets an advantage point for a near-pass. Roger Gracie is watching from the side.
Galvao takes Lovato Jr’s back, and sinks a collar choke!
Roger Gracie takes the mat against and unknown Gracie Florianopolis opponent.
Roger gets a big judo thrown and lands on top. He quickly lands mount.
Roger Gracie is sinking the choke from the mount against his opponent.
Roger Gracie sinks the choke. Match over.
Flavio Almeida is in action again. He is facing Gabriel Vella (Alliance).
Vella defeats Almeida by points in a great match. Almeida’s previously sustained eye injury looks rough! I will post a photo of it sometime soon.
Roger Gracie and Andre Galvao are pacing next to mat number one! Fireworks in a moment!
Galvao and Roger lock up… they’re fighting for grips. Roger looms over Galvao by many inches.
The crowd is nearly silent waiting in tense anticipation.
Roger gets a judo throw and gets big applause!
Galvao slips out from underneath and is nearly on Roger’s back!
Both are standing. Galvao is standing low behind Roger’s back, clamped on.
They come undone near the sidelines and are given a moment to re-tie their gis in the center.
Now reengaging, Galvao attempts to pull guard but Roger passes immediately. Roger gets points for takedown and passing. Roger is now on top in half guard.
Every eye in the Pyramid is on the two, as Roger gets another two points for passing.
Roger nearly gets mount but Galvao escapes. Roger gets an advantage.
Roger now has Galvao in a body triangle from the back. Galvao’s situation worsens.
Roger is sinking the choke from behind on Galvao, but Galvao escapes for the time being back into Roger’s mount.
Roger Gracie is going for the armbar as time runs out and defeats Andre Galvao by points!!!
Xande Ribeiro (UNIJJ) is taking the mat against Gabriel Vella (Alliance).
Controversy erupts as it looked like Vella just tapped to an armbar by Xande, but they are stood back up again.
Xande gets the takedown, now working from half guard.
The action moves out of bounds and they restart in the middle standing.
The score is now 2-0 in Xande’s favor. Xande also has three advantages and Vella has one.
The two have been exchanging takedown attempts, and they are given a quick second to recompose their gis. The action resumes from standing in the center again.
Xande is now on top in half guard and secures mount!
Vella escapes and is now underneath in half guard again.
Vella secures full guard on Xande.
Vella sweeps and gets the takedown. Xande winds up on bottom as time runs out.
Xande Ribeiro defeats Gabriel Vella by points.
Tomorrow’s final in the absolute division will be a rematch between Xande Ribeiro versus Roger Gracie!
Wilson Reis is warming up on the sideline, fresh off his MMA victory last weekend.
Joe Camacho just walked on the mat against Leonardo Soares. His opponent very quickly jumped into a flying triangle that Camacho is fighting off.
Camacho pops out and is attempting to pass.
Soares defeats Camacho (Sorry I missed the submission).
Wilson Reis’ opponent will be Kazumasa Sekiguch.
Wilson Reis defeats Kazumasa Sekiguch on points.
Frederico Sabbatini (Cia Paulista) is in action against Joao Silva (Aloisio Silva).
Sabbatini and Silva have been paused to fix their gis. Sabbatini has spent most of the time in Silva’s guard.
Sabbatini has sped away on points, now up 8-0 on Silva.
Silva has appeared to lock a tight triangle on Sabbatini, who did tap but just as the whistle had begun blowing. Sabbatini is the winner!
Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles just took the mat against Jean Jacques Machado black belt Scott DeWitt.
Cobrinha has taken DeWitt’s back early in the encounter.
Cobrinha sinks the choke against DeWitt in under two minutes.
Paulo Guillobel won his match. Sorry, I don’t know his opponent.
Jared Weiner and Gilbert Burns are heading to the mats.
Celso Vinicius is ip on his opponent by one advantage point.
Celso Viniciuus is now up 5-0 on his opponent.
Wellington “Megaton” Dias is now up by one advantage over Toshiyuki Sato.
Megaton has his opponent in the guard.
Frederico Sabbatini is in action again.
Megaton taps Sato by armbar! The crowd reacts with warm applause.
Celso Vinicius defeats his opponent by points.
Jared Weiner is fighting off an omoplata attempt, and escapes. The two are now standing
Sabbatini is way down on points.
Daisuke Sugie is up 7-0 over Andre Maracaba.
Sabbatini loses to an opponent from Alliance.
Jared Weiner wins his match against Gilbert Burns on points.
Daisuke Sugie defeats Andre Maracaba on points.
Johnny Ramirez (BJJ Revolution) is now in his second match of the day. He is facing Gracie Barra’s Samuel Braga.
Celso Vinicius is now in action against his Team Megaton opponent and up 2-0 after a big throw lands him on top.
Michel Maia and Paulo Guillobel are in action. Michele is on bottom in half guard.
Wilson Reis is about to face Gabriel Furley.
Celso “Celsinho” Vinicius (Ryan Gracie) is pounding his opponent on points, 18-0.
Paulo Guillobel has Michel Maia in a deep triangle.
Marcos “Yemaso” Torregosa wins his first match.
Michel Maia escapes the triangle and the is now standing against Guilobel again.
Noah Booth is up 3-0 on his opponent.
Sandro “Batata” Santiago is underneath his opponent in half guard.
Batata is now down on points.
Wilson Reis defeated Gabriel Furley on points.
Megaton is up 2-0 against a Japanese opponent after a judo throw to open the match.
Paulo Guillobel defeated Michel Maia on points.
Bill “The Grill” Cooper is in action against Luis Gutavo Campos. The score is 0-0.
Roger Gracie just landed in the open guard of Luigi Mondelli as their match opens. Roger already passed.
Roger Gracie taps Luigi Mondelli by breadcutter from sidemount for the win.
Tarsis Humphries is handily beating his opponent on points.
Bill Cooper defeated his opponent by footlock.
Thanks to PeshPhoto.com for help with keeping us powered!!!
Mike Fowler and his cheetah-spotted head are on the mat against Kyle Sukehira (Kamole JJ).
Tarsis Humphries wins 19-0.
Tony Passos wins his match.
Marcos “Yemaso” Torregossa is on the mat against a new opponent.
Rafael Ellwanger (Gracie Barra) and Eduardo Telles are getting ready to face one another.
Fowler has full mount on Sukehira.
Fowler finishes Sukehira with a choke from half guard.
Torregossa is winning on points.
Telles defeated Ellwanger.
Asa Fuller is down by five points against an unknown opponent.
Yemaso has won his match.
Asa Fuller has lost on points to Leonardo Leite.
Bill Cooper gets a takedown to open his match against Paulo Procopio, and escapes a subsequent triangle attempt.
Kron Gracie and his opponent Sergio Moraes (Alliance) have begun their match.
Moraes gets a quick 2 points for a takedown.
Kron is now down by a score of 4-2. Moraes is being examined for an eye issue sustained when the two went out of bounds during a Moraes takedown. Now medically cleared, the two have begun again.
Kron continues down on points though attacking from the guard. The Alliance crowd is chanting “Ser-gi-O! Ser-gi-O!”.
Kron gets slammed down and the crowd is demanging takedown points for Moraes, which do not come. Kron is now mounted! The score is now 11-2! Kron taps to a gi choke! Lead by the cheering from the Alliance crew, the Pyramid ERUPTS!!!
Rickson Gracie, Kron’s father, comes to the sidelines and whispers in his son’s ear. As Kron leaves the mat, he is rewarded with warm cheers from the crowd.
Bill Cooper wins 5-0 on points against Procopio.
Otavio Souza and Thiago Alves (Barbosa JJ) are getting ready to begin.
The score continues to be 0-0 between Souza and Alves.
Xande Ribeiro just tapped his opponent by armbar.
The score is now 2-2 between Alves and Souza. Souza is winning on advantages. The two have restarted standing.
Mike Fowler taps to a triangle from Vitor Estima (Gracie Barra).
Otavio Souza defeats Tiago Alves on points.
Braulio Estima (Gracie Barra) is now up…
Bruno Paulista (Gracie Barra) has defeated James Foster (No Limits / Lotus Club).
Braulio Estima defeated his opponent.
Luiz Teodoro aka “Big Mac” is now disqualified for not appearing.
Gustavo Campos (Rickson Gracie) just defeated Tokito Akuma (Purebred).
Sergio Moraes, who earlier defeated Kron Gracie, is in a deep triangle from Gracie Barra Augusto “Tio Chico” Vieira opponent.
As time runs out, Sergio does not tap and is declared the winner on points.
Last and final update: 06:57 PM I haven’t eaten anything but a granola bar today. (I also brought a ripe pear in my pocket which quickly exploded the first time I sat down. You’d think I’d know better!) It’s time for some grub and then back to the hotel to begin work on tomorrow’s show!
Reminder: Come back tomorrow for live results of the finals!
#119 2008 BJJ Mundials Preview
June 1, 2008
Roger Gracie, winner of the 2007 Black Belt World Championship open and super heavyweight divisions.
The 2008 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championships takes place this coming weekend in Los Angeles and The FightWorks Podcast breaks down everything a BJJ fan needs to know about our sport’s biggest event!
- Our first conversation will be a round table between FightWorks Podcast cohost Dan along with Gumby from OnTheMat.com. We’ll cover the names and details of the black belt divisions, setting the table for all the action!
- For our second conversation we’ll bring in noted BJJ author Kid Peligro
, who will give us a historical perspective on the evolution of the Mundials as a competition! We’ll also go over what the biggest stories of this year’s Mundials are leading into the event.
If this episode were in a weight class, it would be the super super heavyweight division, as it is over one hour long!
As you will remember, back at the 2008 BJJ Pan-Ams, we got together for breakfast on Sunday. I’d like to do the same this weekend so keep your eyes here on the site this week for the location of breakfast and / or coffee on June 8th!
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (recommended)
[mp3] Download the show
BJJ Black Belt Absolute World Champions
May 29, 2008
Roger Gracie, current open weight division world champion and his father Mauricio Motta Gomes.
The Absolute division in Brazilian jiu-jitsu allows competitors from all weight divisions to face each other to determine who the best BJJ competitor is regardless of weight. So smaller fighters like Mike Fowler or Andre Galvao have a shot at their larger peers like Rafael Lovato or Luiz “Big Mac” Theodoro. The matches can be really exciting as sometimes the smaller competitors’ techniques are enough to overcome the strength and weight advantages of their bigger opponents.
With the 2008 Brazilian jiu-jitsu World Championship (Mundials) coming up on June 5 through June 8 in Long Beach, California, we thought it would be a good time to take a look back at the winners of all the black belt winners in BJJ World Championship history, dating back to Rio de Janeiro’s inaugural 1996 world championship through last year’s Californian tourney.
Year First Place Winner
2007 Roger Gracie
2006 Alexandre “Xande” Ribeiro
2005 Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza
2004 Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza
2003 Marcio “Pe De Pano” Cruz
2002 Marcio “Pe De Pano” Cruz
2001 Fernando “Margarida” Pontes
2000 Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros
1999 Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros
1998 Ze Mario
1997 Amauri Biteti
1996 Amauri Biteti
As you can see, at this elite level where the common skill level reaches an apex, the tendency is for larger opponents to come out on the top. The names above are of pretty big guys. But it should be mentioned of course that smaller competitors do still do well in open divisions, as Marcelo Garcia has won third place in the black belt absolute division of the BJJ Mundials in 2006 and 2004.
Who will win the 2008 Black Belt Absolute division? It depends on who enters, of course, but from the list above we see that there is a tendency for recent winners to win the title again. So do not be surprised if we see Roger Gracie or Xande Ribeiro with the absolute division gold medal in Long Beach.
2007 BJJ Black Belt World Champions
May 27, 2008
As we look forward to the Brazilian jiu-jitsu Mundials (World Championships) that will take place June 5 - 8 in Los Angeles at the Pyramid it’s a good time to reflect on the BJJ black belts who will be defending their belts!
Here are the names of the champions pictured above in order as well as their titles from the 2007 Mundials:
- Super Super Heavy: Rafael Lovato, Gracie Humaita
- Super Heavy and Open Weight: Roger Gracie, Gracie Barra
- Heavy: Alexandre Ribeiro, Gracie Humaita
- Medium Heavy: Romulo Barral, Gracie Barra
- Middle: Lucas Leite, Brasa
- Light: Lucas Lepri, Alliance
- Feather: Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles, Alliance
- Super Feather: Robson Moura, Nova União
- Rooster: Bruno Malfacine, UGF
Lots of interesting match ups on the way this year for sure!
Robert Drysdale, who came in second place in the Super Heavy division and third place in the Open Weight division, will not be competing as he focuses on mixed martial arts career. Who will take his place among the elite?
Roger Gracie will be competing despite just spending most of the recent months preparing for his mixed martial arts fight against Yuki Kondo.
Xande Ribeiro has stated that he is out to reclaim the open weight division title that he held in 2006. However he’s said that he will be concentrating on MMA after competing in the BJJ Mundials this year so will this be his last chance to hold the absolute division title?
Lots of stories and BJJ drama on the way. Can’t wait!
By the way, if you’d like a larger version of the picture above, click here!
#117 Robert Drysdale, BJJ Mundials Volunteering & BJJ Travel Tips
May 18, 2008
Caleb and Dan in Rio outside Gracie Humaita.
This week on Episode 117 of The FightWorks Podcast we’ve got a three-parter for you. You’ll hear:
- The last five of our Ten Tips for Brazilian jiu-jitsu travel, which we began in Episode 116. Don’t leave home without them!
- A conversation with Mike Buckels, part of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation event coordination staff, who will discuss the upcoming 2008 BJJ Mundials and what you can do to help make it a great event (and get the best seats in the house, food, and a t-shirt along the way)
- Robert Drysdale’s thoughts on Roger Gracie after their encounter in the 2007 BJJ Mundials. Roger took first place in the super heavyweight division and the absolute division in 2007!
And if you haven’t done so yet, Click here to go grab our Google Gadget!
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (recommended)
[mp3] Download the show
Gracie Invitational in London
May 2, 2008
Europe’s second biggest platform for Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the Gracie Invitational impressed again with approximately 700 competitors from all corners of Europe making the trip to London to test their mettle. Overall, some familiar European BJJ schools found themselves taking the team trophies at the tournament:
- Roger Gracie Academy - 181 points
- Carlson Gracie Revolution Team - 135 points
- Gracie Barra Braulio Estima - 116 points
- BRASA - 89 points
In a grappling superfight, American Jeff Monson defeated Brit James Zikic.
For detailed results, check out the write-up at the European Fight Network!
Registration Fees for Mundials About to Go Up!
April 30, 2008
Just a very quick note to get the word out that if you know you are going to compete in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu Mundials this June and you have not registered yet, the fees for registration go up very very soon! Here are the details on the matter straight from the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation:
The fee for early registration, i.e., received by 11:59 Thursday, May 1, 2008 is $92.00. The fee for registration (received May 2, 2008 through 11:59pm, May 18, 2008) will be $107.00. The fee for registration (received May 19, 2008 through 11:59pm, May 29, 2008) will be $122.00 ABSOLUTELY NO REGISTRATION WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER MIDNIGHT 11:59PM Thursday, May 29, 2008. Please note that all times are GMT - 7 (Greenwich Mean Time). and that the registration fee is non-refundable.
Click here for the official IBJJF page on the 2008 BJJ Mundials, where you can register to compete!
Xtreme Couture Submission Grappling Tourney in June
April 29, 2008
Today Randy Couture’s Las Vegas training facility Xtreme Couture sent out a notice to the press announcing their first ever Submission Grappling Tournament on June 14th at 7pm.
The tournament will consist of just eight elite fighters, all under 200 pounds. The organizers anticipate also offering one or two superfights for the spectators to watch in between the semifinals and the final tournament match. Competitors in the superfights do not need to be under 200 pounds.
Tickets to the event, which begins at 7pm, are $20 and will go on sale that evening. In speaking with Xtreme Couture representative Sean O’Heir, it is “almost definite” that the event will be broadcast over the internet for those who are not available to make it in person.
Interestingly, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu World Championships (”Mundials”) will be held in Los Angeles just one week prior, so there could be some folks in the United States who might not otherwise be available to participate. Las Vegas will actually be hosting a USA Wrestling submission grappling World Team trials event that very day as well, so submission grappling fans can head over to Xtreme Couture that same evening and enjoy the matches.
Anyone interested in participating in the tournament is encouraged to contact O’Heir at sean@xtremecouture.tv with their name, weight, school, and experience.
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