ICYMI: Rodolfo finishes opponent in MMA debut; big names on the mats in Brazil

Another weekend came and went and once again Jiu-Jitsu fans had a lot of options to choose from. Here’s a quick roundup of all the action all over the world.

Rodolfo Vieira debuts in MMA with RNC  

The 2011 black belt open class world champion made his highly anticipated MMA debut this Friday, in São Paulo, Brazil. The main event of Japanese promotion Arzalet Fighting Globe Championship ended soon, after Rodolfo was able to take kyrgyzstan’s Zarylbek Daniyar to the ground, pass his guard, get to mount, take the back and choke him out with an RNC. After the fight, Rodolfo posted about on his social media accounts: “I still don’t believe what happened. No words to describe it. Thanks to all of those who helped me.”

UAEJJF’s Brazil National Pro draws big names to Manaus

The road to the 2017 ADWPJJC continues and a major stop took place this weekend in Manaus, on Northern Brazil. The Brazil National Pro would appoint the athletes who would win travel packages to compete in Abu Dhabi, on April. More than 800 athletes gathered at the Arena Amadeu Teixeira. In the black belt division, some big matches took place, including a generational clash between Xande Ribeiro and Nicholas Meregali, in his first competition as a black belt. The champions were: Huendel Osaki (56kg), Cleber Fernandes (62kg), Isaque Paiva (69kg), Gabriel Arges (77kg/Open class light), Diego Silva (85kg), Nicholas Meregali (94kg), José Junior (110kg), Xande Ribeiro (Open Class heavy). In the female brown/black belt division, there was also great action. Winners were: Talita Alencar (55kg), Bianca Basilio (62kg/open class light), Luiza Monteiro (70kg/open class heavy), Talita Nogueira (90kg). Click here for the full results.

Erberth Santos wins quadruple Gold at IBJJF’s BH International Open

Also in Brazil, the current IBJJF ranking leader had a golden weekend at the Belo Horizonte International Pro Gi and No-Gi. First, Erberth won the ultraheavy and the open class with the kimono on on Saturday. On Sunday, he came back with his rashguard to nab the same divisions once again. Click here for the full results.