The biggest
jiu-jitsu GP of the year - literally and figuratively - is almost upon us. The
IBJJF Black Belt Pro League Heavyweight Grand Prix takes place in Las
Vegas on Saturday, August 26.
The Grand Prix will run as an eight-man single-elimination bracket over the course of the afternoon. The brackets are yet to come out, so right now we can't say for certain who's going to face whom. The cash prize for the winner is a huge $40,000, making this one of the biggest tournaments of the year in every sense!
The Grand Prix will run as an eight-man single-elimination bracket over the course of the afternoon. The brackets are yet to come out, so right now we can't say for certain who's going to face whom. The cash prize for the winner is a huge $40,000, making this one of the biggest tournaments of the year in every sense!
Here's a rundown
of who is competing in the IBJJF Heavyweight Grand Prix. (Editor's
note: Mahamed Aly has withdrawn due to injury and was been replaced on Aug 16
by Alexandre Ribeiro).
Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida
The 10-time world
champion (five times weight, five times absolute) crushed the World
Championships this year, going unbeaten to win double gold just like he did in
2016. His explosive and dynamic game is unpredictable and -- as a result --
entertaining. Buchecha plays fast and loose and always looks for the
finish.
Leandro Lo
The former lightweight,
middleweight, and medium heavyweight world champion has steadily moved up
through the divisions in search of tougher challenges. "The man
without fear" came within striking distance of a world championship
medal this year, taking silver in both the heavyweight and absolute divisions.
His breakneck pace and opportunistic style makes him a wily opponent for
anybody.
Andre Galvao
One of the most
experienced men among the eight, Galvao combines technical prowess with
tactical smarts. The Atos team co-founder knows exactly what he needs to
do to win and how to achieve it under the big lights.
Joao Gabriel Rocha
One of the younger men
in the pack, Rocha brings an undeniable energy with him whenever he comes to
compete. A big, physically imposing athlete, Rocha loves to pile on the
pressure and overwhelm his opponents. His youth and stamina are two of his
major positive features.
Xande Ribeiro
IBJJF Hall of
Famer Xande Ribeiro returns for his second IBJJF Heavyweight Grand Prix.
The renowned veteran black belt is one of the most decorated and respected
competitors of the last 15 years, having captured seven world titles.
Ricardo Evangelista
GF Team's powerhouse ultra
heavyweight Evangelista is solid, sturdy, and steadfast -- though rarely seen
without a smile. It was he who injured Buchecha's knee in 2015, meaning he
cannot be underestimated. His physicality is as much a challenge as his
jiu-jitsu.
Dimitrius Souza
One of the smaller men
in the Grand Prix, Souza is one of the top athletes from the Alliance team and
a regular podium finisher in major tournaments. He's also one of the most
active, having been busy picking up double golds in IBJJF tournaments in Brazil
right up to just a few weeks out from the GP.
Marcio 'Pe de Pano' Cruz
He's the final man
to get the call-up and the one who was named Roger Gracie's
replacement. Cruz is an old-school black belt who came up in the
Gracie Barra team. He's a former world champ as well as an ADCC
champ.
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