Those who come to town see images like this, which create an atmosphere that only the most passionate about mixed martial arts know:

Entrance of the MGM Grand Casino. Everyone stops to take a photo at the famous lion.

Cut-outs of Antonio Bigfoot are all around the MGM Grand Casino.

Bigfoot and Cigano are already at the MGM Grand Casino and can be seen in the hotel hallways.

And for the clash of the giants at the hotel.

UFC 160
MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas (USA)
May 25, 2013

Cain Velásquez vs Antonio Silva
Junior Cigano vs Mark Hunt
Glover Teixeira vs James Te Huna
Gray Maynard vs TJ Grant
Donald Cerrone vs KJ Noons

Preliminary Card

Rick Story vs Mike Pyle
Dennis Bermudez vs Max Holloway
Colton Smith vs Robert Whittaker
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Abel Trujillo
Stephen Thompson vs Nah-Shon Burrell
Brian Bowles vs George Roop
Jeremy Stephens vs Estevan Payan

Josh Barnett. Photo: Esther Lin/Strikefoce

Former heavyweight champion Josh Barnett is back in the UFC.

The last time the Jiu-Jitsu black belt stepped into the cage was in January this year, when he beat Nandor Guelmino, at Strikeforce.

In 2002, the American felt what it’s like to have the title of “most feared man in the world” by defeating Randy Couture by TKO, taking the belt. But the joy was short lived. The fighter was caught in a drug test, and ended up losing not only the title, but his job at the UFC.

Now, after 11 years, the veteran returns to the biggest MMA event in the world, seeking to continue a successful career, marked by 32 wins in 38 fights. In the UFC, Barnett suffered only one setback, the first of his record, against Brazilian Pedro Rizzo.

The heavyweight has no scheduled fight yet, but according to MMAjunkie.com the contract includes several fights.

]]> http://www.graciemag.com/2013/05/former-champion-josh-barnett-returns-to-the-ufc-after-11-years/feed/ 0 http://www.graciemag.com/2013/05/check-the-2013-worlds-new-schedule/ http://www.graciemag.com/2013/05/check-the-2013-worlds-new-schedule/#comments Fri, 24 May 2013 16:04:12 +0000 Graciemag Newsroom http://www.graciemag.com/?p=83894

The Worlds stage. Photo: GRACIEMAG

The IBJJF disclosed today the new pre-schedule for the 2013 Jiu-Jitsu Worlds, in Long Beach, CA.

The championship starts now on May 30, Thursday, and goes on until June 2, Sunday.

Here is the full schedule.

To buy the 2013 Worlds pay-per-view, go to ibjjf.com

SCHEDULE

Thursday – 30 May

Blue Belt Male must register for Open Class until 7:30PM
No registration will be accepted on Friday

Friday – 31 May

NOTE: The athletes who register for the Black Belt open class division and get disqualification for non-showing are automatically  disqualified to compete in their original weight division as well.

Blue Belt Female must register for Open Class before 5PM

All Purple Belts Male and Female must register for Open Class until 7:30PM
No registration will be accepted on Saturday

Saturday – 1 Jun

Brown Belt Male and Female must register for Open Class before 3PM
Juvenile Male and Female divisions must register for Open Class before 5PM

NOTE: The athletes who register for the Black Belt open class division and get disqualification for non-showing are automatically  disqualified to compete in their original weight division as well.

Sunday – 2 Jun

See these ten names below!

The 2013 World Championship is around the corner and while we wait for the brackets and schedule to be released, we can study the list of registered athletes in the meantime. Scanning the categories of people who will be stepping on the mats of the Long Beach Walter Pyramid May 29 – June 2, there are some who have become promising.

From blue to brown, here are ten people who we feel can put up a good fight in their respective divisions:

Hiago Gama Sousa – Blue Light-Feather

Hiago at European Open taking the back

From Alliance Rio de Janeiro, Hiago has won the European Championship, Pan American Championship and the Brazilian Nationals this year. The twenty-one year old has 87 other competitors in his division but was able to come out on top in his 72-man division at Pan Ams so we think he has a great chance of hitting the grand slam.

Ram Ananda – Purple Light-Feather

Ram Ananda after winning the 2013 Pan Ams

A member of Alliance under Rubens Cobrinha Charles, Ram Ananda is a dual competitor and champion. Last year he won the gold at the Worlds as an adult blue belt then earned another world title as a purple belt at the Worlds Masters and Seniors. This year he accomplished the gold in the adult category at the Pan Americans as well. Ram’s consistency will help him reach the podium this year at the Worlds.

Ostap Manastryski – Purple Light-Feather

Ostap attacking from the back at the 2013 Pan Ams

Ostap is a Ukrainian-Canadian purple belt from Open Mat MMA in Toronto, Canada. He won his light-feather division this year at the Europeans and placed second at the Pan American Championship. Last year he had a good run at the Worlds winning bronze before being stopped by Joao Miyao. An avid competitor at the largest tournaments, we believe he will be among the top in his division.

Rehan Muttalib – Purple Middle

Rehan taking the back at the 2013 Pan American Championship

In his first year at purple belt, Rehan of Cobrinha BJJ has not only competed a ton but also reached the podium at nearly every championship he has entered. Most notably he won the European Championship with a silver in the open weight division and then placed second at the Pan American Championship. He won double gold at the New York Open, and silver at both the Dallas Open and Las Vegas Open so we think he has created a good momentum for the Worlds.

Rafael Henrique Pereira – Brown Light

Rafael at the 2013 Pan American Championship

At his first year at brown belt, Rafael Henrique Pereira has secured two gold at two solid tournaments, the Pan American Championship and Brazilian Nationals respectively. The Gracie Elite Team member who comes from Gordo Jiu-Jitsu in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil also won the Brazilian Nationals last year as a purple belt and placed second at the Pan ams in 2012 as well. His run so far at brown belt is promising enough for us to bet he will podium at the Worlds this year.

Felipe Cesar Silva – Brown Middle

Felipe with a single leg at the 2013 Pan American Championship

This Barbosa JJ competitor has been a brown belt for less than two months but we already believe he has a chance to get to the Worlds podium. After winning the purple belt middle division and placing second in the open division at Pan Ams in March, Felipe Cesar Silva was promoted to brown belt and went on to win the brown belt middle division at Brazilian Nationals in April. Accustomed well to his new belt already, we see no problem in expecting a good performance from him at the Worlds.

Natasha Quiza – Blue Medium-Heavy

Natasha Quiza passing the guard at the 2013 Pan American Championship

This Fight Sports blue belt under Robert “Cyborg” Abreu just won her Pan Ams division and placed third in the open weight. As a solid blue belt for some time now she has placed at the Worlds and she won Brazilian Nationals last year. She does well in both division and open weight so medaling at the Worlds this year is expected for Natasha.

AaRae Alexander – Purple Light

AaRae Alexander preparing in the bullpen

At her first year at purple belt, AaRae Alexander is off to a great start by winning the Pan Ams. At the 2012 Worlds she secured gold in the blue belt featherweight division and despite priorities like going off to college, she has managed to keep her competitive edge at a high level. The Team Lloyd Irvin young member has been competing since she was a kid earning four golds at Worlds as a juvenile blue belt in 2009 and 2010. Since she knows how to win a world title or two already, we think she can manage another at this new belt.

Nathalia Azoff – Brown Middle

Nathalia Azoff submitting at the 2013 Pan American Championship

Nathalia is a member of Brazilian Top Team Boston and has had a great year so far winning Pan Ams and the Boston Open in the brown belt middleweight division. As an international competitor she has placed at the top tournaments such as Europeans and even Worlds as a purple belt. Last year she took silver but this year we think she can do the same or better.

Dominyka Obelenyte – Brown Medium-Heavy

Dominyka Obelenyte working a triangle at the 2013 Pan American Championship

Dominyka Obelenyte is a Marcelo Garcia brown belt but has only been wearing said belt for about three weeks. At only 17, she is the youngest brown belt in her division but her accomplishments prove her worth. In 2011 at the age of fifteen she won the purple belt adult absolute division at the Worlds and placed second in the middleweight division. She also just won the purple absolute division at Pan Ams winning silver in her weight. Although a fresh brown belt, her talent and resume are enough to prove her capable of winning at this year’s Worlds.

>>To watch the Worlds from your seat at home, go to www.ibjjftv.com!

In another video report, GRACIEMAG stopped by Gracie Barra’s HQ, in Irvine, California, to register the 2013 Worlds Training Camp.

Led by Professor Zé Radiola, the camp gathers stars like Bráulio and Victor Estima, Otávio Sousa, Philipe Della Monica, Magid Hage IV, AJ Agazarm, among many others.

See how they are all getting ready for the most important event of the year.

The pre-sale of the 2013 Worlds pay-per-view is already available. Buy your now at ibjjf.com

Enjoy acai at the 2013 World Championship

The 2013 World Championship brings us the 18th edition of the prestigious tournament and this post brings us to the end of our reasons to support the event. Pertaining to those who are contemplating whether they will be present in the Long Beach Walter Pyramid, we think this motivation will entice you.

Reason #18: Get in on all the deals from well-known Jiu-Jitsu companies and enjoy the acai!

Every year the Long Beach Pyramid packs in spectators and competitors gathering together for Jiu-Jitsu gold and entertainment. But we can’t forget about the booths available to everyone that host deals on gear, opportunities and traditional eats.

This year some of the brands present will be: Keiko, Koral, Budovideos, Fuji and Zebra mats.

The brands will be releasing their Mundial or World Championship products that are only available at the tournament. Don’t miss the chance to secure a limited edition product by your favorite Jiu-Jitsu company.

Also present is the famous acai booth that serves as both after-competition delight and intermission snack.

And, of course, GRACIEMAG will have an awesome booth inside the pyramid where you can subscribe to the best Jiu-Jitsu magazine there is, get amazing gifts on the spot and also participate in incredible promotions. The booth will also be the stage for interviews with BJJ stars and a few more surprises that we will disclose as the Worlds nears. We see you there.

And for those who can’t make it to Long Beach, you can watch the event live at www.ibjjftv.com as well as our live coverage on our Google+ page.

Anderson Silva (pictured) is locked in for 10 more fights with the UFC and Dana White. Photo credit: UFC

LAS VEGAS — When reports of Anderson Silva signing a 10-fight deal with the UFC first surfaced, it let the collective MMA world that the consensus greatest fighter of all time found himself a home for the rest of his career.

For UFC President Dana White, it sealed the deal on keeping what has been a hot and cold relationship with arguably his most famous fighter.

Oh, the fun of dealing with a superstar.

“We have that crazy relationship with Anderson,” White told reporters at a UFC media function during UFC 160 fight week. “But he’s a fun guy.”

The craziness that White referred to will now likely go on until Silva decides to hang up his gloves, leaving behind a legacy filled with knockouts, submissions and many more memories caged in the Octagon.

The word “crazy” runs in the same circles as the term “commitment,” which is something Silva’s manager, Ed Soares, said their camp wanted to show to the UFC.

Originally offered an eight-fight contract in their most recent negotiations, Soares and his business partner, Jorge Guimaraes, went to UFC executives and said they’ll see their eight fights and raise them two.

Camp Silva, the manager explained, offered to sign on for 10 fights in an effort to show their devotion to the mixed martial arts leader.

“The dealing was … to show our commitment to them,” Soares told GRACIEMAG.com at UFC 160 Media Day, adding, “and they stepped up and showed their commitment to us.”

The contract negotiations, Soares said, had parts that went back and forth before the deal was finalized. Like any contract, it’s not all black and white — that is, apart from the ink and paper, of course.

And now it’s all done, according to all interested parties. Silva’s career is locked into the UFC, and the 38-year-old won’t be going anywhere else to showcase his talents.

Where would Silva go, anyway? That’s a question White posted to those wondering, giving an answer just a moment after.

“He wants to be here,” said the UFC boss. “Why would he not want to be here? He’s doing OK.”

And by “doing OK,” White means Silva and his camp are happy with what they were offered and will receive over the next 10 fights. There’s no doubt about it from either side of the asylum.

“Yeah,” Soares said when asked if they were happy with the deal they got with Silva’s new contract. “Very happy.”

Dana White considers Vitor Belfort as the next possible challenger for the middleweight belt. Photo: Carol Correia.

LAS VEGAS — After the knockout-victory over Luke Rockhold at UFC on FX 8, Vitor Belfort is close to fighting for the middleweight title again, and may be next in line.

While not 100 percent confirming Belfort being next for a title shot, UFC President Dana White praised the Brazilian fighter’s performance, and said that it’s fair for him to face the winner of Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman.

“Actually, yeah, (what you just said) it really sinks in,” White said when asked if Belfort would face the winner of the Silva-Weidman fight. “It would make sense for those two to fight. He could fight either one of those guys.”

In a press conference in Las Vegas, White defended Belfort in relation to testosterone-replacement therapy that the fighter is subjected to through the recommendation of his physician, and criticized the media speculating on the subject all the time.

“I am against TRT, but it’s … within the rules,” White said. “That kick … has nothing to do with TRT. He underwent tests and I am confident that they will (come back) clean.”

Belfort’s latest win came last weekend, and Silva vs. Weidman will go down on July 6 at UFC 162.

(Lilian Caparroz and Erik Fontanez contributed to this report)

Jacare choked Chris Camozzi in the UFC on FX 8 co-main event.

LAS VEGAS — Following a successful UFC debut, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza will step up in competition with a match against Yushin Okami, UFC President Dana White said on Thursday.

Souza and Okami will face each other at an event that is yet to be announced.

“That fight will happen, Okami and Jacare,” White told reporters at UFC Media Day. “That’s the fight we’re going to make.”

White added that the location and date of the fight has been determined, but he could not recall the information, off hand.

UFC officials responded to GRACIEMAG.com when asked about the date and venue, advising that an announcement won’t be made at this time.

Souza last competed at UFC on FX 8 in Jaragua do Sul, where he scored a first-round submission-win over Chris Camozzi in their co-main event bout.

Okami, a one-time challenger to the UFC middleweight title, last competed at UFC on Fuel TV 8, where he won a split decision over former Bellator middleweight champ Hector Lombard.

GRACIEMAG.com will have updates about the Jacare-Okami match-up as more information becomes available.

Nathan Basseto, Worlds rookie. Photo: Disclosed

The 2013 World Championship promises to break all records for number of athletes, with athletes of all ages, belts and nations, veterans and rookies.

In addition to young talents, in blue and white belt, there are also experienced professors ready to test themselves for the first time.

GRACIEMAG, for example, found a black belt that will make his debut in the Worlds. Right in the heavy division, infused with athletes like Xande Ribeiro and Rodolfo Vieira.

We are talking about professor Nathan Basseto, 30 years old, who lives in Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo. He explained his motivations:

“It is the most important Jiu-Jitsu championship on the planet. It will be an honor to represent Ribeirao Preto and my sponsors. I will do my best to make everyone proud. I’m not enrolling just to participate and I’m not going just for fun. I’m going for the medal,” says Nathan, who has been training Jiu-Jitsu for 16 years. He even managed to gain support from the local soccer team Botafogo FC, which will have their logo printed on his gi.

“I was dedicating myself to training athletes and social projects here in São Paulo for a long time. Now I feel the need to compete more. I felt unfulfilled and competition will solve that problem. I am in search of it. I want to further motivate my students to follow the same paths. The level of competition is high, but I will do everything possible to fight on equal terms against all,” said the experienced rookie, who travels on Wednesday in the company of brown belt Evandro Nunes “Pezao”, who fights in the super heavyweight division.

Nathan Basseto became a black belt in April 2009.

And you, what is your motivation to enroll in the World? Let us know below!

For a livestream of the whole event you can go to www.ibjjftv.com and for our live coverage, follow our Google+ page.

Check out the video below and also the pictures to see what it’s like to train with some of the best Alliance members in the world.

Don’t miss any of the action by watching the livestream fo the event May 30 – June 2 at www.ibjjftv.com

André Galvão is leading an impressive army of competitors to fight for the teams’male adult competition first place.

Watch the video-report and see how strong Atos JJ will be in Long Beach (not forgetting that the Mendes Bros have a second Atos camp going on in Costa Mesa).

The pre-sale of the 2013 Worlds pay-per-view is already available. Get yours at ibjjftv.com.

Marcos Souza and Roberto Satoshi celebrate. Photo: Personal Archive

The World Championship holds its 18th edition in Long Beach, Calif., from May 29 to June 2. The black belt comes packed with superstars like Marcos Souza, who comes to California with the title in Abu Dhabi, and changed his training routine in Japan to sharpen his game in San Diego.

Souza, along with his brother Roberto Satoshi, will represent the Atos team for the first time at the Worlds, after years of having a good relationship with Andre Galvao’s team, Ramon Lemos and the Mendes brothers.

According to Marcos, the mission of guiding his brother became increasingly difficult when Satoshi went on to black belt. GRACIEMAG chatted with the young talent from Bon Sai gym.

GRACIEMAG: How will your first championship be as part of the Atos team?

MARCOS SOUZA: Yes, Andre Galvao supported us to come to California and he is helping us in the training. Friendships have also influenced our choice to come to San Diego, like Rafa and Guilherme [Mendes], Bruno Frazatto, Guto Campos and others. To show them we are thankful, we will try to strengthen their team in the black belt division. In Japan, we will keep teaching for Bon Sai team founded by our father 20 years ago. We always had a very good friendship with many black belts from other teams. Many people do not know, but in Brazil I trained with (Rubens) Cobrinha and Michael Langhi. When Lucas Lepri and Cobrinha went to Japan they stayed at my house.

How did the partnership with Andre Galvao start?

It began when Robert and I were coming to fight in the United States. It was just us two for the team, so we kept taking turns on each other’s corner. When Satoshi became a black belt, it started to get more difficult to coach for each other, and the guys from Atos have always helped us in these circumstances. Sometimes they helped us to come up with a strategy for each opponent, stood in our corner and it made us feel safe. They always cheered and helped us even if we were from another team. That was something nobody did for us before, so we made the choice this year.

How is the training with the Atos guys in San Diego?

The training in insanely good. Before, I admired Andre Galvao as a fighter, but now I admire him as a leader. He really pushes us when we are tired and knows how to motivate the team. The drills are fully focused on the competition and I’m sure this will help me a lot, and Satoshi also. We have defeated tough opponents, won major championships, but with this support I am sure that we will evolve and surprise a lot of people. I can’t say it will be now, because it is still too early to reap these rewards. But we will plant them and in the near future I hope we will be challenging many people in our divisions. Personally, for example, I don’t think I’m talented, but willpower overcomes talent. I hope to do my best every day, for all those who believe in me and show support. See you at the Worlds!

Michael Langhi. Photo: Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG

Lightweight double world champion in 2009 and 2010, Michael Langhi returns  to the largest event of Jiu-Jitsu relieved and happy after fixing his visa, a problem that kept him out of the Worlds in 2012.

The prodigy who is a student of Rubens Cobrinha at Alliance already dreams of returning to feel the weight of the gold on his chest, in the Worlds that begins by the end of May. And if possible, Langhi wants to have an “easier” work.

“Alliance is coming with a squad in the light division. It would be nice to close with my teammates. It is a pleasure and makes the work easier,” he says. See what else we learned from him:

GRACIEMAG: You were the world champion in 2009 and 2010, got the bronze in 2011, in the reign of Gilbert Durinho, and finally saw Leandro Lo at the top of the category. How has your training changed since 2009?

MICHAEL LANGHI: I’m training a lot more than before, but I’m smarter too. My training is very well designed and divided; I’m able to train all aspects the best possible way. I’m back stronger than ever and willing to fight. The strategy is to go for it and stay ahead of my opponents the whole time.

Is “maturity” the key word this year?

I’m certainly more mature and experienced, that’s why the goal is to always be ahead of my opponents, both on the scoreboard and the positions. But in fact, the difference will be the desire to win. I couldn’t fight last year due to some problems with my visa. All settled, I’m back and I’m sure nobody wants that gold more than I do. You can expect a lot of will and Langhi doing his best to win another Worlds. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get out of there as the champ. I’m training all aspects and all situations that may occur in the fight, so I’ll be prepared for anything.

How do you see this rivalry with Leandro Lo, who will also be fighting for the lightweight gold?

Actually, there is no rivalry. Lo is an excellent athlete whom I have fought three times and have yet to defeat, but that’s it. I don’t think we have a rivalry; we get along really well and have had the opportunity to talk a lot. He has my respect, and the greatest way I can prove this is to prepare myself as much as possible if we fight again. If the fight happens, I will do my best and I won’t think about anything but the victory. He will also come with the same thought, so who will gain from it is the public, because they will see a war.

Who should decide the category, in your opinion?

My goal and Alliance’s goal is to close the lightweight category. We have several athletes enrolled in this division and it would be nice to close with my teammates. I’m eager to get there, after all, as I said I lived a nightmare and I couldn’t fight. So with that, I’m willing be world champion.

What’s on your mind minutes before facing an opponent at the Worlds?

I just try to think of everything I have done to be there. I think about my training and outlined strategy for that fight, I recall that I gave my best and I prepared the best I could. I have nothing to fear. The psychological side is covered in my training. The more I train, the more confident I get. I try to talk a lot with my family, wife and my coaches. Fabio (Gurgel) is always advising me and helping me closely. And another person who helps me and gives me a lot of confidence is my professor, Cobrinha. He always says I need to listen and keeps me confident always.

And you, do you know the feeling of fighting a World Championship? Tell us about it!

To see the championship through livestream, visit www.ibjjftv.com and for our live coverage follow our google + page!

Marcus Buchecha vs. Rodolfo Vieira 2012 Worlds absolute division. Photo: Dan Rod

As we come to a close with our eighteen reasons to support/follow/enter the 2013 World Championship May 29 – June 2, we ask you this question: Will we see the greatest match ever?

This motivation arrives from the match in 2012 between Rodolfo Vieira and Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida in the open weight black belt division. This match-up was highly anticipated being that Buchecha was a rising star and Rodolfo was the most popular name on the BJJ crowd’s tongue. With both gentleman making a scene in their own right, the clash was a beautiful sight to see on the mats of the Long Beach Walter Pyramid.

I won’t spill too much because if you haven’t seen the duel yet, it will get you to jump off your seat, find a gi and get to training right away. Full intensity, with a passion for submission is the driving force in this match and there were no stalling calls, no hesitations and no passivity. Therefore, it will always make you want to train, regardless of whether you’ve seen it before.

So be at the Worlds (or watching the livestream) to be there for perhaps the next big match to be considered the greatest match ever. Do you think this one can be topped? Let us know below!

And follow our live coverage at the 2013 World Championship by connecting with our Google + page!