As reported by GRACIEMAG.com first hand on the 18th of this month, two-time absolute Jiu-Jitsu champion (1999/2000) Rodrigo Comprido has been handed the task of polishing up UFC star Brock Lesnar's Jiu-Jitsu skills for his bout with Heath Herring at UFC 87.
The big American needed to bring in special help to avoid being defeated by submission, like what happened at UFC 81 at the hands of Frank Mir, so he called in the Brazilian ground wizard, who left Chicago to teach Lesnar in Minnesota.
Even with training heating up, the Brasa representative took some time out to answer our questionnaire about life in the United States, the Jiu-Jitsu Worlds, in which he participated, and, of course, Lesnar.
GRACIEMAG.com: How did you two make contact with each other, and why did he choose to train at your gym? Is the guy good people?
Comprido: Truth is he didn't train at my gym, I'm the one who went to Greg Nelson's gym in Minnesota. A student from my academy, Bruce, had already trained with him in the past and recommended me. The guys did a search on the internet and called me up. All the negotiations were done through Brian Stegman [Lesnar's agent]. So, we agreed on a date right after the Jiu-Jitsu Worlds, but we had to postpone it a bit because four of my students from Chicago [Flo MMA academy] fought at Adrenaline MMA [all won].
GRACIEMAG.com: A lot of people think he doesn't know any ground fighting. What's your assessment of his Jiu-Jitsu level and how far do you intend to go with him?
Comprido: The guy's a world class wrestler, US champion. It's impossible that he doesn't know anything about fighting on the ground. He has a really good base, and he positions himself well. The guy is always open to learning new things, or in other words, he's the student every teacher wishes they had. Of course there are things to improve and I hope to help him with the Jiu-Jitsu part. Sooner or later he'll have to face Rodrigo Minotauro, who's the best MMA fighter I've ever seen fight. But he's focused on his next fight and is not thinking about that yet. I'm aware of the fact that he's way above average and that I can help him conquer the UFC belt or that of any other event he wishes to compete in.
GRACIEMAG.com: A lot is said, as well, about his absurd strength and optimal physical conditioning. Is he really that strong, well prepared and so good a wrestler?
Comprido: His strength really is extraordinary, he's by far the strongest guy I've ever coached. But he's so aware of that that during training he uses very little strength (which is more than enough). [laughs] Not just anybody becomes wrestling champion of the United States. I think few in MMA wouldn't get taken down by him in seconds.
GRACIEMAG.com: Being nearby and adding the groundwork you're teaching, what are Lesnar's chances of disputing the belt in the future?
Comprido: Brock has other very capable coaches, but I like to think my touch can help a lot in this endeavour. As I already said, Minotauro is the best fighter I've seen fight, but I think that, with a lot of training and teamwork, Brock can beat anybody.
GRACIEMAG.com: What is your life and gym like in the United States?
Comprido: I've been living in the United States for a year. My academy is in Palatine, a suburb of Chicago. My Jiu-Jitsu students are, mostly, beginners, but they've already brought me some joy like taking third at the latest NAGA. Here at Flo MMA we have a great group. Last week, we had four winners at Adrenaline and we won the King of the Cage belt. Not to mention my partner in the gym, who is also a boxing instructor, debuted with a win (by knockout, but he extended the guys arm on the ground).
GRACIEMAG.com: What did you think of this year's JJ World Championship?
Comprido: The Worlds as always was exciting and only had good fights. Andre [Galvao] came close at the absolute, but kicked butt at medium heavyweight. Xande and Roger are always in great form, they put on another moving final. What was bothersome for me was that Brasa didn't do well, and besides the big stars, we didn't even come close to the title - causing us to rethink the way we are approaching our work. I think we can get past our problems and achieve the title again.
