Current Brazilian national middleweight champion Raphael Abi-Rihan is seeing his better days. The Carlson Gracie black belt is balancing competently his functions of teacher and competitor.
The proof that his eyes are not on the rear-view mirror and stuck in the past is his confirmed participation for the upcoming Rio International Open, to be held the 24th to 26th of July, at the traditional Tijuca Tennis Club venue, in Rio de Janeiro, and for which sign-ups end next week, July 10. To secure a spot on the competitors’ list, click here.
After an unforgettable performance at the Brazilian National Championship, even submitting Tarsis Humphrey in his weight group, Abi-Rihan moves forth serene and consistent in his training routine. “I’m going to keep competing to see how far I go, looking to test my limits. I’m going to test my Jiu-Jitsu, for myself and because I like competing,” he affirmed.
Final with surprising outcome: Abi-Rihan submits Tarsis abruptly / Photo: Gustavo Aragão
The fighter, though, knows that now he has become the target for others in his category. “There’s a certain desire on the part of most of the athletes to beat me. I’ve become the man to beat. I think I’ve become more exposed, which doesn’t worry me. I go out there to play. I’m not out there to defend a position and take someone from their pedestal. I just want to do what I like doing, playing my Jiu-Jitsu. If I’m to become champion I’ll be, if not, that’s fine. Let’s see where I get. My intention is to overcome obstacles,” said Abi-Rihan.
