The Super Challenge Grappling event is investing heavily in the mission of promoting the biggest submission grappling event in history. In doing so, they have recruited a team of first-rate tough guys. Their next target is none other than Marcelinho Garcia. Away from MMA till the end of the year, due to the cut suffered in his K-1 Hero’s debut, Marcelinho is seriously considering the possibility of entering the dispute.
According to Fabio Gurgel, the athlete’s coach, the tournament would serve to keep Garcia in competition rhythm while awaiting his next commitment in the ring next year. In practice it would be an opportunity for Marcelinho to try and win the absolute title that escaped him at the ADCC.
“Marcelinho wants to focus on MMA, but he’ll only be back in the ring next year. That’s why I think it’s important he participate in Super Challenge Grappling, which will be a big event. After the MTL final, on the coming 10th, I’ll take off for New York to talk to him about participating in the event,” reveals Fabio Gurgel, further revealing that it will all depend on the scarring process of the cut, which took more than 100 stitches both internally and externally.
If he makes it on the card, Marcelinho will have before him extremely tough competition that has already been confirmed, like ADCC 2007 champions Demian Maia (under 87 kg), Fabricio Werdum (over 99kg) and Robert Drysdale (absolute). Tough guys Jeff Monson, Delson Pe de Chumbo and Ronaldo Jacare were also confirmed on the card.
Super Challenge Grappling takes place on December 8 at the Paulistano Athletic Club, in Sao Paulo. In all, 16 fighters, eight Brazilians and eight foreigners will fight for the title of absolute submission wrestling champion and receive US$ 15,000 as a reward.
