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SAULO RIBEIRO tries to escape from a spring at his legs by Margarida, in the final of the openweight in 2001.
Saulo: “To maintain dedication to training when you are champion is tough”
Saulo Ribeiro owned the 1998 World Championship, but in 2001 the biggest CBJJ tournament was ruled by another… What do you remember most when talking about the 2001 World Championship, in which you were beaten by the outstanding Fernando Margarida twice, in your weight-division and open-weight?
It really was his championship! Margarida won by his own merit and deserved to be at the highest place on the podium… And, on the record, I have never had a personal problem with Marga. Quite to the contrary. I like him a lot, even though people have tried to cause friction between us. But, whatever it is, after that World Championship, there was much learning to do and some reformulation of strategies, as much in my life as in my training.
Today I realize how difficult it is to keep up the enthusiasm and the same dedication when you are champion for a long time! It is during these times that, consequently, someone will always show up to give you that “nudge”. Taking MMA, for example, look at Wanderlei’s case. Many battles, a series of victories one after another. His body feels it, and maintaining the same consistency in training is so hard. And this is why I respect him so much.
You retired after the loss to Roger Gracie in the quarter-finals of the open-weight category, in 2005. Over these 10 years, what great moments do you remember from the Worlds, from the beginning of it all to the time you hung up your belt?
Man, there were many. And I can guarantee that the applause is still ringing in my ears… It is not just incredible: it is immortal! But, if we are talking about something that stands out in my memory, let’s go: beating Fabio [Gurgel] and Murilo on the same day, in 1998; beating Nino when everyone was panicking about fighting him; in 2000, winning the Worlds after the knockout in Japan [suffered at the hands of Yuki Kondo, a great upset for the time]. And, last, but not the least moving, watching Xande become champion for the first time at black-belt.
What was the moment that impressed you the most all these years? Who was your most difficult opponent, and what scene stood out for you the most as a Worlds spectator?
The fight that most impressed me was my last one, before retiring. I lost to Roger, who I feel was my toughest opponent. Maybe if I had played according to strategy I would have won. But I really went after it! About the most outstanding moment, it was without a doubt Jaca’s bravery when not giving up after having his arm broken by Roger, in the final of the open-weight 2004. There I could start saying I was a fan of that guy!
And your triumph in 1998? What technical, tactical and mental level do you remember having attained there?
Well, there were a series of factors, to be honest. I was happy with my love life, I trained a lot of Judo, won nicely, spent months with Rickson… So, I was quite happy with life! Only my adversaries had a hard time with all this (laughs).
Roger and Jacaré have been the greatest obstacles for your brother Xande Ribeiro over the last two years in the Worlds. What have you and your brother talked about to stop them in their tracks next year?
Well, I think I now know more about Roger’s game than Roger himself, and Roger will only beat Xande again if by accident! The throne of the Jiu-Jitsu number one is up for grabs next year and my brother gets it, I guarantee you! As for Jaca, the fight will always be tough. And Xande will always hunt Jacarés, which Jaca is not used to.
And your ADCC triple, Saulo? Can you compare one of your ADCC campaigns with your world titles?
Look, not one of my ADCC participations compares with the Worlds, aside from the money. I would certainly trade the oil money for more world titles! Of course ADCC was an important notch in my career, because it projected me internationally and got me to fight with foreigners, which never happened in the Worlds, besides awakening my interest in wrestling. But there is no comparison with the glamour of the Worlds: training, nerves, anxiety, expectations, war, cheering, pain… I will certainly miss it. Damn, this is making me cry again. Being a Cancerian is a problem.
Well, if it’s for a lack of initiative, your six-time champion colleague Kelly Slater just passed you in number of titles, after the surfing World Championship in Florianopolis… Since you are still active in the USA, is there no chance of you postponing your retirement for one more year?
I’m always tempted, because I have fighting spirit and, beyond that, I train with Xande everyday, so I’m always in shape! But, for me to return, something special would have to happen... But being a spectator is rough, so who knows???
In the meantime, I’m just sticking to doing seminars. In France, more than 300 showed up people in two days, which has only ever been surpassed by Rickson! And, in this case, being second place is a luxury!
