Roberto Traven remains active, training daily, and wants to test himself. Photo by Dan Rod/GRACIEMAG.com.
While the promoters of ADCC 2013 are mulling over which nation will host the event (Brazil is in the mix) and which stars will adorn the card, there are plenty of Jiu-Jitsu black belts hard at training with the aim of being part of the grappling spectacle.
So far, though, only the ADCC 2013 supermatches have been announced, with Bráulio Estima facing off with current champ André Galvão, and Zé Mario Sperry and Fabio Gurgel squaring off in a veterans dream match-up.
Now, Professor Roberto Traven, absolute champion of the 1999 ADCC, is one of the fighters hoping to get in on the action. And his reasons are personal, as he made clear to GRACIEMAG.com today.
“I really want to do a supermatch at ADCC 2013, and so I’m trying to get my request heard by the organizers. I feel I’ve done enough in my career to deserve this opportunity. Everyone who’s been around me in training and competition knows I’m ready. I’m in incredible shape,” Traven began.
“I’ll face anybody. I’ll take all comers. I was dreaming of getting another crack at Zé Mario Sperry, which would be a rematch of the most disappointing fight of my career and a chance to fix what went wrong [the match ended 0-0, without much by way of action]. But the supermatch was given to someone else, so I have to wait my turn. But I feel I could compete at the next event but against a different opponent,” said the Rio de Janeiro-Atlanta transplant.
“I’m down for anything, even a four-master-aged-fighter tournament that includes Zé Mario and Fabio’s match, with me against someone else in the other bracket. I don’t care what the circumstances are, I just want everyone to know I want it and I’m ready,” he said, leaving his message.
What do you think? Would you like to see Roberto Traven and his stalwart guard at ADCC 2013? Speak your mind to the Jiu-Jitsu community, and send your message.
I would love to see this match!
heeeellll yeah.
ABSOLUTELY! Professor Roberto Traven deserves more than anyone.
Yes! ADCC please make this happen!!
Anyone who knows Roberto Traven knows how hard he works, the discipline he has mastered to get where he is today and how deserving he is to be offerred this opportunity.
Make it happen!
Make it happen!
A legend
ADCC this would be an amazing matchup, we all want to see it! A great chance to see one of the most underrated veterans in this sport return to competition.
Absolutely, yes! Do what it takes to make this happen!
Oh this is a no brainer. Professor Traven is not only a shining ambassador for the sport, he is one of the truly exceptional teachers of any era. I'd almost fly anywhere in the world just to see Professor Roberto Traven compete in this event.
THIS would be AWESOME to see!!!!
Professor Traven is ready for a super match. Whether its today or next year. He very much deserves it!! Please make it happen.
I would love to see this! He has given so much to Jiu Jitsu, it would be a crime to not make this happen.
Please make this match happen. I have never seen a guy that trains as hard as Professor Roberto Traven.
Myself and everyone I know in the BJJ community wants to see Professor Traven compete in this. Please make this take place.
Professor Traven would take an ADCC bout TOMORROW if given the chance! Give this master his shot!
Let the man in!!!!
Sweet baby jesus, lets see this dream become a reality! Please make this happen!
Sweet baby jesus, lets see this dream become a reality! Please make this happen!
Make this match happen PLEASE!
There is not a BJJ practitioner today who puts more effort, time and more of their life into Jiu-Jitsu than Master Traven. That I promise. It would be a shame for this not to happen.
Most definitely. You have my utmost support my professor.
Professor Roberto Traven deserves a match at ADCC 2013!
I like the idea of a "legends of the sport" bracket at adcc or even another venue. It would be really interesting. The display of bjj by 5th and 6th deg blackbelts would be amazing! I would like to see a tournament with guys like Traven, renzo, draculino, gurgle, sperry etc. I know these guys don't compete but Trust me they are still kicking some ass behind closed doors!
This is a great idea…make it happen!
Professor Traven is the man!!
Yes! Who do we have to ask to see this happen? Match ups between the legends would be just as exciting to watch as the current champs. Go Roberto Traven!
Go Traven!
Traven is still a beast and I'm ready to see the spider clinic! Give him the fight!
YES….PLEASE make this fight happen! Master Traven deserves a super fight. He is 100% commited to his training and a constant mentor and instructor! Let's make this happen for him! Vida Jiu~Jitsu!
Yes- I would love to see Traven have this chance!
ADCC has to make this happen because Master Traven is an athlete that is always training hard to be ready for any challenge. It would be a good re-match to see, please make it happen.
Lot of respect for Roberto Traven, such a hard worker.
I would love to be part of this historical bracket also.
That would be a good idea bracket of 4. Let's do this
ossssss
Master Roberto Traven has done so much for the Jiu-Jitsu world. Please ADCC give professor Traven this opprotunity.
Mestre Traven is a Legend! We will love to see him Fight again, Traven vs Favio Gurgel Please make it Happen!
Just do it.
Tony Boudreaux and Andy Wills with A & W Contracting stand behind Roberto Traven and will sponsor this fight!
This would be sicckkkk!! Hope this happens!
same here brother!
Make it happen!!!
Master Traven is a must see!
Make this fight happen!
let this happen traven puts in more hard work then anybody he deserves this.
Much respect to Master Traven, lets see this match.
Master Traven is a beast! Let him get after it.
His classes/warmups are legendary
Who wouldn't want to see a Jiu Jitsu legend compete? Please make this happen!!!
I don't think anyone else deserves this more than Roberto Traven.
DO IT!
Didn't even know this guy existed.
Then you don't really know BJJ or started last week.
Make it so.
A true coach and earned this. he deserves the match.
Roberto Traven is an amazing instructor and a fantastic competitor. This is a great opportunity for fans of the sport to see some amazing match-ups, PLEASE make this happen!
YES! This is a MUST Happen Event! He deserves this more than anyone out there!
Make this match happen.
Easy decision, that bracket would be awesome.
PLEASE give this man his time for redemption! He has earned it…and deserves it. He's shown me that BJJ is NOT just what you learn…but all that you become.