Neto at the Amazon event, in Manaus. Photo: Arthur Castro
Another Jiu-Jitsu world champion signed with the biggest MMA organization on the planet, the UFC. The Brazilian Antonio Braga Neto, 25, two-time black belt world champion, in 2008 and 2011, now enters the Octagon in the middleweight division. He signed for four fights.
Neto makes his debut on June 8 in Fortaleza, in the event that will decide the champion of “TUF Brazil 2.” Neto is only awaiting the official announcement. His opponent, according to information received by GracieMag.com, is an American fighter.
The black belt under Roberto Gordo joins other gold medalists in Worlds, like Roger Gracie, Ronaldo Jacaré, Fabricio Werdum, Rodrigo Minotauro and other aces.
Neto (8-1-1) has six wins by submission. Last year, he tried to get a spot in the first edition of “TUF Brazil,” but was not chosen.
Now the fighter waits to be allowed for the WPJJC in Abu Dhabi, which will be on April 13 and 14.
“It was my Jiu-Jitsu that led me to the UFC, the guys there liked my fights,” Neto said. “That’s why I still want to fight in Abu Dhabi. Ben Henderson was allowed without any problems, one month from the fight. I’ve got the ticket to the Emirates.”
Neto is the 15th Jiu-Jitsu black belt world champion to join the UFC. The others are Ronaldo Jacaré, Roger Gracie, Amaury Bitetti, Fabio Gurgel, Roberto Traven, João Roque, Marcio Pé de Pano, Murilo Bustamante, Frédson Paixão, Gabriel Napão, B.J. Penn, Fabricio Werdum, Sergio Moraes and Delson Pé de Chumbo.
His opponent should be announced soon by the UFC. See Braga Neto’s style with the gloves on:
