Lucas Pinheiro.
Lucas Pinheiro recently set out to achieve a bold goal: to win two tournaments in a week. Last weekend the roosterweight moved up in weight and won two gold medals at the American Nationals, in Vegas — fighting among light featherweights, Lucas prevailed in and out of the gi.
“I fought as a light featherweight and felt good,” he said. “I won the no-gi title after finishing two opponents, and the next day I won the gi category by ending the final in under a minute. I felt much stronger due to this diet I’m doing to gain weight, and I didn’t lose my speed, which is my trademark.”
The second half of his goal is to take down the Five Grappling lightweight GP, which is set to take place this Saturday. Again Lucas will be fighting above his usual weight class, in a tourney featuring seven others, including world champion Samuel Braga and Gianni Grippo.
“This win increased my confidence going into Five Grappling,” he said. “I’m focused, injury-free and ready for the tournament. My training has been intense (I trained with heavier athletes), and I hope to put on a good show.”
