Vella in photo by Luca Atalla

One of the big names in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gabriel Vella confirmed he will be there to test his mettle at the South American qualifiers for the classic ADCC grappling tournament, this coming weekend (30th and 1st) at São Paulo’s Clube Sírio gymnasium.

The black belt coming off placing third at the Pan in California has never participated in the event before and is looking for a berth in the main event.

A divisional world champion and runner-up in the absolute at the IBJJF’s 2008 No-Gi World Championship, Gabriel believes his style of fighting fits this type of an event to a tee.

“Competing without the gi is a lot different from competing in the gi. My Jiu-Jitsu game helps a lot without the gi, so I expect to fight well and qualify,” said the athlete, who will have his work cut out for him in containing over-99-kg division rivals  like Glover Teixeira and Luis Felipe “Big Mac”.

This year’s ADCC will be held on September 24 and 25 in Nottingham, England.