Raphael Cadena made his successful return to featherweight. Photo: Reproduction

Being resilient and staying on the move are paramount requirements for achieving great things on and off the mat. This is the mantra that guides black belt Raphael Cadena, our GMI in Florida. Representative of the RMNU HQ school and trained by Leandro Azara, from A2 Jiu-Jitsu, in Teresópolis, Raphael proved the value of determination to achieve the goal set. He, who weighed in at 178lb in the last years, returned to compete at featherweight and shot the gold in his return to the division, in February.

Raphael chose to make the comeback a week before the Atlanta Open, when he began his weight cut. He needed to lose 10lb to beat the division limit. “I knew it would be painful, as my nutritionist told me, but I was willing to do it. I have faced many challenges throughout my life and this would be just one more, and it only came down to my willpower”, remembered the black belt, who also became champion of the Tampa Open in the master 1 category.

Raphael Cadena spoke with the GRACIEMAG team and talked about the challenges he faced in making the weight cut, as well as what a successful return to featherweight means. 

GRACIEMAG: What were the biggest challenges you faced in making the weight cut? And what motivated you to keep going?

RAPHAEL CADENA: The biggest challenge, without a doubt, was time. I hadn’t hit this weight in three years and I was out of shape. I didn’t train as much as I used to because I was focused on solving the issues with the American consulate and bringing my family to the United States. My motivation to reach the goal was my own mindset. I remember I was at a barbecue with friends and one of them told me that I could not make it to featherweight because I was 178lb. On another occasion, Robinho Moura told me that it would be better for me to stay at lightweight, since it would be easier to reach. These words touched me and I faced these challenges. I have always competed as a featherweight and age could not be the factor to stop me. I wanted to prove that it is possible to beat the goals set, if you put your mind in it.

What did the Atlanta Open title mean to you?

I signed up at lightweight and the IBJJF sent me an email to recommend that I change category, because the bracket was empty. I was 10lb over the featherweight limit and the championship was a week away. I talked to my wife and, against her wishes, I decided to make the weight cut. I knew it would be hard, just as my nutritionist told me, but I was willing to do it. I have faced many challenges throughout my life and this would be just one more, and it only came down to my willpower. As soon as I won the Atlanta Open, I felt like crying because of everything I had been through to get there physically and mentally prepared. This championship was a game changer in my life. I realized that I can still perform at a high level in my initial category.

What are the factors that boosted your great performance in recent championships?

First of all, my family gives me all the support I need after two years away due to the pandemic and issues with my American visa. My wife always supports me and knows that I get sad when I don’t stay active in the championships. Another reason was to surround myself with good people who take me out of my comfort zone and push me to the next level in Jiu-Jitsu. Another trigger was the advice I heard from Robinho Moura. During the class, he told us that you have to be professional every day to conquer something important, not only on the mat, but in life itself. I understood the concept of that lesson and I have applied it in my routine, accumulating small conquests along the day. I believe this is just the beginning, I will gain productive achievements in the long run.

What were the most important lessons learned during this period in the United States?

I believe it is to keep in constant movement and to be resilient. When I say being in motion, I mean learning English, building relationships, understanding the local culture, and listening to others; it is no wonder we have two ears and one mouth. I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t listened to my elders, willing to learn, and selected the people I want to live with. I was born in the Rosário neighborhood, in Teresópolis. I used to live in a slum, but I always had the vision that this would not be my reality. Therefore, I understood the need to be in movement. I became a father when I was 20 and had two choices ahead of me: stop  and accept that life or use fatherhood as fuel to take off. And I chose the second option. I was also lucky to have met good people throughout my life.

What are your next goals?

I intend to stay at featherweight and hope to change people’s lives through Jiu-Jitsu. I don’t want to set an example, but I would like to have the opportunity to help with advice, just as I have been helped in the past. This is how I want to build my legacy. Of course, I want to compete hard and medals are important, however, I value the journey more. Jiu-Jitsu is a tool that needs to be explored and I hope to spread the art to help others. People may forget the champions of two years ago, but they will remember the values they stood for and the legacy they built.

 

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Photo: Personal Archive

Esdras Jr is in the midst of a great phase on the competitive circuit of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). The black-belt from Ares has been going strong for four consecutive tournaments – he became champion at the IBJJF’s Dallas Open, Houston Open, New Orleans Atlanta Open and, most recently, at the No-Gi Pan, one of the most important competitions on the 2021 calendar.

His latest triumph, along with the points won in previous tourneys, caused Esdras to grab the top spot in the master 1 feather division with 135 points – nine more than the UFC fighter Rani Yahya.

In a recent interview, Esdras Jr spoke of what makes him a champion in 2021. “It’s hard to talk about just on aspect, but I think consistency is the key to reaching any goal. Maybe I’m not even training more in terms of volume, but without a doubt, I’m trying to train in a more intelligent way. Knowing how to understand your body and respect your limits is very important to comprehending when you have to do that training session where you’re fighting for real – most days! – or train by trying to understand and control the situations more. I’ve been going hard in my physical preparation since late last year, focusing a lot on injury prevention work. I’m feeling very well physically and mentally.”

To earn the gold medal at the No-Gi Pan, Esdras Jr had to defeat three tough opponents, including Silvio Duran (Nova União) in the semifinal round and Ermilio Lima (Fight Sports) in the final.

According to Esdras, he felt well and prepared for each match. “I was happy with my performance,” he said. “But I can say the toughest fight this time was cutting weight. The last time I weighed less than 67kg, I was in middle school! This Pan was the first time I hit feather in no-gi, which is well below feather in the gi. On the day of the competition, I woke up weighing 66kg – there I woke up feeling well and ready to fight. It was an incredible journey.”

Photo: Personal Archive

He went on to offer advice on winning any BJJ competition: “First, one should not worry about the result! Perhaps it seems like madness to say that, but when we think about results too much, the tendency is to demand a lot of ourselves, and I believe this demand brings about unnecessary tension. Step on the mat alert, but with tranquility. It’s about doing what you trained to do, match by match, trusting yourself and your jiu-jitsu. That’s all you should think about. Have patience to play – jiu-jitsu is like chess.”

And finally, on the subject of mindset, he said: “When you do what must be done, it works out! It’s a matter of training hard, dieting, physical preparation, technical and tactical training, knowing your strong points and developing a game plan. It’s impossible not to feel well and prepared. Step on the mat and believe that your plan is going to work. Work on your mind to be positive when things don’t come out as planned, because knowing how to control your mind is important. Believe until the end! I couldn’t go without mentioning also Fellipe Barros, my mental coach, who is always there when I need him.”

In the United States, Esdras trains beside Osvaldo Queixinho at Ares BJJ in Phoenix, Arizona.

In this match against Leo Saggioro of BTT, Paulo shows more of his base while on top and his passing abilities.

Check it out:

See how the match went:

Shinya Aoki (pictured) will likely drop to MMA’s  featherweight division in the near future. Photo credit: James Law

One FC lightweight champion Shinya Aoki will likely drop a weight division to 145 pounds in the near future, Evolve MMA coach Chatri Sityodtong told GRACIEMAG.com late Wednesday.

Aoki’s move to featherweight from lightweight depends on a number of details, but the fighter, according to his gym’s coach, is experimenting with the process of dropping divisions and wants to fight at the weight class.

“Most likely, he will move to 145,” Sityodtong replied via email when asked if Aoki will become a featherweight.

A report from MMAWeekly.com said that Aoki, who earned the One FC lightweight title with a win over Kotetsu Boku at One FC 9 last April, was set to drop to 145 pounds. Sityodtong, however, explained that the final decision to drop a weight class has not been made yet.

“We need to see his cardio and movement at 145 under real fight conditions to assess our final decision,” he said.

Aoki has fought at 155 pounds or above for his entire career in MMA, making the move to featherweight a completely new venture for him. According to the Evolve MMA coach, the fighter’s build is too small for the 155-pound weight class, and featherweight would be best for Aoki’s future in the sport.

“He can easily make 145,” the coach told MMAWeekly.com. “He is too small to be a lightweight, and he will be a huge featherweight. His body type at 145 is akin to Jon Jones with a huge wingspan and reach.”

Attempts to reach One FC representatives regarding the fate of the lightweight belt if Aoki drops to featherweight went unreturned at the time of this publication.

Kristina submitting on her way to gaining the ticket to Abu Dhabi for the 2013 WPJJC. Photo: Erin Herle

A new face will be in attendance at the ADCC in the female under 60kg division. Kristina Barlaan was awarded her brown belt in December of 2012 on the podium at the IBJJF Fall Open after a great run at her previous rank. As a purple belt she racked up medals at the Pan American Championship and the World Championship but also made strides off the competition mats. At home in Arizona with her fiance Gustavo Dantas of GD Jiu-Jitsu/Nova Uniao and GMA member, she helps promote females in the sport by sponsoring women-only open mats called Inspire.

Within only six months of having her new belt, her results were great and the transition was seamless. She placed first at Pan Ams and third at Worlds as a featherweight and also attended the Abu Dhabi WPJJC in the female purple/brown/black division after winning an American trial.

Today, she can plan another item on her resume as a personal invitation to ADCC in Beijing, China secures her participation in one of the most prestigious BJJ tournaments in the world.

Her invitation can be seen as evidence of evolution as only the top names from all over the world are considered or they must win a trial  to be secured. Being an American female brown belt, an invitation means that promoters are scouring athletes from all over and choosing their competitors with a range of differences. See what Kristina has to say about her invite and what she feels it means for our sport:

GRACIEMAG: What does it mean to you to receive this personal invitation? Was it a surprise? 

KRISTINA BARLAAN: I was first contacted by black belt, Arthur Ruff, who has many affiliates based here in Arizona. He was the one who put my name into recommendation. To have just received the message that I was even considered was such a great honor. My name was then passed to Carlos Carvalho who is responsible for the ADCC American athletes (this is all to my understanding of course haha). After speaking with him on the phone, I was still a little hesitant to believe that they would really take my name into consideration. I remained optimistic throughout the past few days, but receiving the official email this morning made me more than just a little tearful. There are so many high level women in this sport today and I am truly honored to be held with the same regard. There are only 8 women per division, 16 all together. They could have picked anyone to fill those 8 spots. I can happily and confidently say that I am ready to step up to this challenge of being included with the top females in the world.

Do you think your role in the World Pro helped imprint your name in their mind? 

I think my overall results this year really helped to validate my presence. Winning Pans, competing in the Abu Dhabi World Pro, and placing third at Worlds are accomplishments that most athletes would kill to have on their resume.

How often do you train/compete no-gi normally? 

My academy mainly focuses on the gi, so I don’t get to train no-gi very often, but I have found that transitioning to no-gi from doing strictly gi works very well. Sometimes I forget how athletic and fast I am because I can slow down and go the speed I want with the gi. When training no-gi, I suddenly remember that I have many attributes that work for me without the gi. Speed, agility, and being able to wiggle out of tight positions are just some of the things I can really take advantage of.

What type of training will you do now and what will change in terms of preparation? 
I will be going up in weight from my usual 129 lbs. with the gi on, so I have the luxury of really focusing on getting strong and putting on some serious muscle weight. On top of the added strength and conditioning, I also plan on reaching out to team mates (current and former) and friends in Arizona and back home in the Bay Area to get some cross-academy training. While the majority of my training will be in my academy, I find that having different bodies to work with and pulling from an abundant knowledge pool will really help get me prepared the best way possible.

Have you ever competed in the ADCC trials before?

I have never competed in the ADCC trials. No-gi wise, my resume may not have the most results, but overall, I know I have a lot to offer as an athlete. Gi or no-gi, I am confident in my ability to perform.

What can you say about the presence of Americans and females (can be separate ideas) in these prestigious tournaments? Could this prove a sort of evolution?

It’s really empowering as both a woman and an American. I feel like it can be really easy to overlook Americans, especially when you see the caliber of competition coming from Brazil, Japan, and Europe. There has been so much growth in the female fight (BJJ, MMA, etc.) community over the years and I am proud to be part of that. There are more opportunities for women to compete on the same stage and in the same high regard as our male counterparts. We are rising and it’s beautiful and inspiring to see women as powerhouses for the sport. Evolution is constant. More barriers keep being broken and I look forward to see what this sport has to offer in the future.

Young talent, Brazilian Marcio Andre won his second purple belt world title and received his brown belt on the podium. Photo: Erin Herle

Shortly after winning the purple belt featherweight division at the 2013 Worlds a few weeks ago, Marcio Andre was back on the competition mats in Rio with his new brown belt.

A nice way to break it in, the eighteen year old from the Nova Uniao team was able to submit with a toehold in his final match and secure his first gold. Watch the match below as he submits with a toehold:

Tanquinho became the world featherweight champion in 2013 versus Rafa Mendes. They might clash in different outfits now. Photo: Ivan Trindade

After a World Championship filled with the usual high dose of exciting moments, the attention of many black belt stars (and many fans) now turns to another charming competition, the ADCC.

Held for the first time in Beijing, the no-gi affair is set to take place at the end of October, and the lineup is getting more and more crammed with your favorite athletes.

Soon after the Mundials, some gold medalists had the pleasure of being invited to take part in the tournament created by sheik Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan back in 1998. Augusto Tanquinho and Michelle Nicolini were among them. Nicolini, who lost the Brazilian qualifier to Michelle Tavares, was asked to fight in the under-60kg category. World medium heavyweight champion after having subbed all of her three matches, Nicolini will be returning to her original weight class in Beijing. She is a current ADCC runner-up, having lost the final to Kyra Gracie in 2011.

Tanquinho, who won the featherweight division of this year’s World Championships, spoke to GRACIEMAG about his invitation. He will be competing in the under-66kg division and knows that people will be expecting to see a rematch against Rafael Mendes, the current king of the division, as well as a possible fight with current runner-up Rubens Cobrinha. It bears pointing
out that these three have eight world black belt titles among them, so obviously none can be ruled out.

“My plan for now is to continue my MMA preparation, but, since I have no upcoming engagements, my immediate goal is to become ADCC champion this year in China. I’m happy I got invited. I’m fighting in the under-66kg division and hope to shuffle things up all over again!” said Tanquinho.

There’s great expectation surrounding the October event. Besides Tanquinho, Rafa and Cobrinha, another competitor sure to be in the lightest male ADCC division is brown belt João Miyao, who won the Brazilian qualifier held in Rio. He’ll probably be joined by brown belt Marcio André, who got a gold medal in the Walter Pyramid and finished second at the qualifier with a point-free final versus João Miyao.

Who do you think is going to win the under-66kg division of the ADCC? Share your thoughts with us below.

Augusto Tanquinho in a match against Isaque Paiva at Pans 2013. Photo: Ivan Trindade/ GRACIEMAG

For Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes, this Jiu-Jitsu World Championship won’t be like the others. First, because this IBJJF Championship to be held in Long Beach from May 29 to June 2, will be his first Worlds after surgery in which he needed to put four screws in his neck, due to an injury during a training session in 2011.

And also, because it may be the last Worlds for this beast. “After this Worlds, I’ll only focus on MMA, whether I win or lose in Long Beach,” he announces.

Tanquinho will need to have a perfect day to get to the top of the featherweight division, which this year already confirmed an army consisting of Rafael Mendes, Rubens Cobrinha, Mario Reis, Theodoro Canal and the eternal Wellington Megaton, Tanquinho’s father-in-law.

The Soul Fighter’s professor, however, has a secret weapon that other competitors do not have: the assistance of the explosive UFC champion Ben Henderson. Tanquinho chatted with GRACIEMAG, check it out:

GRACIEMAG: How’s your head 15 days from the start of the World Championship?

AUGUSTO TANQUINHO: As strong as it can be. I fought several competitions after the surgery and I feel I’m doing well for someone who one year and half ago placed a titanium plate and four screws in the neck. All I had been through pre and post-surgery and in training was thinking about fighting this Worlds. So I used the prior events to correct errors and improve my pace, and I’ll get to this Worlds in the best shape of my life. I am very focused and training hard to become the champion. I believe 100% that my strongest aspect in Long Beach will be my mind.

You took third at Pan Ams in April. What have you changed to win the Worlds?

I haven’t changed much. The level is very high today and during Pans I lost against (Rubens) Cobrinha by advantages–he was better that day. The same way that I was better than him in Abu Dhabi. So I followed the plans, I kept training and let the mind be strong. There is no mystery: who makes less mistakes will be the champion in Long Beach.

Are you focusing on any technical details to shine at the Pyramid?

I’m always improving technical details; I pay much attention to all opponents. I try to train to be a complete fighter. If I need to play on top, I do it, if I need to pull guard, I do it, if I need to fight standing up, I also do it. And when training to be complete in Jiu-Jitsu, there are always details to correct.

How’s your camp for the tournament?

I’m doing physical training with Jerret Aki, from MMALab, and training Jiu-Jitsu thoroughly with Megaton Dias, Mackenzie (Dern, girlfriend) and their gang. I’m also training MMA and no-gi at the gym with Ben Henderson, Efrain Escudero and several others. I’m training to get there as a highly skilled athlete. Fans can expect a much focused Tanquinho, with my guard and passing sharp. My plan is that this will be my last Worlds for now, then I’ll take a break and devote myself exclusively to MMA – whether winning it or not. So I really want the title and I’m going for it, always fighting smart and finishing the fights when I’m able to do so.

How do you plan to surprise Rafa Mendes, the triple world champion who has dominated the feather division?

Rafael is a great athlete, he is the champion. I see him as a perfectionist in Jiu-Jitsu. But surely he also has flaws and should be training to correct them. I don’t know if we will face each other at the Worlds. I have to go through a lot of people and so does he. If the time comes to face each other again, I’ll be ready for him. The category is very difficult, no fight will be easy. The World Championship in the black belt, in all categories, is very tough. It’s in God’s hands (laughs)!

Tanquinho, what lesson can you teach our readers so they can have a good Jiu-Jitsu base?

Jiu-Jitsu is training, as simple as that. Train hard and it will help. Second, train like you intend to fight, so try not to accept sweeps and takedowns easily. If you are used to accepting these positions in training, you end up accepting them in a fight. Third but not least: work out the legs, strong legs are an important aspect for a good base.

Jose Aldo has accepted the challenge from Anthony Pettis and the two will face each other on Aug. 3. Aldo earns a lightweight title shot with the win. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

After some initial reluctancy, Jose Aldo has accepted the challenge of lightweight Anthony Pettis, and the two will fight for the featherweight title, according to UFC President Dana White.

In addition, should Aldo win the match-up with Pettis scheduled for Aug. 3, the current 145-pound champ will move up a weight class to fight for the lightweight title, according to a report by MMAjunkie.com.

“Aldo vs. Pettis is on!” White said in a post on Twitter, following that up with, “Yes, Aldo vs. Pettis and it’s for Aldo’s UFC 145-(pound) title.”

White originally told reporters following UFC 157 that Aldo refused to fight Pettis because the featherweight champ and his manager, Andre Pederneiras, thought the lightweight challenger didn’t deserve a shot at the belt. But once news got out with White’s comments, Aldo and camp changed their tune, telling SportTV.com that “heads will roll” once he faces Pettis.

Pettis was waiting to face the the winner of the lightweight title fight between champ Benson Henderson and No. 1 contender Gilbert Melendez that takes place at UFC on Fox 7 in April. However, once he saw Aldo beat Frankie Edgar at UFC 156 last month, Pettis swiftly texted White, asking for a shot at the featherweight king.

The venue for the Aldo-Pettis title fight is yet to be announced.

Anthony “Showtime” Pettis talks with GRACIEMAG.com contributor Nalty Junior and discusses his upcoming fight with Jose Aldo, jiu-jitsu, the UFC and more. Check it out.

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Pettis beat Cerrone at lightweight, but now he wants the featherweight belt. (Photo by Al Bello, courtesy of Zuffa LCC via Getty Images)

The number of fighters dropping from lightweight to featherweight rises once again.

Anthony Pettis is dropping down a weight class to challenge featherweight champion Jose Aldo for his belt. USA Today reported late Monday that the fight has been scheduled for Aug. 3 at a yet-to-be-named location.

“Two of the baddest dudes in the fight business are going to fight at 145 pounds,” said UFC president Dana White. These guys are two of the most amazing, gravity-defying athletes in the sport. I am so pumped for this fight.”

Pettis showed interest in facing Aldo right after the Brazilian defended his belt against Frankie Edgar at UFC 156 this past Feb. 2.

“Aldo is a tremendous fighter,” White said Pettis told him through text message. “I just want to be one of the best in the world, and the only way to do that is to beat the best.”

Anthony Pettis (16-2) starred in the WEC’s farwell fight of the card when he landed a gravity-defying “showtime kick” off the cage and knocked down current UFC lightweight champion Ben Henderson. Pettis is riding a three-fight win streak in the UFC, the last of which was a first-round kick-to-the-rib knockout on Donald Cerrone.

Aldo (22-1) hasn’t tasted defeat since 2005, when he lost by rear-naked choke to Luciano Azevedo at Jungle Fight 5. Since then he has rattled off 15 wins, successfully defending his UFC featherweight belt on four times in that span.

The Aldo-Pettis clash is so far without a location, nor does the event have a name. Rio de Janeiro has been mentioned as a possible host city, as have Chicago and Las Vegas.

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