Evangelista defeated Leandro Lo on points. Photo: Gustavo Aragão.

While in the Masters & Seniors the seasoned old black belts, like Helvécio Penna, Osiris and Adimilson Brites, put on a show, in the adult division the young guns in the Rio Open went to war in the absolute.

The big standout was Ricardo Evangelista, who won the absolute after closing out with Igor Silva. The GFTeam heavyweight made it to the final after getting past a game Leandro Lo, a lightweight with a slick guard. Now Igor Silva had three matches in the absolute and took home the silver.

Check out the official results at IBJJF.org and check back later to find out how Sunday’s action unfolds.

Absolute:

1) Ricardo Evangelista (GF Team)

2) Igor Silva (GF Tea)m

3) Leonardo Maciel (Pitbull)

3) Leandro Lo (PSLPB Cicero Costha)

Pulga wins at International 2009. Photo: Carlos Ozório

Alexandre “Pulga” Pimentel is back in Brazil after a seminar tour in Mexico and the United States. Yearning to compete, the Nova Geração fighter looks to put on his gi at the upcoming IBJJF competitions.

“I got home from the trip yesterday and I’m dying to compete at the International and Rio Open. Last year I won the International, but I want to compete at adult as well,” says Pulga, who recounts what he was up to during the trip.

“I did seminars in Mexico, then in Texas, at Sérgio Marra’s academy, and then split for Miami and San Diego. I trained with Roberto Cyborg, Rodrigo Medeiros, Hillary Williams and Thiago Silva, who fights in the UFC. It was great! I was going to compete at the Worlds, but I hurt my knee a little before the competition and had to sit it out.”

Pulga is undefeated in MMA, with nine fights under his belt. Although he hasn’t completely set Jiu-Jitsu aside, he should appear in another fight soon.

“I’m practically confirmed for a fight in San Antonio on November 6. I haven’t signed yet, but it’s pretty much confirmed. If I win this one, good opportunities should arise for me abroad,” he says in finishing.