Bruno Bastos returned to the cage at Legacy FC 22. Photo: Eric Karr/TXMMA.com

Last Friday, August 23, Jiu-Jitsu champion Bruno Bastos, who retired from adult gi competitions at this year’s Worlds, took to the Legacy FC cage to test his game.

And he walked out with a win by unanimous decision, and a big smile. “I didn’t even get the chance to collect some scars – didn’t even take a punch in the face,” he excitedly told GRACIEMAG.

His opponent was Gabriel Garcia, an American black-belt under Ralph Gracie. “Like me, he also teaches Jiu-Jitsu here in Texas,” said Bruno.

The Nova União athlete prepared diligently for the challenge, which helped when the chips were down.

“I was able to control all three rounds. In the last 30 seconds I went wrong: I pulled into half-guard already leaving the bottom and we were stuck, me trying to overthrow him with a single-leg and him taking the chance to punch my body,” said Bastos, our GMA in Dallas .

“I’m happy with my evolution in striking – I managed the distance, threw good jabs, took him down competently… My entire eight-week camp was done with UFC veteran Paul Buentello, a really tough guy. He fought the main event and got a knockout in the second round. Vitor Shaolin in my corner was also critical, as was Gustavo Dantas, who helped me with the mental preparation for the fight,” he said.

Bruno Bastos did his physical preparation with Giulliano Gallupi at Bastos BJJ Midland, and had the support of sponsors Bold Energy, Asher Logistics, Fuji Sports, Fast Signs, Aggro Brand, Oss Arizona and Jaime Barron Immigration Law Group.

Legacy FC 22
Lubbock, Texas
August 23, 2013

Paul Buentello def. James McSweeney by TKO (punches to the body) at 2:44, R2
Eric Davila def. Artenas Young by split decision
Aaron Cerda def. George Pacurariu by stoppage at 2:11, R3
Joseph Sandoval def.  Jonathan Lopez by TKO at 4:18, R2
Gino Davila def.  Jon Voth by unanimous decision
Justin Reiswerg def. Anselmo Luna by unanimous decision
Dustin Roe def. Jessie Moreno by unanimous decision
Thomas Wayne def. Daniel Perez Moreno by unanimous decision
Bruno Bastos def. Gabriel Garcia by unanimous decision
Joe Saucedo def. Larry Garcia by unanimous decision
Javier Minjarez def. Santana Martinez by split decision
Eric Lunsford def. George Trujillo by TKO in R1