Pé de Pano brilhou no Mundial de 2003 e foi bi absoluto. Foto: Gustavo Aragão

Nos tempos do Mundial de Jiu-Jitsu no famigerado Tijuca Tênis Clube, no Rio, um verdadeiro duelo de titãs definiu o campeão absoluto da temporada 2003. Lutadores ambos da Gracie Barra, Márcio “Pé de Pano” Cruz e Roger Gracie venceram seus oponentes e chegaram fortes para a disputa do ouro.

Pé de Pano buscava o bi. Roger, a chance de fazer história – primeiro por desafiar um companheiro de equipe, e depois por chegar à final máxima do Jiu-Jitsu em seu primeiro ano como faixa-preta.

Roger começou o duelo por cima, na busca da passagem, mas foi com o duelo reiniciado no centro do tatame que Pé começou seu caminho ao título. Roger puxou para a guarda, mas o campeão de 2002 manteve o joelho dentro para mais facilmente avançar para a meia-guarda e em seguida passar.

Com pressão por cima, Pé de Pano incomodou, chegou próximo de somar mais dois com o joelho na barriga e chegou a ameaçar uma pegada de costas sobre Roger, que defendeu bem em quatro apoios.

Márcio Cruz ficou com o título nos pontos, seu segundo ouro absoluto consecutivo, após superar Saulo Ribeiro no ano anterior. Seria seu último, já que a final de 2004 teria Roger contra Ronaldo Jacaré.

Confira o duelo histórico no vídeo abaixo, e aproveite para estudar e analisar as técnicas clássicas da arte suave.

Ronaldo Jacaré contra Roger Gracie, em foto de Gustavo Aragão.

Torneio mais respeitado do nosso esporte, o Mundial de Jiu-Jitsu da IBJJF se tornou a ambição maior de qualquer competidor da arte suavr. Realizado pela primeira vez em 1996, no Rio de Janeiro, o evento define os melhores do mundo em suas respectivas categorias, além do título em peso aberto, valendo o desejado ouro absoluto.

Seguindo o artigo histórico de Fernando Margarida no qual relembramos o feito do fera em 2001, como primeiro campeão duplo do torneio, trazemos a seguir a lista de quais outros craques conseguiram tal feito no torneio mais disputado do Jiu-Jitsu internacional. Confira!

2001 – Fernando Margarida (absoluto e meio-pesado)
2002 – Marcio Pé-de-Pano (absoluto e pesadíssimo)
2005 – Ronaldo Jacaré (absoluto e meio-pesado)
2006 – Xande Ribeiro (absoluto e pesado)
2007 – Roger Gracie (absoluto e super pesado)
2008 – Xande Ribeiro (absoluto e pesado)
2009 – Roger Gracie (absoluto e super pesado)
2010 – Roger Gracie (absoluto e super pesado)
2011 – Rodolfo Vieira (absoluto e pesado)
2012 – Marcus Buchecha (absoluto e super pesado)
2013 – Marcus Buchecha (absoluto e pesadíssimo)
2014 – Marcus Buchecha (absoluto e pesadíssimo)
2015 – Bernardo Faria (absoluto e super pesado)
2016 – Marcus Buchecha (absoluto e pesadíssimo)
2017 – Marcus Buchecha (absoluto e pesadíssimo)
2019 – Marcus Buchecha (absoluto e pesadíssimo)

Michael Serg with his team. Photo: Personal archive

Within one year as a black belt, Michael Sergi of GMA Serg BJJ has made strides in his Jiu-Jitsu career. At the 2015 IBJJF Atlanta Winter Open on Jan. 31 he earned his first gold medal and title at the rank of black belt.

This was his third tournament competing as a black belt and three’s a charm. Michael came out on top in the black belt master 2 heavyweight division against Royce Gracie black belt Jon Pyler and UFC veteran Rory Singer.

In his final, he was able to secure the win by a guard pass within the last 30 seconds of the match!

Michael, left, with Marcio Cruz, center, Rafael de Lima, right. Photo: Personal archive

The Marcio Cruz student attributes his success to his students and professor but admits there is always more to go: “I’m happy with winning gold, but I’m not satisfied. I have much to improve. I’m thankful for great students that push me in training and to Marcio for supporting me.”

Learn more about Michael Sergi and Serg BJJ in Savannah, Georgia at www.sergbjj.com

At the medium-heavy/heavyweight division, Keenan Cornelius first caught Diego Gamonal with an armlock after attacking the back and then faced old rival Jackson Sousa.

Jackson got to the final by defeating Roberto Alencar 4-3 on advantages in a close match.

The gold medal match was a tough one and Keenan used his usual game of berimbolo going for the back.

Jackson defended well and avoided any points from being scored by Keenan.

By the end of the match, Sousa tried to attack Cornelius’ foot and ended allowing Keenan to get on top and score the winning two points.

In the super-heavy/ultraheavy division, the glory belonged to veteran and two-time black belt absolute world champion, Marcio “Pe de Pano” Cruz.

The experienced warrior first had a tough semifinal against Ricardo Evangelista, getting the win in the very end when the opponent got a penalty.

The other semifinal was between Gustavo Pires and Eduardo Telles and a sweep got Sirizinho the 2-0 win.

Pires was ahead in the scoreboard for the most part of the final, but Pe de Pano had one last trick in his guard.

By the end of the match, Cruz finally managed to get Pires’ arm where he wanted and the armlock came fast, not allowing any defense.

Here are some of the best images of the day:

Marcio “Pé de Pano” Cruz is a two-time black belt absolute world champion (2002/2003)

Marcio “Pé de Pano” Cruz was the best Jiu-Jitsu competitor in the world in 2002 and 2003, when he won the black belt absolute world championship title.

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Pé de Pano (nicknamed after the Brazilian name of Woody Woodpecker’s horse) started training Jiu-Jitsu when he was only 11 years old.

The black belt came by in 2001, after conquering both his weight division and the absolute at the Worlds as a brown belt. Carlos Gracie Jr gave him the new belt.

One year later, Pé de Pano was ready to shine in the big arena again. As a black belt in 2002, he repeated his feat and won both his weight division (ultra-heavy) and the open class in the Worlds, now as a black belt. The absolute final was against another BJJ legend, Saulo Ribeiro.

One year later, Pé de Pano decided not to compete in his weight division, but went after his second gold in the absolute.

He got the medal he wanted, this time beating newcomer Roger Gracie in a final match between Gracie Barra teammates that saw no gentlemen’s agreement.

Among many other titles, the 2003 ADCC’s +99kg division gold and the 2005 Pan Jiu-Jitsu double gold (ultra-heavy and absolute) are Pe de Pano’s career highlights.

Known for his extremely dangerous guard game with deadly triangle chokes and armbars, Pé de Pano is for sure a real contender for the Super-heavy/Ultra-heavy division title in the 2013 BJJ Pro League, which takes place December 8.

Also known for his good spirit and sense of humor, Pé de Pano is the author of many unforgettable quotes, like this one:”“Jiu-Jitsu’s like riding a bicycle, once you learn it you never forget!” he said in 2010, when he decided to compete again in the adult division of the Worlds.

In 2012, he did it again and had a great running with Marcus Buchecha, 12 years younger.

The Check Mat star had a bit of a scare with Pe’s long legs.

So, don’t miss out and reserve December 8 to go to the Long Beach Walter Pyramid to watch Pé de Pano and many other talents at the 2013 BJJ Pro League.

Know more about the 2013 BJJ Pro League at bjjproleague.com.

The Serg BJJ team representing at the 2013 IBJJF Atlanta Open. Photo: Personal Archive

The Serg BJJ / Team Marcio Cruz Savannah Academy traveled from Savannah, GA to the 2013 IBJJF Atlanta Open on Saturday, Aug. 31. The team was comprised of eighteen athletes and they brought home eleven medals.

Ultimately, their small group came in tenth place out of a total of 73 teams that were representing at the international championship.

The list of individual athletes:

WHITE / Adult / Male / Rooster Brandon Hunnicutt
WHITE / Adult / Male / Rooster Jakob Williams
WHITE / Adult / Male / Light Feather James Moseley
WHITE / Adult / Male / Feather Parker Sass
WHITE / Adult / Male / Middle Samuel Norton
BLUE / Adult / Male / Light Feather Cody Keers
BLUE / Adult / Male / Light Feather Josh Sipes
BLUE / Adult / Male / Light Aaron Hines
BLUE / Adult / Male / Middle Dag Gay
BLUE / Adult / Male / Ultra Heavy Danny Hellmann
BLUE / Master / Male / Middle Trent Sikes
BLUE / Master / Male / Heavy James Owens
BLUE / Master / Male / Heavy JR Gay
PURPLE / Adult / Male / Heavy Austin Avera
PURPLE / Adult / Male / Heavy Dustin Waters
PURPLE / Master / Male / Feather John Rodgers
PURPLE / Senior 1 / Male / Middle Harry West
BROWN / Senior 1 / Male / Heavy Michael Sergi

In a facebook post addressed to his students, head instructor Michael Sergi said, “I’m proud of the way our guys competed and represented. I was very proud of the poise and confidence that each of you had in your matches. You not only represented well on the mats you represented well off of the mats. Your sportsmanship and respect for the other competitors/spectators deserves just as much attention. There were too many outstanding things that took place competitively for me to mention in this post. Know that your effort and attitude was judged way more than the results of your matches regardless of the outcome.

What must be addressed are the many thanks and words of appreciation for everyone involved. I appreciate the courage and commitment to the guys that competed this weekend. Each of you stepped up big. Without you we wouldn’t have achieved such a level of success. A big thank you to the team members that took the time to travel to Atlanta and support those competing. I want to mention all of your names, but there are too many to list. You guys are the best and your presence meant so much. Another big thank you to the family and friends that supported us back home. You play a big part of our success too. Another big thank you to Professor Marcio Cruz. Your guidance and words regarding your expectations for the team are motivating for all of us to set higher goals and accomplish bigger things.”

Congratulations to the Serg BJJ team, Michael Sergi and Professor Marcio Cruz in leading the team to their victories.

More information about Serg BJJ can be found at www.SergBJJ.com

Pé de Pano pulled off a smooth finish on Joe Yager at RFA 4. Photo by GRACIEMAG.

Late Friday evening at RFA 4 in Las Vegas, two Brazilians of first-rate Jiu-Jitsu pedigree featured on the card: two-time absolute world champion Marcio “Pé de Pano” Cruz and Fredson Paixão. Pé de Pano secured his win over Joe Yager via reverse triangle at 4:16 min of the second round. The Jiu-Jitsu professor from Rio thus cut short his American opponent’s five-fight winning streak.

Now, Fredson Paixão didn’t manage to discover his winning ways, dropping a split judges’ decision to Lance Palmer. Paixão now has two back-to-back blemishes on his record.

RFA 4
Texas Station, Las Vegas, USA
November 2, 2012

Tyson Griffin defeated Efrain Escudero via judges’ decision;
Chidi Njokuani knocked out Phil Dace;
Marcio “Pé de Pano” Cruz tapped out Joe Yager via reverse triangle;
Lance Palmer defeated Fredson Paixão via split judges’ decision;
James Krause knocked out Guilherme Trindade;
Dakota Cochrane tapped out Derrick Bursed via armbar;
Sergio Pettis defeated Jimmy Jones via unanimous decision;
Chris Holdsworth tapped out Tyler Shinn via triangle;
Steve Mocco tapped out Tyler Perry via Kimura lock;
Gory Galloway knocked out Jerry Shapiro;
Jordan Isordia defeated Joey Angelo via unanimous judges’ decision.

Pé de Pano venceu Joe Yager na suavidade, por finalização, no evento RFA 4. Foto: GRACIEMAG

Na madrugada de sexta pra sábado, em Las Vegas, nos EUA, ocorreu o evento RFA 4. Três brasileiros marcaram presença no card: o bicampeão mundial absoluto Marcio “Pé de Pano” Cruz e Fredson Paixão. Pé de Pano conseguiu a vitória sobre Joe Yager por finalização com um triângulo invertido, aos 4min16s do segundo assalto. O professor carioca conseguiu quebrar a sequência de cinco vitórias do americano.

Já Frédson Paixão não reencontrou o caminho das vitórias, e perdeu por decisão divida dos jurados para Lance Palmer. O amazonense conta com duas derrotas seguidas no seu cartel. Outra fera no card, Guilherme Trindade não resistiu aos fortes socos do americano James Krause, e acabou nocauteado no primeiro round.

RFA 4

Texas Station, Las Vegas, EUA

2 de novembro de 2012

Tyson Griffin venceu Efrain Escudero por decisão dos jurados

Chidi Njokuani nocauteou Phil Dace

Marcio “Pé de Pano” Cruz finalizou Joe Yager no triângulo invertido

Lance Palmer venceu Fredson Paixão por decisão dividida dos jurados

James Krause nocauteou Guilherme Trindade

Dakota Cochrane finalizou Derrick Bursed no armlock

Sergio Pettis venceu  Jimmy Jones por decisão unânime dos jurados

Chris Holdsworth finalizou Tyler Shinn no triângulo

Steve Mocco finalizou Tyler Perry na kimura

Gory Galloway nocauteou Jerry Shapiro

Jordan Isordia venceu Joey Angelo por decisão unânime dos jurados

Pé seems to be boosting his work rate in his career, now with four consecutive wins in MMA. His only two losses came in the UFC, to Andrei Arlovski and Jeff Monson, in the heavyweight division.

Pé de Pano strikes with Mir in 2006. Photo: Josh Hedges.

In his last fight, the absolute world champion of Jiu-Jitsu (2002/03) dispatched Tom Sauer with strikes on the ground in the second round, a specialty he demonstrated in his win over Frank Mir at UFC 57 in 2006.

Pé recently won the European Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2009, the only title he was missing, but lost at the ADCC Barcelona last year.

Check out the promotional video for the battle between Pé and Dave “Pay Me” Yost, scheduled for next April 3, not long before the Rio de Janeiro native black belt’s 32nd birthday.

For further information on the star, go to www.marciocruzbjj.com.