Renato Canuto def. Dante Leon via points (5×4)

[Press release.]

Jiu Jitsu at Disneyworld! It sounds utopic but Kasai made it a reality. In the land of Mickey Mouse, the resort was filled with martial artists of all kinds – It was the International Sports Karate Association yearly US Open, labeled the “The largest open martial arts tournament in the world!”.

Just walking to the event was a different proposition all together… You go past a bridge, which broadcasts the best of Spanglish muzak, enter the Resort’s pavilion where a multitude of kids, all sizes, dressed is all sorts of different colorful gis taggin along with the parents and coaches. The signs on the hallway read: “Do not practice on the hallways, due to safety concerns”. You peek into a room and there’s a kid throwing a sword up in the air, gyrating his body and picking up with the sword on his other hand. A sword lands on another, he pops it around then bounces it right back up in the air and picks it up with the hand on his back. In another room they are running seminars for all sorts of different weapons – Nunchakus, Tonfas, Bo sticks, Kamas – all glittery and seemingly for demonstrations purposes only.

Kasai had a whole pavilion ready to go. No glittery weapons but there was a beautiful Jiu Jitsu mat surrounded by colorful lights and one of the best cards in Pro Jiu Jitsu so far this year!

Renato Canuto def. Dante Leon via Points via Points (5×4)

And the card didn’t disappoint! What a finish to a great night. This is how it ended (spoiler alert!): Canuto and Leon were in a mad scramble the whole match. With 10 seconds to go the score was 5×4 for Canuto who also had one penalty. Leon attempts to take the back. Canuto, who’s been great at avoiding most attempts fights hard and avoids it. 5 seconds are left now, and Leon goes around, takes Canuto’s legs and performs what looks to be a takedown. Leon gets 2 points and the match is called to an end. Leon breaks into wild celebration. Canuto and his camp protest. The whole crowd goes insane! Luckily there was video of it – The 3 match referees gather together at Flograppling’s booth and spend what seems to be a long 10 minute gasp. There’s a crazy energy in the air. Some of the video makes it to the big screen to the oohs and aaahs of the crowd. So, here are the possibilities: 1. It was a takedown and the call was right – Dante gets 2 points wins the match. 2. It was a takedown, but the time to stabilize it was not there – Dante gets one point for the attempt and wins the match by the one penalty point. What ends up happening is that it was not really a takedown as Renato defended it by pulling guard. Referees back on stage, 2 points are removed and Renato takes the win. The public definitely got their money’s worth on this match alone. But there had been more! The co main even between two OG Jiu Jitsu Root’s guys was a sure battle showcasing the best of what is Jiu Jitsu tradition. Vagner Rocha and Celsinho Venicius traded non-stop, all over the mat, with little care for its limits – a few times being grabbed by yours truly and the other folks around the mat. It was only half way through the match that Celsinho was able to secure 2 points for a takedown. And it was almost by the end when Vagner was able to take the back and get his 4. It was sure a great introduction to Grappling to all those folks with the glittery weaponry.

Vagner Rocha def. Celso Venicius via points (4×2)

In sum, none of the matches were skippable. Including a very exciting undercard. This was an event not to be missed.

Kasai also announced their next Super Series tour cities – Atlantic City, NJ and São Paulo, Brazil. Back to NYC for Kasai Pro 6 at the end of the year.

Here are the full results:

MAIN CARD

Renato Canuto def. Dante Leon via Points via Points (5×4)
Vagner Rocha def. Celso Venicius via Points (4×2)
Craig Jones def. Tex Johnson via Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
Talita Alencar def. Sofia Amarante via Submission (Armbar)
Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante def. Jorge ‘Macaco’ via Submission (Arm-in Guillotine)
Mansher Khera def. Enrico Cocco via Submission (Inside Heel Hook)
Richie Martinez def. Gleison ‘Tibau’ via Points (0 x -1)
Matheus Lutes def. Valdir Araújo via Points (6×3)
Tony Way def. John Lineker via Submission (Inside Heel Hook)
Maggie Grindatti def. Bridget Grace via Points (5×0)
Fabin Rosa def. Ricky Nelson via Points (8×0)

KASAI PRO 6 135LBS TOURNAMENT TRIALS

Finals:
Richard Alarcon def. Junny Ocasio via Points (2×0 Golden Score)

Semi-Finals:
Junny Ocasio def. David Weintraub via Submission (Inside Heel Hook)
Richard Alarcon def. Spencer Mumme via Points (8×1)

UNDERCARD

Dan Martinez def. Chase Owen via Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
Thiago Domingues def. Josh Souder via Points (13×0)
Kevin Gallagher def. Aaron Conway via Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
John Ortolani def. Julian Synan via Points (11×2)
Quentin Rosenzweig def. Andre Porfirio via Submission (Inside Heel Hook)
Phil Rowe def. Jose Velez via Submission (Arm-in Choke)
Igor Feliz def. Dylan Whyte via Submission (Bow and Arrow Choke)
Maria Llaguno def. Tiffani Friedman via Points (pts)
Mike Perry def. Gabriel Napolitano via Points (4×2)
Geraldo Gomes def. J. Uffelman via Points (31×0)
Lucas Napolitano def. Jay Enoch via Points (9×4)
Elias Ramirez def. Mikey Conlon via Submission (Triangle Choke)

[Press release.]

Kasai is in Orlando, that’s right, Jiu Jitsu at Disney!

“As the premier professional grappling show we were invited by the ISKA US Open to integrate in their traditional martial arts weekend. We believe this is a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful art to a non practitioner crowd” said Kasai’s president Rolles Gracie about Kasai’s choice to be have their show alongside the ISKA yearly multi martial arts show, which showcases all types of martial arts including sparring, brick and board breaking, kata demonstrations and more. They have over 50 rings, 3 ballrooms and 2 stages, Kasai center stage.

The card is stacked. The main event is set to be a great match between double Kasai belt holder Renato Canuto and Dante Leon. Very different grappling styles, each with the ability to completely stop the other. It will be interesting to see the back and forth between these styles and see which will come on top.

Then there is a showcase of old style OG Jiu Jitsu talent between Celsinho Venicius and Vagner Rocha. Once done with his weigh-in, Vagner stated “The fans are the ones who win when guys like us step on stage. Tomorrow we will just let Jiu Jitsu be Jiu Jitsu. Go out there and show what we love.”

Here is the full card:

MAIN CARD

Dante Leon vs Renato Canuto
Celso Venicius vs Vagner Rocha
Tex Johnson vs Craig Jones
Sofia Amarante vs Talita Alencar
Mansher Khera vs Enrico Cocco
Richie Martinez vs Gleison Tibau
Matheus Lutes vs Valdir Araújo
Jz Cavalcante vs Jorge ‘Macacao’ Patino

UNDERCARD

John Liniker vs Tony Way
Ricky Nelson vs Fabin Rosa
Josh Souder vs Thiago Domingues
Kevin Gallagher vs Aaron Conway
John Ortolani vs Julian Synan
Jose Velez vs Phil Rowe
Dylan Whyte vs Igor Feliz
Tiffani Friedman vs Maria Llaguno
Gabriel Napolitano vs Justin Primrose
Jay Enoch vs Lucas Napolitano
Elias Ramirez vs Mikey Conlon

Bate-Estaca e Tecia Torres na encarada do UFC Orlando. Foto: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Estrela da luta coprincipal do UFC Orlando, que rola neste sábado, dia 24 de fevereiro, Jéssica Bate-Estaca entrará no octógono com atenção redobrada. Atual número dois do ranking, Jéssica tem mira fixa em voltar a lutar pelo título, mas primeiro terá de superar Tecia Torres.

Com a iminência do duelo entre Rose Namajunas, dona do cinturão peso palha, e Joanna Jedrzejczyk, ex-campeã da divisão, Bate-Estaca quer uma vitória empolgante sobre Tecia para firmar seu lugar para desafiar pela primeira vez Rose, ou ter sua revanche contra Joanna.

“O meu foco hoje é vencer a luta contra a Tecia Torres e ter a oportunidade de disputar o cinturão novamente”, disse Jéssica. “Já imaginei a vitória na trocação ou batendo no ground and pound. Espero que ela tenha treinado muito, por que eu treinei muito.”

Além de Jéssica, os brasileiros faixas-pretas de Jiu-Jitsu Renan Barão e Rani Yahya também estarão em ação no card, exibido ao vivo pelo Combate a partir das 18h30. Confira no vídeo abaixo as declarações de Jéssica Bate-Estaca para o evento de hoje e aqueça para mais um grande evento do UFC!

UFC Fight Night: Emmett x Stephens
Orlando, Flórida, EUA
24 de fevereiro de 2017

Josh Emmett x Jeremy Stephens
Jéssica Bate-Estaca x Tecia Torres
Ovince St-Preux x Ilir Latifi
Mike Perry x Max Griffin

Card preliminar

Renan Barão x Brian Kelleher
Sara McMann x Marion Reneau
Angela Hill x Maryna Moroz
Ben Saunders x Alan Jouban
Sam Alvey x Marcin Prachnio
Rani Yahya x Russell Doane
Eric Shelton x Alex Perez
Albert Morales x Manny Bermudez

Santiago e mais uma batalha agendada no UFC. Foto: Carlos Arthur/GRACIEMAG

Gente boa fora do cage, casca-grossa dentro dele. Fera do “TUF Brasil 2”, Santiago Ponzinibbio já tem novo desafio agendado no UFC. Ele encara o canadense Jordan Mein no UFC dem Orlando, na Flórida, no dia 19 de abril. As informações são da assessoria de imprensa do atleta.

O argentino gente boa, como é carinhosamente conhecido por aqui, ficou famoso após participar da segunda edição do “TUF Brasil”, se classificando para a final do programa, mas sendo suprimido de fazer o combate por conta de uma lesão. Ponzinibbio (18v, 2d) fez sua estreia no UFC contra Ryan LaFlare, e foi superado na decisão dos jurados.

Mein (27v, 9d) é oriundo do finito Strikeforce e já fez duas lutas pela organização maior do MMA, sendo uma vitória sobre Dan Miller e, em sua mais recente passagem, sofrendo um revés para Matt Brown por nocaute técnico.

E você, leitor amigo, curtiu o novo combate do argentino? Relembre abaixo uma posição de Jiu-Jitsu que ele passou para GRACIEMAG e comente!

Edson aplica forte chute na linha de cintura, e Danny acusa o golpe. Foto: UFC/Divulgação

Um ótimo duelo de pesos leves foi adicionado no card do UFC do dia 19 de abril, em Orlando. O evento, liderado pelo combate entre Fabrício Werdum e Travis Browne, válido pela chance de disputar o cinturão peso pesado do Ultimate, terá o combate entre Edson Barboza e Donaldo “Cowboy” Cerrone.

O combate, confirmado pelo UFC na última segunda-feira, chega cercado de expectativas. Barboza, dono de chutes devastadores, terá pela frente um dos mais perigosos pesos leves da atualidade.

Edson (13v, 1d) chegou invicto ao UFC e conseguiu quatro boas vitórias, até ser parado pelo ex-campeã do WEC Jamie Varner. Edson fez ótimas apresentações no Ultimate, chegando a conquistar o título de melhor nocaute de 2012, com o chute rodado que desmontou Teerry Etim. Após o revés para Varner, o único na carreira, Barboza conseguiu vitórias sobre Lucas Mineiro, hoje no peso-galo, Rafaello Trator, e Danny Castillo.

Já Cerrone (28v, 6d, 1nc) é um caçador de bônus da noite. Com oito prêmios anotados no UFC, sem contar outros cinco do WEC, o feroz Cowboy do Ultimate vem numa missão complicada para 2014: fazer seis lutas e vencer um dos bônus em cada uma. As palavras, do próprio, podem soar arrogantes. Mas o americano, que tem 14 vitórias por finalização, vem de dois bônus seguidos no UFC, um em novembro do ano passado, e outro em seu último combate, quando nocauteou o brasileiro Adriano Martins.

E você, leitor, o que achou do combate? Será que podemos fazer uma previsão do andamento da luta? Comente conosco!

Don’t miss the chance to learn from five-time world champion black belt Bruno Malfacine. If you’re in the tri-state area you have two chances to attend one of these seminars by the Alliance roosterweight superstar. Everyone is welcome, no matter your affiliation.

Saturday, July 20 in Queens, NY at Queens MMA: 3249 Francis Lewis Blvd Bayside, NY 11358
From 2 p.m. – 5 p.m., cost is $80 before July 19, $100 at the door and $250 for privates. Reserve your spot by emailing info@Queens-MMA.com

Sunday, July 21 in North Plainfield, NJ at North Plainfield Fight Club: 934 Route 22 East, North Plainfield, NJ 07060
Starts at 1 p.m., cost is $85 for Alliance members, $100 for non-Alliance members. Reserve your spot by calling 908-548-8857

Bruno Malfacine in Caio Terra’s guard, in the World Championship 2012. / Photo: GRACIEMAG

Five-time world Jiu-Jitsu champ Bruno Malfacine carved his name atop the roosterweight division in the sport. Known as the “Bad Boy” but always good-humored, the Alliance black belt has been away from competitions since the last World Championship in June. But he doesn’t see himself out of shape for the Pan 2013.

“I’m feeling good and ready for battle,” Malfacine said in conversation with GracieMag.com. “Last year I had to stay away a few months due to surgery on my shoulder right after the World Championship. I am very motivated to come back after so long. After all, this is what I love to do the most. I am happy and grateful.

“This last week it’s time to adjust the last details and hit the weights. Just like last year, I prepared at my gym in Orlando, Florida. I have dedicated myself to my students and they reciprocate with quality training, always helping me a lot. I am relying on the help of my coach Hank Porcher, who put me in shape last year and we are continuing to work to get to the World Championship with a good rhythm. I’m sure I’ll get there well with the help of all these people I have on my side.”

We asked for some tips for the practitioner who dreams of being a six-time world champion black belt one day. Bruno thinks, but can’t find any secrets about it.

“I think I’m dedicated, I try to train as much as I can and give my best every day,” he said. “I always say that the competition begins many months before. I live in a daily fight with myself until the big day. It’s like every day I suffered in training (with diet or even with sleepless nights due to body aches) to take me closer to my goal, the gold. Believe me, there isn’t a better feeling than that …  Another thing is to acknowledge its faults. I have several flaws, one of them technical. Maybe I cannot solve this failure, but I will die trying.”

To see the draws of Pan 2013, click here.

Bruno Malfacine na guarda de Caio Terra, no Mundial 2012. Foto: GRACIEMAG

Pentacampeão mundial de Jiu-Jitsu, Bruno Malfacine cravou seu nome no topo do peso-galo no esporte. Conhecido como “Bad Boy” mas sempre bem-humorado, o faixa-preta da Alliance está afastado das competições desde o último Mundial, em junho. Mas ele não se vê fora de ritmo para o Pan 2013, que começa nesta quarta-feira, dia 20 de março; pelo contrário.

“Estou me sentindo bem e pronto para a batalha. Ano passado tive de ficar afastado alguns meses devido a uma cirurgia que fiz no meu ombro logo após o Mundial. Estou muito motivado para voltar depois de tanto tempo, afinal isso é o que eu mais amo fazer, estou feliz e agradecido”, disse o carioca, em papo com o GracieMag.com.

“Esta última semana é hora de ajustar os últimos detalhes e bater o peso. Assim como no ano passado, eu me preparei na minha academia em Orlando, Flórida. Tenho me dedicado aos meus alunos e eles retribuem com treinos de qualidade, sempre me ajudando muito. Conto também com a ajuda do meu preparador físico Hank Porcher, foi ele quem me deixou em forma no ano passado e estamos dando continuidade ao trabalho para chegar ao Mundial no gás. Tenho certeza de que chegarei bem com a ajuda de todas essas pessoas que tenho ao meu lado”, completou Malfa.

Pedimos alguma dica para o praticante que sonha em ser pentacampeão mundial na faixa-preta um dia. Bruno reflete, mas não vê muito segredo:

“Acho que sou dedicado, procuro treinar o máximo que posso e dar meu melhor todos os dias. Sempre digo que a competição começa muitos meses antes do Dia D. Eu vivo em uma luta diária comigo mesmo, até chegar o grande dia. É como se cada dia que eu sofresse nos treinos (com a dieta ou mesmo com noites mal dormidas devido a dores no corpo) me deixassem mais próximo da minha meta, do ouro. Acredite, não tem sensação melhor que essa”, analisou o faixa-preta da Alliance. “Outra coisa é reconhecer seus defeitos. Eu tenho vários defeitos, um deles técnico. Talvez eu não consiga solucionar essa falha, mas morrerei tentando. Trabalhe você também em cima de suas deficiências”.

Para ver as chaves do Pan 2013, clique aqui.