Roger arrisca joelhadas contra Prangley. Foto: Esther Lin.

Roger Gracie chegou à quarta vitória seguida neste sábado, no Strikeforce. Em mais uma finalização, via mata-leão, a vítima foi o sul-africano Trevor Prangley.

“Estou me sentindo muito bem, acho que tudo foi bem, foi como manda o figurino”, comemora na saída do vestiário.

Roger explica que conseguiu executar com sucesso a estratégia: partir com jabs e manter a aproximação correta para derrubar.

“Esperei apenas a oportunidade certa. Não planejei finalizar no primeiro round ou algo assim. Apenas esperei o melhor momento.”

Confira algumas cenas dos bastidores e as declarações na íntegra no vídeo abaixo:

Roger lands a knee on Prangley. Photo: Esther Lin.

Roger Gracie notched his fourth win in a row this Saturday at Strikeforce. With yet another submission – a rear-naked choke –, the victim this time was Trevor Prangley.

“I’m feeling great, I think everything went well, it was splendid,” he said with contentment as he left his dressing room.

Roger explains how he managed to successfully carry out his strategy: going on the attack with jabs and keeping the right distance for the takedown.

“I just waited for the right moment. I didn’t plan to finish in the first round or anything like that. I just waited for the right moment.”

Check out the statements he made behind the scenes in the video below:

Check out how it went:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvVHlHvqpEc

Roger and Prangley / Photo: Esther Lin

There was a lot at stake at this Saturday’s Strikeforce event in San Jose, California. Two belts were on the line, but something eles that marked the show was the ground games on display in three of the main bouts on the card.

In the evening’s main event, Nick Diaz put his black belt in Jiu-Jitsu to good use in hanging on to his welterweight belt. The Cesar Gracie student had his hands full standing against Evangelista Cyborg. In the second round, after being taken to the ground, he bust out his gentle art skills. As the round came to a close, he sunk an armbar from the guard, forcing his opponent to tap out.

In defending his middleweight title against Robbie Lawler, Ronaldo Jacaré showed he’s still got Jiu-Jitsu. The black belt dominated the first round, but not without taking a score. Lawler landed some solid strikes standing and in ground-and-pound action. In the second round, Jaca let his ground game flow, trying some slick armbar variations. The third round was more of the same, with the ADCC 2009 supermatch champion making it to his opponent’s back and finishing with a rear-naked choke.

In one of the most heavily-anticipated fights of the night, Roger Gracie didn’t encounter to much resistance in submitting Trevor Prangley and remaining unbeaten in MMA with four wins, all by submission. After testing the waters standing, Roger went for the takedown. The black belt quickly mounted and then back-mounted, finishing his opponent off with a rear-naked choke while still in the opening round.

Check out the results:

Strikeforce
San Jose, California, USA
January 29, 2011

Nick Diaz submitted Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos via armbar at 4:50 min of R2
Ronaldo “Jacaré” Souza submitted Robbie Lawler via rear-naked choke at 2min of R3
Herschel Walker defeated Scott Carson via TKO at 3:13 min of R1
Roger Gracie submitted Trevor Prangley via rear-naked choke at 4:19 min of R1
Nate Moore defeated Nathan Coy via KO at 0.25 min of R2
Isaiah Hill submitted Bobby Stack via triangle at 1:02 min of R1
Ron Keslar defeated Eric Lawson via armbar at 1:27 min of R1
Germaine de Randamie defeated Stephanie Webber via KO at 4:25 min of R1
James Terry defeated Lucas Gamaza via TKO at 3:26 min of R1
Jenna Castillo defeated Charlene Gellner por TKO aos 3min57s do R2
Anthony Dariano defeated Alan Perez via unanimous decision
Ricky Jackson defeated Niko Jackson via unanimous decision
Armin Safiari defeated Sam Bracamonte via unanimous decision

Confira como foi:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvVHlHvqpEc

Roger e Prangley. Foto: Esther Lin.

Havia muita coisa em jogo no Strikeforce deste sábado, em San Jose, na Califórnia. A noite colocou dois cinturões em disputa, mas o que também marcou foi o show na luta de chão em três dos principais combates da edição.

Na principal luta da noite, Nick Diaz fez valer a faixa-preta de Jiu-Jitsu para manter o cinturão de meio-médios. O pupilo de Cesar Gracie fazia luta dura contra Evangelista Cyborg , mantida na trocação. No segundo assalto, depois de ser quedado, tratou de usar logo a arte suave. Encaixou um armlock da guarda e fez o oponente desistir nos últimos segundos. Com o resultado, Nick segue campeão, numa série de nove vitórias.

Em luta que defendia o cinturão de médios, contra Robbie Lawler, Ronaldo Jacaré mostrou que continua com o Jiu-Jitsu afiado. O faixa-preta dominava o primeiro round, mas levou um susto. Lawler acertou bons golpes na trocação e trabalhou no ground and pound. No segundo assalto, Jaca soltou o jogo no chão, tendo tentado belas variações para o armlock. Na terceira etapa não teve jeito. O campeão da superluta do ADCC 2009 chegou às costas e tratou de finalizar com um mata-leão.

Num dos combates mais aguardados, Roger Gracie não teve trabalho contra Trevor Prangley para finalizar e se manter invicto no MMA com quatro triunfos, todos por finalização. Depois de arriscar um pouco na trocação, Roger quedou. Rapidamente, o faixa-preta montou e pegou as costas. Com um mata-leão, acabou com o adversário ainda no assalto inicial.

Confira todos os resultados:

Strikeforce
San Jose, Califórnia, EUA
Dia 29 de janeiro de 2011

Nick Diaz finalizou Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos com um armlock aos 4min50s do R2
Ronaldo “Jacaré” Souza finalizou Robbie Lawler com um mata-leão aos 2min do R3
Herschel Walker venceu Scott Carson por TKO aos 3min13s do R1
Roger Gracie finalizou Trevor Prangley com um mata-leão aos 4min19s do R1
Nate Moore venceu Nathan Coy por KO aos 25s do R2
Isaiah Hill finalizou Bobby Stack com um triângulo a 1min2s do R1
Ron Keslar venceu Eric Lawson com uma chave de braço aos 1min27s do R1
Germaine de Randamie venceu Stephanie Webber por KO aos 4min25s do R1
James Terry venceu Lucas Gamaza por TKO aos 3min26s do R1
Jenna Castillo venceu Charlene Gellner por TKO aos 3min57s do R2
Anthony Dariano venceu Alan Perez por decisão unânime
Ricky Jackson venceu Niko Jackson por decisão unânime
Armin Safiari venceu Sam Bracamonte por decisão unânime

Jacaré faces Robbie. Photo: Esther Lin.

This Saturday in San Jose, California, another edition of Strikeforce will take place. Defending his welterweight title, Nick Diaz faces off with Evangelista Cyborg. Also for a belt, Ronaldo Jacaré defends his post at the top of the middleweight division against Robbie Lawler. Another big draw is Roger Gracie’s fourth MMA bout, against Trevor Prangley.

“I had an excellent training camp and I’m certain I’ll have a great fight. I’m ready, every fight is the most important one of my life,” warns Jacaré.

Roger and Prangley / Photo: Esther Lin

Check back with GRACIEMAG.com for coverage of tonight’s event. But in the meantime, check out the pre-event weight-in:

Check out the complete card:

Strikeforce
San Jose, California, USA
January 29, 2011

Nick Diaz vs. Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos

Ronaldo “Jacaré” Souza vs. Robbie Lawler

Herschel Walker vs. Scott Carson

Roger Gracie vs. Trevor Prangley

Nate Moore vs. Nathan Coy

Bobby Stack vs. Isaiah Hill

Eric Lawson vs. Ron Keslar

Germaine de Randamie vs. Stephanie Webber

James Terry vs. Lucas Gamaza

Jenna Castillo vs. Charlene Gellner

Anthony Dariano vs. Alan Perez

Ricky Jackson vs. Niko Jackson

Sam Bracamonte vs. Armin Safiari

Roger getting the knockdown against Kevin Randleman, at his last win / Photo: Ray Santana

UFC welterweight champion Georges Saint-Pierre has already been to London twice to train with Roger Gracie, who is getting ready for his fourth MMA bout this coming weekend.

As reported by Jack Encarnação on Sherdog.com, GSP (21w, 2l) was stopping through London in 2010 when he figured he would stop by Roger’s academy to test himself.

“I got my ass kicked pretty bad,” he said, deciding to stay on awhile an train some with Roger for his last fight, his second unanimous decision win over Josh Koscheck.

In 2011, the Canadian returned to help Roger (3w, 0l) train for his Strikeforce fight against Trevor Prangley.

“Roger is really good at taking the fight where he wants it – to the ground. He’s much better than people think. He’s not just a Jiu-Jitsu guy. Roger is a true MMA fighter,” said GSP in praise.

Besides wrestling with GSP in London, Roger also sharpened up his boxing skills with local trainer Clay O’Shea and got pointers from undefeated veteran Joe Calzaghe.

Roger and GSP’s training session will feature in a forthcoming issue of GRACIEMAG. Not a subscriber yet? Then become one, by clicking here.

Roger derrubando em pé na luta com Kevin Randleman, em sua última vitória. Foto: Ray Santana.

Campeão dos meio-médios do UFC, Georges St-Pierre já esteve em Londres duas vezes para treinar com Roger Gracie, que faz sua quarta luta de MMA neste fim de semana.

Como lembra reportagem de Jack Encarnação no Sherdog.com, GSP (21v, 2d) estava de passagem por Londres em 2010 quando lembrou de ir se testar na academia de Roger.

“Tomei um amasso e tanto”, disse GSP à reportagem, se é que a tradução para “I got my ass kicked pretty bad” está certa. Bunda chutada, GSP decidiu ficar mais tempo e treinou com Roger para sua última luta, sua segunda vitória sobre Josh Koscheck, por decisão unânime dos jurados novamente.

Em 2011, o canadense retornou para ajudar Roger (3v, 0d) para a luta contra Trevor Prangley (23v, 6d) no Strikeforce.

“Roger é muito bom em trazer a luta para onde ele quer – no chão. Ele é muito melhor do que as pessoas pensam. Não é apenas um cara do Jiu-Jitsu. Roger é um verdadeiro lutador de MMA”, elogiou GSP.

Além do wrestling com GSP em Londres, Roger também afiou seu boxe com o treinador local Clay O’Shea e recebeu toques do veterano e invicto Joe Calzaghe.

O treino de Roger e GSP vai estar em sua próxima GRACIEMAG. Você já é assinante? Então não perca, clicando aqui.

Roger at Strikeforce / Photo: publicity

A 1.95-meter (6’4”) light heavyweight in MMA, the lanky Roger Gracie gave an interview on the official Strikeforce website regarding his impending January 29 fight against South Africa’s Trevor Prangley. Check out some excerpts:

Johnny Preston: You are one of the world’s foremost BJJ experts. What is your absolute favorite submission hold?

Roger Gracie: I have many submissions I like. For MMA, taking the back is probably the safest and most effective way to finish.

You beat Kevin Randleman last year, a man considered a pioneer by many MMA fans. He was a bridge from the early days of MMA to the cross-training that became prevalent in the early 2000’s, in that he could do more than one thing well (wrestle and strike with power). Do you feel that, in the same vein, you are the bridge that will take the Gracie family into the next generation of fighting?

Kevin is a great athlete and genuinely one of the nicest gentlemen I have met. He was one of the shining lights in the developing period of MMA, and definitely a pioneer with the training. I am obviously going through all the various training techniques but everybody knows it takes time to master so many different skills. If I can keep fit and keep learning, then slowly I will improve…and who knows after that. The previous generations of Gracie fighters are a tough group to live up to.

Until now, you have only fought every other year. Are you now committed to the MMA game full-time as a career?

I have only fought every other year due to one serious injury which took me nearly a year to recover from. After that logistics and matchmaking have delayed one or two fights but I would like to fight three times a year from here on out. I am ready.

On January 29th, you will face your toughest test to date in the extremely experienced Trevor Prangley. While not known for his striking, he is quite competent. Have you been working on your striking?

It sounds cliché but there are no easy fights with any of these guys. One mistake and the referee will quickly stop the fight. Fighting somebody like Trevor with much more experience than myself will keep me focused on trying to force the fight my way.

Is there somebody in the Strikeforce light heavyweight division that you have your eyes on beyond Prangley?

I never, ever look ahead to the next fight. I think that is the most basic mistake anybody can make. You have an opponent you study, [figure out] what you are going to do, and you try and focus on arriving there for fight night with top fitness and a strong mind.

How do you feel that you match up with fellow Brazilian and the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion “Fejiao?”

Again these things are for other people to talk about. I concentrate on myself. I enjoy watching these guys fight. He fought great, he earned the title, and he is a champion.

What should the fans in attendance and those watching on Showtime expect from Roger Gracie on January 29th?

I will always look to finish the fight before the end of the 3 rounds. It’s my nature.

Roger no Strikeforce: Foto: Divulgação.

Atleta da categoria até 93kg no MMA, o esguio Roger Gracie, de 1,95m, deu entrevista ao site do Strikeforce sobre seu compromisso na Califórnia no dia 29 de janeiro, contra o sul-africano Trevor Prangley. Confira os melhores momentos:

Johnny Preston: Qual seu golpe favorito de finalização?

Roger Gracie: Gosto de muitas técnicas de finalizações. Para MMA, pegar as costas é provavelmente o modo mais seguro e eficaz de finalizar a luta.

No ano passado você venceu Kevin Randleman, um pioneiro do MMA, considerado um dos caras que primeiro fizeram a ponte entre o wrestling e a trocação em pé. Você se sente uma ponte também, capaz de levar a família Gracie a um novo patamar de luta? Você é a próxima geração?

Kevin é um grande atleta e verdadeiramente um dos maiores cavalheiros que já conheci. Ele foi um pioneiro nos treinos para MMA e um dos que brilhou no início do MMA moderno. Claro que eu sigo todo o treinamento para MMA, com diversas técnicas, mas todos sabem que leva tempo para dominar tantas habilidades diferentes. Preciso me manter em forma e continuar aprendendo, assim vou melhorando… E quem sabe como será. Mas as gerações anteriores da família já são duríssimas, difícil barrá-los.

Você tem três lutas apenas, e estava lutando MMA esporadicamente. Está mais comprometido com o MMA este ano?

Sim, tive uma lesão séria, mas a partir de agora eu gostaria de lutar três vezes por ano. Estou pronto.

No dia 29 você vai ter seu teste mais duro até agora, contra o experientíssimo Trevor Prangley, um cara competente em pé. Você vem treinando trocação?

Pode soar clichê, mas não existe luta fácil. Um erro e o juiz rapidamente interrompe a luta. Lutar com alguém como ele, que tem muito mais experiência que eu, vai exigir que eu concentre em levar a luta para onde eu quero.

Há algum adversário que você queira lutar depois do Trevor?

Eu nunca, jamais penso nas próximas lutas. Acredito que este é o erro mais básico que um lutador pode cometer. Você tem um oponente para estudar, precisa pensar o que vai fazer contra ele, e tentar chegar lá totalmente focado na luta, com o corpo em forma e a mente forte.

Como seria uma luta sua contra o campeão da categoria e também brasileiro Rafael Feijão?

De novo, essas coisas são para os outros especularem. Eu me concentro em mim. Curto ver todos esses caras lutando, e o Feijão lutou muito bem, mereceu o cinturão e é um campeão.

O que o público na TV e na plateia em San José deve esperar de sua atuação no dia 29 de janeiro?

Sempre vou procurar finalizar meu oponente antes do último round. Essa é a minha natureza.

(Confira a entrevista no original clicando aqui.)

Roger in action in gi / Photo: Gustavo Aragão

Roger Gracie wraps up a week of training with UFC champion George Saint-Pierre this weekend in London, England. All set for his Strikeforce outing with Trevor Prangley on the 29th, his fourth MMA fight, Roger answered GRACIEMAG.com’s call and spoke (softly, as his son Tristan was nearby) of his training rhythm, his opponent, and what he learned from the best welterweight in the world.

How was your New Year’s?

It was chill. Maybe even too chill. Now there are three weeks left till the fight, so I spent New Year’s Eve resting, training, and thinking about my Strikeforce fight.

The strategy is the same for anybody”

Have you seen your opponents fights or will you wait to watch the tapes with Renzo, in New York?

I’ve seen some of them, I could get a sense of what type of fighter he is and put together a fight plan in my head. But the strategy for MMA, in the end, ends up being the same for anyone I face: get my hands on the dude, take him down, and not let him get out until I submit him.

What’s the main thing you learned from GSP?

Training with him is great. We trained gi and no-gi. On the ground the weight difference is a bit awkward. We did some cool punch, kick, and take down training, and he’s a specialist in that. He gave me some key pointers that will help a lot in my fight, finer details that changed my game.

What’s the plan now?

Tomorrow we do the last training session, Bráulio’s coming too. Ten days from now I’ll head to New York for the final stretch in training, and then I go to California for the event. Now’s the time to sharpen up the final facets of my standup game, takedowns, and then bring down the pace. I’m not training that much grappling specifically for this fight, since I’m already sharp in that department, I’m just going to show my Jiu-Jitsu when the day comes.