Lucas Lepri against JT Torres at the Worlds. Foto: Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG

The World Jiu-Jitsu quarrel heated up Long Beach, Calif., at the beginning of June. In the lightweight division, Lucas Lepri won the championship again after a long wait of seven years. Lucas conquered his first world title at black belt in 2007.

To conquer the IBJJF gold medal, Lucas had to win five matches in his weight division and to overcome the psychological side of competing in the Worlds. In the final match, the Alliance athlete outscored JT Torres by 12-0, with guard passes and one takedown.

In a conversation with GRACIEMAG, Lucas spoke of the conquest, examined what helped him to win and earn the second World tittle of his career. He detailed his guard passes over JT and commented the moment that most caught his attention at the tournament. Check it out!

GRACIEMAG: Lucas, how did you overcome seven years of fasting after winning your first world in 2007?

Lucas Lepri: I won my first world title in 2007. It was the first year of my black belt, and I realized the dream of every athlete. In 2008 I moved to the United States, but continued to train with the same intensity and dedication. If I recap since 2007, I can say I’ve always been on the podium. In 2008 I was second place, 2010 third, 2012 second again, and third in 2013. For seven years I was hitting the “lock” for a few mistakes, but knowing that I was capable of winning the title again. I always dedicate myself to the fullest in my training and I have a very intense physical training with my trainer Kevin Paretti. I can say that what really made the difference this time was working my psychological side. I was very confident in the technical, physical and mental part. I managed to deliver my Jiu-Jitsu just like I did in 2007, and therefore, I had a good performance. The result could not be different.

What was the secret to pass JT’s guard at the end of the lightweight?

Whenever we find ourselves in a major championship, our matches are always a battle. It is always a pleasure to have JT as an opponent. About the fight, I passed guard crossing the knee, one of my favorite techniques! JT is a very explosive athlete and quite technical. He has a very strong grip, so I tried not to let him do the grips and get comfortable in the game.

What moment caught your attention the most during the Worlds, Lepri?

The women’s featherweight final match. The fight between Michelle Nicolini and Tammi Musumeci, recently graduated black belt. No doubt the desire and thirst to win that Tammi displayed against Nicolini was awesome. It was one of the best fights I’ve ever seen.

And how is your schedule?

After taking a few days off, I go back to my routine of classes and seminars. My main goal now is to open my gym in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s a dream come true.

Before closing another World Jiu-Jitsu Championship’s final together with Rominho Barral at the middle-heavyweight, the black belt Braulio Estima crossed paths with Thiago Sa in the quarter-finals.

Watch how the GB professor applied a choke from the back to finish the fight in the pyramid in Long Beach.

Rafa against Cobrinha in the black belt featherweight final. Photo: Ivan Trindade / GRACIEMAG

Rafael Mendes continues his flawless career in Jiu-Jitsu. On June 1^st, the Atos featherweight competitor exited victorious from the IBJJF Worlds for the fourth time; now he equaled the feat of two BJJ myths in his weight class, Royler Gracie and Rubens Charles “Cobrinha” – by the way, his archrival in competitions since 2009.

Fourth in the black belt world ranking of Jiu-Jitsu, Rafa, 24, showed in the Pyramid that he is in the top. In the final match he defeated Cobrinha by 10-8 in a whirlwind of sweeps.

In an exclusive interview with GRACIEMAG, Rafa examined his Jiu-Jitsu Worlds campaign. He commented the final match against Rubens Charles and said that his next biggest goal in Jiu-Jitsu is conquering the 5^th Worlds tittle and becoming the best fighter of all times in his category. Check out!

GRACIEMAG: What did you feel after winning the 4^th Worlds championship of your dreams?

RAFAEL MENDES: It was a great performance, I’ve prepared myself in the best way and I was confident I would reach my goal. I finished all the fights before the final match. I’ve won the final by points and equaled the feat of Royler and Rubens Charles. The final match was my hardest fight. I’ve fought Cobrinha 13 times, and it is always a tough fight; but I’ve trained a lot and I was able to perform a movement that I’ve trained to surprise him and got to a good position – a position that gave me the advantage in the fight and the victory. Next year I’m coming back with the goal of becoming the greatest featherweight of Jiu-Jitsu history. I’m only 24 years old and I will continue fighting to increase this record for a long period.

And, what was this movement you’ve trained to surprise Cobrinha, Rafa?

It was a tough fight, I managed to do the Berimbolo and win the mount, but because I was almost outside I could not get back in the same position; I got only one advantage, however I was happy to see that my technique worked. I am always learning to know me better. Jiu-Jitsu is like that- to learn that you can always go further than you think you can. I am always learning I can do more than I think I can.

What are your plans for the end of 2014, Rafa? Will you fight in another championship?

I don’t know. I’m dedicating myself to the school, and I also have scored some seminars. I will travel to Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and different places in U.S., teaching my techniques. If I find time between these commitments, I may fight in another tournament this year.