One of the winners at this January’s European Open championship, Bráulio Estima is still recovering from spinal surgery treating an injury long hindering the Gracie Barra teacher’s training.
But Carcará is still keen to what is going on in the fight world and doesn’t dodge the tough questions. In an interview on Romanian website Kombat.ro, Estima was unafraid to go out on a limb. Find out, for example, what the geatest rivalry in Jiu-Jitsu is right now, in his opinion. Check out some of the highlights from the interview:
Bráulio against Sérgio Moraes at Euro Open 2011 / Photo: Ivan Trindade
Who was the best fighter at the last European Open?
Sérgio Moraes, my adversary in the final of my weight group. I consider him to be the best from that competitions, after me, of course (laughs)!
Three words to describe Jiu-Jitsu?
Lifestyle. Respect. Challenge.
What is most important quality to have in the gentle art?
Persistance.
Which was the toughest match you’ve been in throughout your career?
I don’t know which was the toughest, because I’ve had a number of really tough matches. The ADCC 2009 absolute really got me out there. I can tell you that that was one of the happiest moments in my career.
How is your MMA training going?
Training is going really well. I have had the opportunity to train with the best in the world. I just had surgery precisely for MMA. So, when that gets better, I’ll take up my preparations again. I want to fight at the best show and win a belt.
Who do you feel are the three best fighters in MMA right now?
Anderson Silva, Georges Saint-Pierre and Junior Cigano.
What’s your favorite submission hold?
The triangle!
Use one word to describe each of the following people.
Helio Gracie: Transformation.
Georges Saint-Pierre: Athlete.
BJ Penn: Talent.
Rickson Gracie: Unbeaten.
Jacaré: Explosiveness.
Roger Gracie: Incredible.
Bráulio Estima: Determination.
What are your objectives for this year?
To recover from surgery and return to the mats as quickly as possible. I think the ADCC will be in September and, of course, I want to make my MMA debut.
Who will make it onto the absolute division winners’ stand at the Worlds? Who will be the four finalists in the division?
Roger Gracie, Bernardo Faria, Claudio Calasans and Ricardo Demente (or Xande Ribeiro).
Which is currently the greatest rivalry in Jiu-Jitsu?
Rafael Mendes and Rubens Cobrinha.
