Bibiano Fernandes (in white) against Jonatas Tagarela at 2006 Worlds. The Amazonas native is now part of a select "team" of 11 Jiu-Jitsu and MMA monsters. Photo: GRACIEMAG.com.
A Jiu-Jitsu champion of the world in 2003, ’05 and ’06, and the Dream bantamweight GP winner in 20011, Bibiano Fernandes is the latest gentle-art ace called up by the UFC. The thick-skinned shorty who swiftly dispatches opponents with double, sometimes triple, attacks already has a date and location for his octagon debut. The bantamweight from the Amazon will be taking on another Jiu-Jitsu whiz in Roland Delorme (8w, 1l) on July 21 at UFC 149, which will unfold in Delorme’s homeland.
Brazil’s “The Flash” is the 11th black belt IBJJF world champion in Jiu-Jitsu to enter the Ultimate Fighting Championship ranks, joining the likes of Amaury Bitetti, Fabio Gurgel, Roberto Traven, João Roque, Marcio Pé de Pano, Murilo Bustamante, Frédson Paixão, Gabriel Napão, BJ Penn and Fabricio Werdum. (Not to mention Sérgio Moraes and Delson “Pé de Chumbo”, who have done battle in the octagon, but only in TUF Brazil, so far.)
In the video below you can get a glimpse of Bibiano, now representing Carlson Gracie Canada, and his multifaceted attack. In less than a minute, he sinks an armbar, goes to the triangle and switches back to the arm. Learn from him, and share your prediction: Who takes it, Bibiano or Delorme, in the UFC this July?
The post Bibiano, 11th black belt world champ to join UFC ranks first appeared on Graciemag.