He was a star in the most talked-about moment in the history of the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship. By not tapping out to a fully torqued armbar from Roger Gracie in the absolute black belt final, Ronaldo Souza became a legend.
In the seven years that have gone by, Jacaré has drawn attention for his courage, bravery, desire to win, and for having the spirit of a champion, but also for his madness, irresponsibility, and even his violations of the Jiu-Jitsu’s rules. The truth, though, is that everyone agrees on the adjective that best describes that final: historic.
The controversial takedown against the advertising board
Surprisingly, the black belt himself, who now devotes his time exclusively to MMA, does not hold the 2004 final as his dearest memory: that spot belongs to the 2005 final, when another controversial decision against Roger secured him his second absolute title in a row.
In an exclusive GRACIEMAG at the Worlds Blog report, Jacaré addresses the two finals as we take a look back at these two thrilling moments that helped build the history of the most important Jiu-Jitsu competition there is.