Thre-time world champion Bráulio Estima is the first athlete confirmed to miss the 2011 Worlds.
The Pernambuco native recently underwent spine surgery and is in a period of recovery.
Yesterday, on Facebook, Bráulio commented on his return to training: “Returning to Birmingham after the first big test post surgery. I felt really great and trained MMA and Jiu-Jitsu with Roger Gracie. I gave 100% and my neck responded normally. I even hit my head on the mat a few times and didn’t feel any pain.”
Today, Victor Estima (he will be at the Worlds) confirmed his brother’s caution: “He’s going to save himself for ADCC 2011. He’s doing fine, but you can’t mess around with your neck.”
So now two World Championships will go by without Bráulio, who was also sidelined in 2010.
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