Now Bráulio will use his dangerous reverse triangle in MMA. Photo: Carlos Ozorio
Champion of his weight class and the absolute at the lat ADCC championship, in 2009, Bráulio Estima is anxious to make his MMA debut. Under contract to the Shine organization, “Carcará” feels that defending the Gentle Art in the ring and cage is a great responsibility, more so as he is a top-ranked competitor in the style. Nevertheless, he remains confident.
“I’m excited. I’m not nervous; I like fighting. I can’t wait to get in the ring. I just got back from a tough training session and I feel great. I have plenty of time to get in shape,” he told MMAJunkie.
Bráulio should do part of his training with another Gracie Barra black belt, Renato Babalu. Furthermore, he will count on the backing of renowned MMA trainer Greg Jackson. In a recent interview with GRACIEMAG.com, the Brazilian was unable to confirm who his opponent for his debut will be, but said, “I’m going to fight a guy who’s undefeated in his five-fight career! And he’s one of the best in the world in his martial art.”
According to the article, the opponent is a three-time national judo champion.
Estima also remarked on the loss suffered by his friend Rolles Gracie, at the hands of Joey Beltran at UFC 109.
“His performance wasn’t even near what we and he expected. He carried a ton of injuries in training. He hurt his rib and had to stop training for a few weeks (Rolles also injured his foot). But he was excited about fighting and put a lot of pressure on himself,” he says.
GRACIEMAG.com posted an exclusive interview with the Gracie, who at no moment used injuries as an excuse. Check it out by clicking here.