Ceconi in the final against Nogueira. Photo: Carlos Ozório
Rillion Gracie black belt Alexandro Ceconi has solidified his place among the current lineup of Jiu-Jitsu greats. After winning the Abu Dhabi World Pro in April came Saturday’s Brazilian National title. Last year Ceconi lost to Jefferson Moura in the final. This time, the fighter went all out against Leonardo Nogueira and, with a takedown and tight guard pass, he secured his gold. All that after ending up at a hospital in Rio for a nasty case of tonsillitis.
Now the ace has already turned his thoughts to the Worlds this June in California, where he could do battle with the likes of Xande Ribeiro, Bráulio Estima, Alexandre Souza, Rafael Lovato Jr and so many other top-tier competitors.
“I’m really pleased. Last year I lost in the final; this time everything ran smoothly. I trained really hard for the Brazilian Nationals. Now I’m going to rest for three days to be in good shape for the Worlds.”
Ceconi beat Bernardo Faria in the semifinal
In the main event of the year, Alexandro will try his luck in the absolute, where he could set back some who seek to win an unprecedented third open weight title: Roger Gracie and Xande Ribeiro.
“It will be tough, but I want to use my strength to. If they let it happen, I’m going to give them a hard time. I’ve been blessed in several championships and I hope to show up at the Worlds in fine form to represent my academy well.”
Speaking of the absolute, the fighter stayed out of the division at the Brazilian Nationals.
“I would have liked to throw some strength around in the absolute, but I had an inflamed throat and felt it was best to focus on my weight group,” he says, further remarking on his trajectory in the heavyweight division.
“I enjoyed all my matches. Everyone was really tough and there were no easy fights. But I liked the final best. I’ve been training certain positions and, in the final, they all worked out. I managed to land in side control and was happy because, little by little, I’m managing to adjust my game,” he says in closing.
Alexandro in the final against Nogueira. Photo: Carlos Ozorio