Rubens Charles Maciel was having lunch with his wife, Daniela, along with friends and Alliance teacher Rafael Rosendo and his wife, Marcela, when GRACIEMAG.com interrupted.
It was for a good reason, as Cobrinha turned 30 on December 24, and we wanted to extend birthday wishes to the four-time featherweight world champion (2006/07/08/09).
“You didn’t disturb us, it’s always a pleasure to talk to you guys,” said Cobrinha. “That’s right, I get older today. But I still feel the urge to fight for some years yet. I really want to fight to win my fifth world championship, in June. Truth is I was planning to compete at the European in Lisbon, at the end of January, but my back is still injured. I want to make the most of your call to thank the fans who have been sending me messages of support. Thank you all very much!”
We asked what the ideal end of the year would be to him, and what his dreams for 2010 are.
“Good festivities, to me, are to be able to be with the ones I love – like my wife Daniela, with Rafael Rosendo and his wife Marcela at the home of Romero Jacaré and his family. It will be almost perfect, because I’ll not be with someone most beloved: my mother, Nilza. I want to wish her a happy 2010 and tell her I love her.”
“I want to take the chance to wish all Jiu-Jitsu practitioners a new year of great health and peace in their hearts. May they lay out their objectives in life, believe in them, and make them happen, because anything is possible when you believe in your dreams. For 2010, I also wish Master Jacaré great health, and I’d like to inform everyone that he has already gotten back to training since his operation! I’m just not silly enough to train with him, since he’s going full blast now!” Cobrinha chuckled.
Before bidding farewell, the featherweight dynamo sent in via email a video of the Alliance end-of-the-year celebration. Check it out, if you can: http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/ElbFdECT3zUxq9kV