After nine MMA wins in a row, eight by knockout, Cain Velasquez made it to the pinnacle of the sport, becoming UFC heavyweight champion in untouchable fashion. Along the way, the son of Mexican parents took out established athletes like Rodrigo Minotauro and solved some true dilemmas, one example being his concussive win over the dreaded, supersized Brock Lesnar, in a title bout.
Following a ten-year round-robin of heavyweight title holders, countless analysts are betting that the division has a new king, all set for a long reign. But are these ramparts truly impenetrable? No, wager a number of Jiu-Jitsu masters – from Renzo Gracie to Murilo Bustamante –, who GRACIEMAG invited to point out the kinks through which one can try and dethrone Cain. Besides them, Junior Cigano opens up and explains how his ground training will help him steal the belt from “El Paredón” Velasquez. Don’t miss it, at news stands.
But that’s not all GRACIEMAG has in store for you.
In FACE TO FACE, GRACIEMAG sticks its hands in a boiling cauldron. To find out what goes on in the mind of the fighter most hated by fans, we interviewed a staller.
Among other gems, our subject (top secret and unidentified) blurted: “All fighters, champions or not, have slowed a fight down before. Anyone who says otherwise is lying. Want to know who doesn’t stall? That kid Braga Neto. He’s paying the price for not knowing when to put the brakes on and do that winning stall.” Check out the equally entertaining and controversial interview.
In TRAINING PROGRAM, launch your back attack with savvy and perfect timing, following lessons from three-time world champion Bruno Malfacine.
In the Martin Rooney column, the stalwart physical conditioning coach issues a challenge: “Accept risk!” It’s a must-read.
There’s also the GRACIEMAG Retrospective, with the most useful lessons learnt in 2010.
In INTRO, we further offer tips for you white belts, Ginástica Natural, and the Helpdesk section, where we clear up those nagging problems you’ve been unable to solve in the academy.
And don’t miss the highlights from the GMA. This month, GMA members reveal their solutions to the challenges of running a Jiu-Jitsu academy!
And there’s more: In anthology, the bout between Saulo and Gurgel; plus Bruce Lee, Ronaldo Jacaré, and absolute champion Augusto Tanquinho!
You’ll find all the answers in GRACIEMAG, at better Jiu-Jitsu academies and major bookstores, or you can get it at home every month by subscription here.