Leandro Lo in photo by Carlos Ozório
Leandro Lo was one of the standouts from day one at the World Pro tryouts in Natal, Brazil, this Saturday. The Cícero Costha student made it through to two of the Sunday finals. Besides his usual under-74kg, where he will be disputing the all-expenses-paid trip to the Abu Dhabi World Pro, he also made it to the final of the absolute division, worth 2,000 dollars for the winner.
In doing so, the black belt had to beat three opponents at weight and two at open weight. In the under-74kg semifinal Leandro overcame Amazonas native Fabiano Silva by two sweeps, a guard pass and a knee on belly. At the other end of the bracket, Bruno Ramos (Nine Nine) is the other finalist, also having overcome three opponents. In the absolute, Lo will be facing André Simões.
Formiga seeks the submission. Photo: Carlos Ozório.
At under-65kg, Jussier Formiga (Kimura), one of the top flyweights in the world MMA rankings, beat four opponents, including the stalwart Isaque Paiva. Formiga, Formiga, who usually competes in the roosterweight division, came up with some big submissions along the way. His opponent in the decider will be Thiago Barreto, a savvy guard player.
Bruno Alves passes Manoel's guard in the semifinal. Photo: Carlos Ozório.
Bruno Alves (Gracie Barra) is a force to be reckoned with in the under-84kg division. The Zé Radiola student had four matches, including a hard-fought semifinal against Manoel Fernandes (GFTeam) that he won on points. In the final, Bruno will have to contend with GFTeam’s Adeildo José, who beat five opponents in making it there.
Alliance representative Fabiano Boi was the big finisher on the day. Wielding a deadly kneebar, Boi finished four of his matches, each in under two minutes, with hold. At the other end of the bracket is Caio Magalhães, with his consistent game.
The over-92kg divisional final is plenty promising, as Antonio Carlos “Cara de Sapato” takes on Caio Alencar, the winner of the event in 2010. They won three matches apiece in making it to the decider.
In the female division, Luiza Monteiro (CheckMat) overcame two opponents and will now take on Fernanda Mazelli. One weight group down, CheckMat’s Marina Ribeiro will face off with Bruna Ribeiro of Atos.
Sunday’s results coming up soon, here on GRACIEMAG.com.
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