The eleventh installment of the São Paulo International took place this past weekend and some of Jiu-Jitsu’s biggest aces took to the mats, of them Rodolfo Vieira, Gibert Durinho and Michelle Nicolini stood out most. The event awarded the winners of the absolute classes tickets to the IBJJF Pan in California.
Rodolfo in photo by Carlos Ozório
In the over-76 kg division black belt division, Rodolfo Vieira (GFTeam) won his first match via triangle from the mount and his second with a choke from the mount. His opponent in the final was hard-nosed Barbosa competitor Tiago Alves.
“Man, it was a really tough match. First I took him down, and then he took me down. On bottom I managed to sweep for the win, but it was a really tough match,” remarked Rodolfo to GRACIEMAG.com.
Durinho in photo by Carlos Ozório
Now Gilbert Durinho came out on top in the under-76 kg black belt division, closing out with friend David Ramos (Top Brother). First Durinho swept and got back mount. He won the second match with a sweep.
“I didn’t do the final against David because we always train together in Rio. We agreed to split this victory,” said the Atos whiz.
Nicolini in photo by Alicia Anthony
Now in the female division, all the belts faced each other in pursuit of the big prize, won by Check Mat’s Michelle Nicolini.