Rousimar Toquinho in the under-88 kg final against André Galvão, one of the best matches of ADCC 2011 (Photo by Dan Rod/GRACIEMAG)
This year, the world’s premier submission-wrestling event, the ADCC, will be returning to Brazil exactly one decade after its maiden voyage to the South American nation, when ADCC 2003 was held at São Paulo’s Ibirapuera arena.
No official announcement has been made as to the location or lineup for ADCC 2013 yet, but speculation has it that it will again take place in São Paulo, in November.
Now, the organization’s website is already offering clues as to the degree of excitement that will be on offer, with the announcement of the first official invitee: Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares, a UFC middleweight.
Toquinho, who has lost his last two MMA fights in the UFC, shone on the mats of the last ADCC event, held in England. The BTT’s submission powerhouse made good use of his takedown skills and heelhooks in overcoming Rafael Lovato, David Avellan and others, on his way to the under-88 kg divisional final.
Tryouts for the event are underway in a number of countries, and the Brazilian qualifying leg will take place in Rio de Janeiro in May.
Stay tuned to GRACIEMAG.com. We’ll be announcing the names of the participants as they are confirmed.
Supermatch:
André Galvão vs. Bráulio Estima
Master supermatch:
Zé Mario Sperry vs. Fabio Gurgel
Female:
– 60kg: Kyra Gracie
+ 60kg: Gabi Garcia
Male:
– 66kg: Rafael Mendes
– 77kg: Marcelo Garcia
– 88kg: André Galvão, Rousimar Toquinho
– 99kg: Dean Lister
+ 99kg: Vinny Magalhães
