Antonio "Cara de Sapato" will be making things rough on the other black belts. Photo: Carlos Ozório.
The prospects and latest standouts to join the scene GRACIEMAG.com tipped to make waves in 2011 (refresh you memory here) are getting set for the biggest test of the season: the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship about to get underway this Thursday in Long Beach, California.
“I’m well trained and I’ve got my head in an excellent place. I hope it all works out. I want to thank everyone for the encouragement I’ve been getting; I hope to pay you all back at the championship!” brown belt João Gabriel said over Facebook just before embarking on his flight to Los Angeles.
João is one of the many who have lived up to the predictions posted on this website. In May, the Soul Fighters whiz won weight and absolute at the Brazilian Nationals. There are, however, a number of other star-material prospects who’ve been on a tear, and they’ll be at the pyramid, too.
Nova União rep Marcio André is also on his way to California, as is Atos’s Denílson Bishiliari, who is now a purple belt. From the USA, Christian Broadnax and Mackenzie Dern will add further spice to the mix. At brown belt, Michel Langhi is yet another we put our chips on, as is black belt Antonio Carlos “Cara de Sapato”, who will have his work cut out for him in the heavyweight division.
Add to them promising up-and-comers like dynamic purple belt duo Paulo and João Mayao… In a nutshell, the 2011 Worlds promises fireworks at every belt level. And the time to prove who’s here to stay is now.
To keep up with all the latest on the 2011 World Championship, stay tuned to GRACIEMAG.com and the GRACIEMAG at the Worlds Blog.