This coming July 11 in Las Vegas Nevada as part of the UFC fight week, there will be an IBJJF Tournament during the UFC Expo, called American Nationals.
Among the main attractions are two interesting rematches:
Xande Ribeiro vs Marcio “Pe de Pano” Cruz
They have already met on three occasions and Marcio has won all 3, winning twice 2 x 0 and once by referee decision. Xande will have the opportunity to avenge his defeats against another world champion “Pe de Pano, who in the 2002 Mundial, not only defeated Xande but also his brother Saulo. This will be a 10-minute match with IBJJF rules.
Roger Gracie vs Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros
A similar situation with Roger having three submission wins against Comprido who has been more active in competition lately. Roger is back after a 3 year layoff from Gi competition. His last match was when he faced Buchecha in Metamoris 1. IBJJF 10 minutes.
Kid Peligro of ADCC caught up with Xande to talk about his superfight:
KP- How is the preparation for your match against “Pe de Pano” going?
XR- The preparation is going great, I’ve been training and re-gaining competition rhythm since the BJJ Challenge last March, followed by Metamoris and the Worlds. I believe I am re-educating my body and for sure I will be ready for the match when the time comes to face “Pe de Pano”, regardless of the weight difference
KP- You two have faced one another a few times, what do you think will be the difference to win this time around?
XR- The last time we faced each other was 10 years ago. I don’t know what will be different. We both have been active in competition and we are both more experienced and more strategic, but Pe is very smart and experienced and knows how to use his length and his weight very well.
KP- You have just won the Worlds and Pe de Pano hasn’t competed at that level for some time, how do you think that is going to affect the outcome of this match?
XR- Well, as I stated, I am getting back into my competition rhythm and re-educating my body and avoiding injuries, I believe I am a little more into competition shape than my opponent but Pe is not just anyone, he is experienced, has very good jiu-jitsu, he is taller and heavier and that can cause problems for anyone. He competed last year and looked very good, he fought against “Buchecha” not too long ago and it was a super tough match.
KP- What do you think of U.F.C. getting involved with Jiu-Jitsu and promoting this matches?
XR- I find it an incredible opportunity. For the first time in our history the Federation is promoting a super fight during an calendar event. I hope the U.F.C. will help Jiu-Jitsu by supporting and promoting these events with regularity and help spread our art to the general public. Those fans generally don’t know Jiu-Jitsu and this is a great opportunity to show the UFC fans what Jiu-Jitsu really is.
