Over the years there were many fake black belts uncovered in addition to the occasional trade off or flat out sale. That’s of course in addition to the occasional “junior black belt” whatever that is…
Finfou is also the BJJ instructor of UFC prospect Khamzat Chimaev. He made Chimaev put on the Gi and pass through the BJJ belt process. He recently promoted him to purple belt after a few years of BJJ training even though Chimaev is a lifelong wrestler.
Alan “Finfou” Nascimento talked a little bit about the situation, BJJ practitioners buying belts, that he refers to as “a big mess”. Finfou is a notorious member of the Checkmat academy and an European Open Jiu-Jitsu Champion. He started under Terere but as Terere moved he moved to be under Ricardo Vieira where he earned his black belt. He’s a part of a group of successful competitors developed from the social project in a Rio De Janeiro slum but he had since relocated to Sweden.
Khamzat’s BJJ instructor Alan Finfou stated that Khamzat is exposing fake BJJ black belt in the UFC:
“I’m making Khamzat expose all the fake black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that is in the MMA. Why? Because nowadays people just get belts like they go to McDonald’s. They don’t do the job. You know, he just got his purple belt. How many black belts in his career has he finished? So that shows. I’m using him to expose many guys. If you’re legit, doesn’t fit for you. But if you’re not, you better run.”
Khamzat Chimaev has defeated 4 BJJ black belts in the UFC: Gerald Meerschaert, Li Jingliang, Gilbert Burns and the aforementioned Kevin Holland.
Gilbert Burns was his toughest fight as he landed 119 punches on him, but the rest of the 5 fighters landed an accumulated 1 strike…
These fighters are all at a high level in MMA and BJJ. Meerschaert has 27 submissions, Jingliang has 4 submissions, Burns has 8 submissions and Holland has 6 submissions in their careers.
Finfou told tatame, about selling belts in BJJ:
“Unfortunately, it’s very sad what’s happening with Jiu-Jitsu. Before it was an out of the world accomplishment to receive your black belt for a jiu-jitsu practitioner. I’m afraid that one day the time will come when people will feel ashamed to say they are the blackbelt of jiu-jitsu because of all that is happening today. I, in particular, do not see a come back or a solution for that. It’s very said. ” Finfou said about the existence of black belts in the world of the gentle art.
He added: “I believe that it is true, it’s not only here in Brazil but also in every other place. I take care of my work and show it daily in practice. I work every day as a teacher and an athlete as well as student because this is the only way people can actually see the difference between real black belts and lies. “
