Many team rivalries have left significant marks in the history of BJJ. Although BJJ`s roots go down to just one family, through the years practitioners of this martial art have divisioned themselves in their own branches and have created their own academies, and follow their own rules. One of the teams that has originated from the Gracie Academy is Alliance Jiu Jitsu Academy. The affiliation that is now the most successful team in BJJ`s history was founded by Romero Cavalcanti who earned his black belt from Rolls Gracie and left the Gracie Academy in the 80`s to form Alliance. Alliance can brag with 8 successive World titles as a team (from 2008 to 2015) and two previous World trophies achieved in the 1990s (`98 & `99). In this article we are going to take a look at some of the most emblematic and action-packed fights between representatives of Alliance and another world-class team formed in the 80`s – Gracie Barra. A team with by far the most affiliated academies throughout the world and over 500 registered black belts. Gracie Barra has won 2 World titles as a team, but most importantly has produced some of the most dominant BJJ fighters of all time such as Roger Gracie, Romulo Barral, Marcio Cruz, Roleta, Nino Schembri, Roberto Gordo, Braulio Estima, etc.
Here’s our list with full video of the fights. Sit back and enjoy:
Otavio Sousa vs. Isaque Bahiense – IBJJF Pan-American Championship Middleweight Final 2017
These two middleweights clashed in a classic Old School vs. New School battle. Alliance`s very own Isaque Bahiense immediately pulled open guard and tried to force unorthodox guard game and come up for a sweep, but ultimately landed in one of Otavio`s best submissions – the triangle. In this match Sousa avenged for another Gracie Barra`s representative (Romulo Barral) loss by Isaque in the semi-finals of the same tournament. Otavio Sousa and Isaque Bahiense had two more fights and Bahiense came out as a winner on both occasions.
Check out this vintage submission by Otavio Sousa:
Nicholas Meregali vs. Felipe Pena – IBJJF World Championship Open Class Quarter-Final 2018
One of the greatest comebacks in the history of the sport happened in this match. The resilient and unbreakable Nicholas Meregali was in a very tough spot, but he found a way to get the W. He was down with 2 points and in the passer`s position with less than two minutes left on the clock when he managed to get to Pena`s back and apply a vicious sliding choke. His submission-oriented game saved the day for him on that occasion, as he insisted on the choke and disregarded the opportunity to look for the points for back control.
Watch how Meregali proved once again his warrior spirit on the mats:
Fernando Terere vs. Marcio “Pe de Pano” Cruz – Brasileiro Open Class Finals 2001
A very close match from the early 2000`s that displayed just how good was Terere`s guard offensive game and guard retention. Terere is widely known for his takedowns and passing, but in this fight he displayed amazing guard game against the heavy opposition of one of the biggest stars of Gracie Barra Academy at that time. Marcio Cruz lost this fight with a controversial decision, but in 2002 and 2003 he came back stronger and won the absolute division at Worlds.
Watch this amazing fight and the controversial decision in the end:
Roger Gracie vs. Marcelo Garcia – IBJJF World Championships Open Class Semi-Final 2006
One of the two people that have more than one victory over Marcelo Garcia at black belt level is the great Roger Gracie. He squared up with Garcia for the second time in his career in 2006 just as Marcelinho was entering his prime. Nevertheless, Roger`s pressure and the weight difference was just too much for Marcelo to compensate with timing and speed. Three minutes into the match and Roger was already on mount for a brief moment. Marcelo took a huge risk and turned his back just to avoid giving up the points, but something even worse for him happened seconds after that.
Watch how Roger Gracie tapped out Marcelo Garcia:
Bernardo Faria vs. Romulo Barral – IBJJF World Championship Open Class Quarter-Final 2010
Bernardo Faria started this match in his typical way – he got to his deep half guard and started feeding lapels and wrapping legs. Romulo Barral`s shoulder pressure didn`t seem to bother Faria at all as he casually turned and got the 2 points for the sweep. As Bernardo was setting up a double-under guard pass in a vintage fashion he got caught in a trap that turned the course of the events in 180 degrees. This next submission will be remembered as one of the most brilliant ways to counter Faria`s insane pressure passing.
Watch how Romulo managed to secure the W with a no-arm triangle:
