ADCC is renowned as the world championship of submission wrestling, distinct from No Gi Jiu-Jitsu due to its unique ruleset. This prestigious competition has been a launchpad for many of the greatest grapplers in the world, paving their way into MMA. Notables like Rodolfo Vieira, Mario Sperry, Mark Kerr, and Demian Maia have transitioned from ADCC to the MMA arena.
Since its inception in 1998, BJJ practitioners have largely dominated the ADCC championships. However, there have been notable exceptions over the years, with five athletes from non-BJJ backgrounds clinching ADCC gold. Here’s a look at these five exceptional grapplers:
- Kareem Barlaev (Judo/Wrestling) – In 1999, Barlaev won the -88KG gold medal, defeating notable competitors such as Renato Verisimo, Amaury Bitetti, Egan Inoue, and Alexander Sasha Savko.
- Jeff Monson (Wrestling/Pankration) – Monson, who later earned a BJJ black belt, claimed the -99KG gold in 1999 and the +99KG gold in 2005. His victories include wins against Fabiano Capone, Roberto Traven, Rigan Machado, Saulo Ribeiro, Karim Byron, Rhadi Ferguson, Fabricio Werdum, and Gabriel Gonzaga.
- Kikuta Sanae (Judo/Shootfighting) – Sanae took home the -88KG gold medal in 2001, overcoming opponents like Evan Tanner, Chris Brown, Egan Inoue, and Saulo Ribeiro.
- Mark Robinson (Sumo/Wrestling) – In 2001, Robinson won the +99KG category, defeating Vitor Belfort, Ricco Rodriguez, and Jeff Monson.
- Mark Kerr (Wrestling) – Kerr’s impressive ADCC run includes winning the +99KG category in 1999 and 2000, the Absolute division in 2000, and a Superfight against Mario Sperry in 2001. His victories feature competitors such as Carlos Barreto, Josh Barnett, Ricardo Morais, Sean Alvarez, Rigan Machado, Ricco Rodrigues, Leo Vieira, Mike Van Arsdale, and Ricardo Almeida. Kerr’s ADCC achievements are anticipated to be highlighted in an upcoming film about his life, adding to his existing portrayal in “The Smashing Machine” documentary.
For more detailed accounts of these competitions, consider watching videos by Riccardo Ammendolia, which delve into the history and impact of these grapplers at ADCC.
