At the beginning of the year, top Fight Sports competitators André Porfírio , Maggie Grindatti and Luccas Lira announced the end of their cooperation with their club.
Maggie Grindatti, Andre Porfirio and Lucass Lira talk about leaving the Miami academy and discuss their plans for the future in an interview with Flograppling .
Maggie Grindatti, the former partner of Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu trained under the Fight Sports banner for six years, but their relationship ended in 2022, when they decided to remain friends and professional partners. The IBJJF European Champion is not sure which club she will represent in the near future and talks about the backstage of parting with the academy:
“After more than a year of separation and continuing our professional relationship, I decided to pursue a relationship with someone who would unfortunately cause discomfort in our work environment and I was told to leave the club. I know that my goal was fulfilled there and I am leaving with friends for life, amazing memories and a clear conscience.
There are definitely places I would like to represent, based on their leadership, values and athletic performance. But combat sports have been a huge part of my life and meant a lot to me. I want to make sure that the next team I decide to represent will also feel at home.
I want to thank the entire Jiu-Jitsu community, since I announced my decision, everyone has supported and encouraged me. Anyone who knows or follows me knows how much Fight Sports means to me. These people and this gym have been my goal for the past 6 years.”
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Andre Porfírio was promoted to a black belt in November 2019 by Cyborg upon his arrival at Fight Sports Miami. He has been successful and built his brand by competing under the Fight Sports banner, winning the Pan Ams title in 2021. According to Porfírio, the decision to leave the academy was made by himself, but watching his teammates leave encouraged him to act.
“I believe life is a cycle and my mission in combat sports is complete. I had to get out of my comfort zone to grow even more. I travel, give seminars and train with friends in different places. I still live in Miami, Florida.
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In 2019, rising star of the brown belt category Luccas Lira joined Fight Sports Miami. Due to returning to Brazil during the 2020 pandemic and visa issues, the Brazilian stayed out of the United States for almost 3 years, eventually moving to Abu Dhabi, where he continues to train and compete on AJP mats.
“The decision to leave the club did not come from me, but I am going through a good phase and my return to the United States has been recent and I have a lot to achieve in all areas of my life.
I will be heading to Houston [Texas] soon to join the team with Isaque [Bahiense] and all my teammates for a while. I would like to thank him and Lucas Gualberto for allowing me to help Dream Art this season.”
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