Thiago Gaia, a BJJ black belt and MMA fighter from Barbosa Jiu-Jitsu and Chute Boxe won the Basileiro No Gi Open last weekend. When Thiago received his medal on the podium, he lifted a poster with the phrase: “#Fighters don’t eat medals”, protesting in this way against the lack of cash prizes in Jiu-Jitsu.
He wrote on his Instagram:
“I’m taking advantage of the space to express my opinion against exploitation of BJJ athletes by confederations and Federations. These organizations have huge profits and award only athletes with medals. Athletes don’t eat medals and can’y pay bills with medal. It’s high time the organizations that govern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to think more about athletes and less about cash. At the end we are the done who are giving a show. On top of that they tried to censor. ”
