Marcus Buchecha and Rodolfo Vieira are way above the rest of the BJJ competitors and always meet in the finals of the absolute, and many were anticipating that these two would once again give us a thrilling final, but it wasn’t to be.

Rodolfo Vieira last wednesday decided at the last minute to not participate in this years weight division and Open weight division due to a back injury.
Rodolfo Vieira stated that he suffered a back injury which were the beginnings of a slipped herniated disk, further more he also stated that he hoped that it might affect his participation in this year’s other big tournaments: IBJJF Worlds, and ADCC in Brazil.

Buchecha deeply regretted the absence of his greatest rival.

In an interview with TATAME, the triple world champion said that the scenario of the tournament changes without Rodolfo:

“He ended up staying away from the championship because of the injury. Certainly, without him, the championship changes a lot. We are usually-seeded – and I only have the option to fight him in the final – He ends up being the guy that I think of less during the championship, because I have almost five fights before reaching him. The tournament will be more balanced. On the other side, anyone can make it, there are many tough guys. This absolute will be very interesting.”

In the final of the over 95 kg weight class Buchecha measured forces with another old acquaintance: Alexander Trans. Buchecha won at taking a 2-0 early in the battle with a takedown and was keen to praise the work of his opponent.

“It was a good fight, I put my strategy in place from start to finish. All six fights I’ve had with Trans were harsh. In the Worlds, he was even leading, passing my guard. Every new fight with him, I feel his evolution, always improving, improving his game. Every fight, he becomes more dangerous, and this time was no different. I controlled the pace and got the victory in the end. Now is time to rest and go to the absolute, ”

 

Watch the Buchecha vs Trans Final: