Ricardo Liborio is considered, by many to be the best Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt formed by Master Carlson Gracie and an all around legend of the sport. Ricardo Liborio was also the very first world BJJ champion in the super heavyweight division (A division he won weighing little over 85 kgs).
Ricardo Liborio is the co-founder of the famed American Top Team. He is a veteran in ADCC with bronze and silver medals in 1999 and 2000 and a multiple times BJJ National Champion.
He today anounced his departure from ATT and also condoned the controversial statements of ATT fighter Colby Covington, who called Brazil a “dump” and referred to Brazilians as “Filthy animals”.
Colby Covington Calls Brazilians ‘Filthy Animals’ After Defeating Demian Maia
Liborio stated on instagram:
I feel that I must make a statement in light of the comments made by Colby Convigton along with the amount of messages sent to me from Brazil, the United States, and from all over the world.
I’m here to state that I am no longer with American Top Team. Also, I absolutely do not condone any behavior that instigates hate, prejudice, or bullying of any kind. It upsets me to see the sport taking this direction of blatant disrespect. It’s unsportsmanlike, but it also fosters and promotes a culture of cruelty towards others. Combat Sports should always represent the qualities of humility, empathy, and respect.
I dedicated my life to the Martial arts, and to the formation and growth of this team. I can not discuss at this time the reasons for my departure from ATT. At some point, I will. For the time being, I want the members of ATT to know that they will always be in my heart❤
Liborio had begun to step away from ATT in order to care for his daughter, Bella, who lost her sight due to a condition known as craniosynostosis.
Ricardo Liborio On How Jiu-Jitsu Helped His Daughter Deal with Blindness
