After announcing his retirement from MMA , Renato Babalu plans to return to Jiu-Jitsu. At 37, Babalu has had 48 MMA fights – and only 11 losses – throughout his brilliant career. He is looking forward to returning to rolling on the mat. Renato, who lives in California – where he runs his academy, ‘Babalu’s Iron Gym’ is looking at competing again in Brazil. The BJJ black belt has revealed in an interview with tatame, that he wants to participate in a Jiu-Jitsu competition:
“I want to go back to the BJJ, to compete again, without much pressure. I want to fight those categories of black belt master, which is not as tough as adult, but you can have some good matches. I’m thinking of going for the Master & Seniors championship in Rio at the end of the month. It will be very cool to compete again, I feel like you’re relearning things: sweeps, mount… It will be a very good feeling.”
Babalu is refering to the Rio Open, which will be held on 25, 26, 27 and 28 of July at the Tijuca Tennis Club in Rio de Janeiro. It will be a good opportunity for the locals and other lovers of the gentle art to see a legend of the sport.
