A two time champion at weight and absolute at the World Abu Dhabi Pro, Rodolfo Vieira is already in the country to compete in the event, which takes place from 15-19 April at the Zayed Sports City. The fighter trained early on Tuesday (15th) and makes the final adjustments to his game to get the hat-trick of the tournament.

In an exclusive interview with tatame, Rodolfo appreciated World Pro of Abu Dhabi, considered by him, the top event of Jiu-Jitsu today. The black belt, who feels at “home” in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, only has praise for the event.

“They say the IBJJF World serves as a showcase but you need to be champion and then give seminars and to see the color of money. Here in Abu Dhabi, it’s a great showcase and also is a very good title, where you will have opportunities to do seminars and still win awards. If the two world events were on the same day, and would not think twice about coming to Abu Dhabi. The crowd is awesome and the Arabs love Jiu-Jitsu. It’s hard to see it elsewhere. The fights are on still the largest TV networks in the country, and everywhere in the city, there are illuminated advertisement, poster, screen photo of local athletes … Jiu-Jitsu is valued. ”

 

Mainly focused on the achievement of the absolute, Rodolfo knows he can, once again cross paths with Marcus Buchecha in the final. However, he warns of the dangers of other opponents of the open division.

The 2013 World Pro

 

“People tell me to do a specific workout for Buchecha. I say, ‘Guys, this is not so.’ It’s not just him being there. If Buchecha and I are fighting, it will be in the final. Until then, I can lose in the quarterfinals, the semi, in the second fight … So I need to think about the other guys who were there. I worry about everyone. ”

Rodolfo Vieira, Buchecha, Lucas Leite and Tarciso Jardim all eating together in Abu Dhabi