Earlier this month, Roberto Cyborg announced via social networks, that he wouldn’t be competing at the 2014 World Jiu-Jitsu championships , scheduled to take place from May 28 to June 1 in California. But, as his nickname suggests, the 2013 ADCC absolute champion is not normal.  With a lightning recovery, he revealed that will participate in Jiu-Jitsu’s most important event.

In an exclusive interview with tatame, Cyborg said that  he will try to win the title at weight and open division and talked about his training with Léo Nogueira.

What are your expectations for the Worlds?

The expectations are great! I’m in a very good shape. I had an accident in training three weeks ago, in which I broke my hand. Now I am recovering and hope to be 100% to compete.

How is training for the tournament?

Jiu-Jitsu here in Miami is on fire. Besides the very intense physical training with my trainer, Eduardo Ferrino, I’m training with Judo sensei Marcos Silva. The level is very high. We are coming with 30 contestants to this year’s Worlds. The team has grown a lot, and my students are very well prepared. We entered the Boca Raton Open this month here in Florida to test the kids, and everyone gave a good show. I am very happy with the results from training so far. The Fight Sports will start making noise.

Cyborg at Boca Raton Open

How is the training with Léo Nogueira?

It is a privilege to have him here. He is a monster on the mat and a good and humble guy. He was embraced by the team, and we are training every day together. He elevated my level.

Do you think the title at ADCC will you more targetted?

Surely, it has greatly increased the visibility of my work. I do better without kimono, so I went and became ADCC world champion. Now, I just need that title to the World kimono so I can crown my career. I want to win the absolute. I’ll do my best to fulfill that dream. I pray to God every night and workout a lot to make it happen. I’m not feeling pressure on my back. I want to give my best and make great fights, as always. If I win the title, even better (laughs).

You can already feel that the opponents are studying more your game?

This always happened. They are studying my game a long time already, because I’m competing on the international circuit as a black belt for 10 years (laughs). The more studying my game, more I improve. I’m not worried about it. Always work on the basis of self-improvement. I know my potential and if I’m in my day and everything goes as planned, I have a great chance to bring the title home.

Who are the main opponents who you may have along your way in your weight?

Buchecha is the great name of the category. The kid is amazing, He hasn’t lost in the kimono in a while. Alexander Trans and him are the two best at Ultra Heavy. Last year, I had a hard fight against Trans and lost by referee decision, in the quarter-finals. I’m going to war again, and we’ll see how it goes. I’ll be in absolute as well. Not entering the Absolute at the Worlds is like a surfer seeing the biggest waves in the world in front of him and not going into the water. I would not miss this opportunity for anything.