Isaque celebrating after winning the title. Deive Coutinho.
The Copa Podio Lightweight GP, held last weekend in Sao Paulo, crowned a new king of the class. Isaque Bahiense outplayed six fighters, including an experienced one that fell victim to a guillotine.
The 21-year-old from Alliance talked to Graciemag about his stellar night and his submission of a three-time world champion.
“I had a great campaign in the GP,” he said. “I fought fighters I greatly admire! About submitting Celsinho, that is a position I do well. I applied a takedown, and he went for my leg with his head outside. The autopilot took over, and, when I looked, he was already tapping.”
On his broader game, Bahiense said, “I train to be a complete athlete and I’m seeking that. At the black belt, that will count a lot. At the gym I even do the berimbolo. Who knows? It might even come up in a championship someday.”
