Marcio André in Abu Dhabi / Photo: personal archives
They are two submission-savvy aces brought up at Fabio Andrade’s goodwill project in Bangu, in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, and they represent the country’s new generation in Jiu-Jitsu. Now they want a shot at the greatest championship of all, the World Championship.
Marcio André figured in the article “Ten fighters to keep an eye on in 2011” (reread it here). Proof GRACIEMAG.com’s scouting is up to snuff, Marcio is still carrying on strong. At the World Pro the blue belt had five matches and got the finish in three of them before capturing the gold over another revelation, João Miyao, in the 62kg division. Now Iris Batista had four matches in Abu Dhabi to take top honors in the over-63-kg division.
Iris wins another one. Photo: personal archive.
The athletes boast major IBJJF titles on their CVs, like the Brazilian Nationals, Brazilian Team Nationals and the Rio International Open. However, the aim now is to reach the top of the world, at the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship to take place June 2 in California.
“As I often say, there may very well be someone as happy as me, but there’s no way there’s anyone out there happier than me! Teaching at a goodwill project and coming up with talent that can stand up to the top guys is a gift of God; I feel so privileged for it. They want to tear into the Worlds, and I’m running around trying to find backing for us to do it. If anyone is interested…” remarks Coach Fabio Andrade of Nova União team pridefully.
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