Rodolfo Vieira is celebrating his 25th birthday this thursday, Sept. 25.
One of the most dominant athletes in BJJ today, Rodolfo has already written his name in the sport’s history.
One time open class world champion and four times world champion in weight divisions (three in the heavyweight and one in the super-heavyweight), Vieira is also a two-time WPJJC black belt open class champion, among many other titles.
For all that, he is a IBJJF hall of Famer.
To celebrate his birthday, we came up with four videos of four of Rodolfo’s greatest moments in competition.
1 – 2011 WPJJC black belt open class final against Rubens Cobrinha
This was the first open class title conquered by Rodolfo as a black belt. Much heavier than Cobrinha, he imposed his game to get to the submission from the mount and win.
2 – 2011 Worlds black belt open class semifinal against Marcus Buchecha
The first match between the two top athletes in Jiu-Jitsu since that year. Rodolfo was living his best year and Buchecha was still a newcomer to the black belt. Despite having a current record of 5-1 over Rodolfo, Buchecha still hasn’t been able to get revenge for the submission imposed by Rodolfo on that match.
3 – 2011 Worlds black belt open class final against Bernardo Faria
The match that turned Rodolfo’s dream into reality. With this win over Bernardo faria, he became black belt open class champion. He’s been trying to live that moment again since.
4 – 2012 WPJJC black belt open class final against André Galvão
Rodolfo’s second absolute title in Abu Dhabi came with a impressive performance. The final against Galvão was as tough as the opponent and one sweep granted Vieira with his second gold medal in the open class.
What about you, reader? Can you think of another great moment in Rodolfo’s career?
