Werdum at pre-UFC 147 open training session in Belo Horizonte, Brazil: the MMA star has made his mark at Jiu-Jitsu World Championships. Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images/Publicity
Paraphrasing a famous poem by Carlos Drummond de Andrade (1902-1987), the Brazilian writer paid tribute this week at the Paraty Literary Festival, Jiu-Jitsu is a great sport because Fabricio faced Tererê who faced Marcelo Garcia who faced Roger who faced Demian who faced Napão who faced Pé de Pano who faced Werdum.
The proving ground that is Jiu-Jitsu, where to be a monster you have to unseat a whole slew of monsters, is something that motivates athletes to be successful in MMA as well—as is the case with Fabrício.
Take a look back at this ultraheavyweight match from the 2004 World Championship between Werdum and a daring (and feisty) Fernando Tererê. It too was pure poetry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9yrBAVCQ74
