Jaime Canuto celebrates win over Ben Henderson at the 2013 Pan. Photo: Erik Fontanez./ GracieMag
Copá Pódio, scheduled for next September 8 in Rio de Janeiro, in the gymnasium of Tijuca Tennis Club, has confirmed two more names for the Middleweight GP.
Known by GRACIEMAG readers since he eliminated Benson Henderson in the Pan 2013, Jaime Canuto will represent GFTeam in the competition. He, who got gold at the World Championship in Long Beach, received his black belt and promises to give his more experienced adversaries a hard time.
Another strong fighter confirmed was Renato Cardoso (Checkmat), a pupil of Rodrigo Cavaca’s. The black belt from São Paulo is known for strong foot attacks.
They join the roster including such talents as Romulo Barral (Gracie Barra), Keenan Cornelius (Atos) Yan Cabral (Spider / Nova União), Alexandro Ceconi (Ceconi Team), Travis Stevens (Renzo Gracie) and Diego Moreno (Soul Fighters).
The event also will feature a Duel of Cities without a stopwatch, where Diego Borges will represent the city of Manaus against Clark Gracie, who defends the flag of San Diego. The match between the black belts will last until one of the fighters is submitted or resigns.
There are still two spots left in the GP, and the organizers should fill them next week. The announcement of Leandro Lo’s opponent for the superfight is also expected. Check out the card:
Copa Pódio – Middleweight Grand Prix
Tijuca Tênis Clube, Rio de Janeiro
September 8, 2013
GP: Romulo Barral, Alexandro Ceconi, Keenan Cornelius, Yan Cabral, Jaime Canuto, Renato Cardoso, Diego Moreno and Travis Stevens.
Duelo of Cities: Clark Gracie (San Diego) vs Diego Borges (Manaus)
