Michael Langhi celebrates gold at 2010 Worlds. Photo: Ray Santana.
“I read on GRACIEMAG.com that the Pan 2011 lightweight division could be the best of all times, so I didn’t want to miss out,” chides black belt Michael Langhi over the radio.
And that’s that, the lightweight world champion is another name to confirm his participation at the last minute, as did a number of other teachers – Wellington Megaton, Theodoro Canal, Bia Mesquita and more.
Yesterday, Langhi told GRACIEMAG.com he needed one more visit to the doctor to decide whether he will go. The reason being a recent leg injury. “It was bothering me, but I’m already training. So I’m 70%,” he told us on Wednesday.
Injury cured, the likelihood rose to 100% at night, when the teacher at Alliance São Paulo entered the IBJJF website and put in his name. “Now I’m already feeling good in training, going strong against everyone in the academy, so I decided to compete at the Pan too. I’m heading to Irvine to try and steamroll everyone there.”
Next Wednesday the world champion embarks for California, where he will meet up with Lucas Lepri, his teammate in his weight group, and other Alliance aces. “I’ll arrive there, do a last training session at Cobrinha’s academy, rest Friday and I’ll be ready to throw some weight around,” he says in farewell.
To find out more about the athletes and timetable for the 2011 Pan, visit IBJJF.org.
