Buchecha and Lo with their prizes. Gabriel Mendes
The IBJJF Pro League’s Heavyweight GP is in the books. The all-star tourney, held this Saturday, sent eight of BJJ’s greatest to war against each other and paid out 40,000 dollars to the winner.
Sitting absolute world champion Marcus Buchecha is that winner. He faced his friend and rival Leandro Lo in a technical final reminiscent of the world championship’s absolute gold decider they did this year.
To reach the GP’s final, Buchecha first had to defeat Dimitrius Souza on advantages, and then finish João Gabriel Rocha via foot lock. Meanwhile, Lo was finishing Ricardo Evangelista via kimura and then edging out André Galvão by advantages.
The final match saw Buchecha use pressure from the top while Lo was working to sweep. Both unable to score points, Buchecha and Lo ended up in a 1-1 draw on advantages. The judges felt that Buchecha had done better, and awarded him the title.
Results:
Round 1
Marcus Buchecha def. Dimitrius Souza 3-0 adv.
João Gabriel Rocha def. Márcio Pé de Pano 1-0 adv.
Leandro Lo def. Ricardo Evangelista via kimura
André Galvão def. Xande Ribeiro 4-0 adv.
Semifinals
Marcus Buchecha def. João Gabriel Rocha via straight foot lock
Leandro Lo def. André Galvão by adv.
Final
Marcus Buchecha def. Leandro Lo by decision
