Otávio Sousa in a tangle with Clark Gracie at IBJJF NY Open / Photo: Cristian Buitron/GRACIEMAG
A Jiu-Jitsu black belt from the Brazilian state of Pernambuco who won the absolute and middleweight divisions at the New York Open last April 21, Otávio Sousa already has his sights set on the next competition.
The instructor at Gracie Barra in California is one of the main stars signed up for the Long Beach Spring International Open, an IBJJF-promoted tournament to feature at the inaugural World Jiu-Jitsu Expo, a mega event Renzo Gracie has put together for the Californian city. Entering the mix in Long Beach with him are the likes of Rômulo Barral, Zak Maxwell, Rafael Rosendo, Samir Chantre, Gustavo Dias, Gustavo Sirizinho, Baret Yoshida and dozens of other gentle-art teachers. (Check out the list of who’s in here.)
“My fight strategy is to go in balls to the wall, let my game flow like I always do. And I’ll spare no force or energy,” says Sousa, underscoring that he’s mentally prepared for the task at hand.
Besides going in there to do his thing, the Zé Radiola student is eagerly rubbing his hands together as he waits to witness the supermatches featuring at the event, which looks bound to make Jiu-Jitsu history.
“I’m really anxious about watching the supermatches. All of them will surely be really tough, but in my opinion Gracie Barra’s going to win them all,” wagers the black belt, slanting the focus to his school.
BRÁULIO VS. NICK DIAZ DETERMINED BY “EXPERIENCE”
“Bráulio Estima vs. Nick Diaz is the most anticipated one, but Carcará will take it for sure. Not to play down the opponent, but Bráulio has a lot more experience and Jiu-Jitsu skills in his favor,” opines Otávio.
Stay tuned to GRACIEMAG.com for further news regarding the inaugural World Jiu-Jitsu Expo, and secure your tickets by clicking here.
Click here to watch the supermatch line-up live, with Carcará vs. Nick Diaz, Kron Gracie vs. Victor Estima, Kyra Gracie vs. Alexis Davis, Caio Terra vs. Jeff Glover, Bill Cooper vs. Nino Schembri, Kayron Gracie vs. Rafael Lovato all set to put on a show on the mat!
