Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa Atos Jiu-Jitsu
From Andre Galvão’s den of champions in San Diego, Lucas Barbosa exploded in the competition circuit with very powerful performances and also a highly technical game. At 26 years of age, the Brazilian born in Boa Vista, Roraima, first made his presence felt in the lower belts, with a series of titles in important events. He is a 2015 ADWPJJC champion as a brown belt. After receiving his black belt, the level of performance remained steady and Lucas will make use of his well-rounded game to steamroll his opponents in Abu Dhabi.
Diego Ramalho ZR Team
From Recife, Brazil, Diego Ramalho is another upcoming talent out of Zé Radiola’s black belt forge. Now living in California, he divides his time between competition training and teaching Jiu-Jitsu. At 25 years of age, Ramalho is a force to be reckon with at the middleweight division. With a strong game and dangerous attacks to the leg and feet of his opponents, he’s been a familiar face on podiums throughout the current season.
Alan “Finfou” Nascimento Checkmat
At 36, Finfou is the most experienced of all competitors in the middleweight roster. He has competed against everyone and everywhere. Born in Niteroi, Brazil, Finfou got into Jiu-Jitsu under the legendary Fernando Tererê. Now living and teaching Jiu-Jitsu in Sweden, Finfou often travels to compete all over the world. He’ll certainly bring his dangerous guard game to the mats in Abu Dhabi and it should be no surprise to anyone if he catches one or more opponents in his dreaded triangle chokes.
DJ Jackson Team Lloyd Irvin
The American of the group is a powerful wrestler with a intense game that relies on his impressive physical strength. From District Heights, Maryland, DJ Jackson, now 30, trained his whole career under Professor Lloyd Irvin. In Abu Dhabi, he’ll take someone down, pass their guard and probably go for a kimura lock from side control. Just watch.
Manuel Ribamar NS Brotherhood
From Manaus, Brazil, Ribamar is one of the top talents of his generation with awesome results in tournaments all over the world. He developed under Professors Rodrigo Pinheiro and Cicero Costha, Ribamar established himself as one of the top contender in his weight class. With 25 years of age, he arrives in Abu Dhabi to make a serious dent in the competition with hopes of getting to the top.
Rudson Mateus
Caio Terra Association
No arm is safe when Rudson Mateus is on the mat. Born in Manacapuru, Brazil, he shot through the competition scene like a rocket, achieving important results in the lower belts. As a black belt under the highly technical Caio Terra, Mateus only developed his game further. He’s been very successful in the present season. In Abu Dhabi, he’ll be a serious contender for the top spot in the middleweight bracket. Number 15 - 2019
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