ADCC South American Trials Results: Fight Sports Qualifies 4
The first ADCC South American Trials took place over the weekend, as hundreds of grapplers vied for their spot at the 2022 ADCC Championships. The Miami-based team Fight Sports found plenty of success in the tournament, earning gold in four of the five men’s divisions.
Below are the champions from each division. These competitors have now punched their ticket to the 2022 ADCC Championships in Las Vegas.
66 kg. – Diogo Reis
A black belt under Melqui Galvao, Reis submitted his Fight Sports teammate and 2021 IBJJF world champion Fabricio Andrey in the semifinals to earn his spot in the finals against Diego “Pato” Oliveira — the man many consider to have been the best overall gi and no-gi competitor of 2021. In one of the tournament’s most entertaining matches, neither Reis nor Oliveira were able to secure any points through regulation and overtime, but it was Reis’ wrestling and multiple near-takedowns in the overtime period that likely earned him the judges’ nod.
77 kg. – Mica Galvao
Another Fight Sports representative, the 18-year old phenom did what many expected him to do in taking gold here. A breakout star in 2021, Galvao submitted all four of his opponents, including Magid Hage in the finals. With a performance like this, many will expect to see Galvao on the podium at the 2022 ADCC Championships.
88 kg. – Isaque Bahiense
A Dream Art Project representative, Bahiense squared off with 2015 ADCC absolute champion Claudio Calasans in the final. Bahiense pressed the action on the feet early, which led to a negative point for passivity assessed against Calasans. Bahiense was never able to score, but neither was Calasan’s, who pulled guard in the final seconds in an effort to mount any offense.
99 kg. – Joao Costa
Yet another Fight Sports representative, Costa leaned on his wrestling in the final against Henrique “Ceconi” Cardoso. In a match that took place entirely on the feet, neither Costa nor Cardoso were able to score any points, but plenty of wild exchanges took place over the course of the regulation and overtime periods. Ultimately, Costa was awarded the judges’ decision on the basis of his aggression.
99+ kg. – Roosevelt Sousa
Fight Sports’ Sousa showed off his excellent leg lock game, collecting four leg lock wins, including one over his teammate Viktor Doria in the semifinals. In the final, Sousa faced Pedro Alex, and after sitting to guard, Sousa attacked an outside heel hook. Alex turned to defend, but Sousa was able to counter with a calf slicer to get the tap and earn his spot at the 2022 ADCC Championships.
The second ADCC South American Trials are set to go down on Saturday, February 12, and will air live on FloGrappling (subscription required).
