#FBF to 10 yrs ago competing at the 2010 @cbjjoficial @ibjjf Brazilian Nationals. This was the first round of the absolute division against a then 205lb @ricardoevangelista.
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This was a very special event for me for a few reasons. It was inside the Tijuca Tênis Clube, the venue where all the World Championships took place until they moved to the US & the place that made me fall in love with Jiu-Jitsu. It was the first time I had returned to Brazil to compete since winning the Worlds in 2007. I managed to work my way through the division & reach the absolute finals for Sunday. I was so happy at the end of the day! I had always dreamed of becoming an Absolute Champion in 🇧🇷 & I felt like it was finally my time & to do it in Tijuca was going to make it that much sweeter!
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As I was getting my stuff to head back to the hotel, some kids came over & asked to take a picture with me. I happily obliged & then a couple other people came over to get pictures too. All of the sudden it hit me, this was the first time that had ever happened. I couldn’t believe that I had Brazilian fans who LOOKED UP TO ME. I used to be the kid in Brazil asking all the top Black Belts to take a picture. It felt surreal to be back as a Black Belt World Champion, just reaching the Absolute finals, & have my own Brazilian fans now asking me for pictures… I had come full circle.
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The next day I wound up losing a very hard fought battle for absolute gold to the warrior @bernardofariabjj, but I didn’t give up. I came back 3yrs later & finally achieved my dream becoming the first Non-Brazilian to win a major absolute 🥇 Crazy enough, I faced the beast, Evangelista once again, but this time in the final after he had an amazing campaign as well. I cherish my memories competing in the motherland 💚💛📏 Hopefully I can come back soon for a professional event 🙏🏼
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Here you see the chaining of some of my most powerful attacks. Flop Pass ~ Weave Pass ~ Side Smash ~ Mount ~ Cross Choke 🥋♾ @timeless_jiujitsu
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#LovatoJiuJitsu #LovatoStyle #TimelessJiuJitsu #BJJ #JiuJitsu #Brasil #Passion #NeverQuit #DreamBig #LastRoundBestRound