Jose Junior reaches World Pro final and claims UAEJJF World No.1 spot

Denzil Pinto 09:45 22/04/2017
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  • Jose Junior broke down in tears as the Abu Dhabi-based Brazilian cemented the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) World No1 ranking in his semi-final victory of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

    The 32-year-old used all his experience to come back against last year’s 94kg champion Erberth De Mesquita with two sweeps to win 4-0 and book his berth in today’s 110kg black belt final.

    It means that Junior has claimed 300 points and an unassailable lead ahead of rival Gabriele Arges in UAEJJF’s world rankings.

    The significance of the achievement was there to see as the rapturous crowd at the IPIC Arena brought the emotional Abu Dhabi schools programme instructor to tears. “I have been pursuing this World No1 title for a long time and this is the highest achievement that a black belt holder can have and it’s a dream come true,” said the beaming Junior, who beat Manuel Pontes in his group bout.

    “I have some amazing training partners here and that kept me going. Today I gave it everything and it was my day.”

    Ireland’s Chris Rowe now stands in his way of a first gold in the competition and Junior says another positive result would be the icing on the cake.

    “It would be a fitting finish and I will not spare anything,” he said. “I have missed it twice before and I want to win this time round.”

    Meanwhile, Felipe Pena, winner of last year’s Open category, has a chance to add another gold after reaching the 94kg final. The Brazilian overcame compatriot Alexandre Ribeiro 2-0 advantage points and will now face Poland’s Adam Wardzinski.

    Also, there was disappointment for two-time defending 55kg champion and MMA rising star Mackenzie Dern. The 24-year-old American did not make the weight limit and withdrew from the competition.

    Current World No1 Nathiely Melo de Jesus is making big strides just 12 months since being promoted from brown belt.

    The Brazilian has won twice in Abu Dhabi and is hoping history repeats itself in the 90kg division following her win over Yacinta Nguyen of Canada by submission.

    “I’m excited to be the women’s black belt No1 in less than a year after being promoted from brown belt,” she said. “I fought in brown belt in World Pro and to reach the black belt final is amazing.”

    Beatrice Mesquita, fifth in the world rankings, has set up a Brown Black 62kg title clash with America’s Tammi Musumeci.

    The Brazilian, a constant presence at the World Pro winning three golds and silvers, reached the final after a 6-2 win over Luiza Monteiro. “She was an opponent whom I knew very well,” said the 25-year-old. “I haven’t competed in all the Grand Slams but the World Pro is always my focus.”

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