The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour came to an end in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, with home favourite Erberth Santos sending the majority of the 7,000 fans inside the Carioca Arena home happy after claiming one of the major honours.
In one of the main fights of the glamour black belt division, 24-year-old Santos defeated Fernando Reis to claim victory in the adult black belt 110kg final.
The Legends match between fifth degree black belts, Rafael Carino and Alexandre Barauna, was played out in front of an electric crowd. In a very tactical match, Carino won by a split decision after a 1-1 tie on advantages.
Commenting on his win, Carino said: “It was a humbling experience last year and the same this time, thank you UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for inviting me back.
“I feel very happy to be the Abu Dhabi Legends champion once again and I would like to fight Marcio Cruz next in the Legends match.”
Rafael Carino defeated Alexandre Barauna.
President elect of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, attended the third and final day of the championship in Rio.
Mr Bolsonaro said: “Brazil has strong relations with the United Arab Emirates, I have a firm desire to deepen these relations during my term in office, especially all the things that we have in common between the two countries.
“I appreciate what His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has done for the sport of jiu-jitsu around the world, and organising the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam championship in Rio de Janeiro.”
Tournament director Tareq Al Bahri added: “It was an honor to receive the president elect of Brazil, Mr Jair Bolsonaro today. He is a very busy person, but he showed today that he works for the people of the country by coming and greeting his supporters.
“He showed great support towards the wise leaders of UAE, the people of UAE and especially towards the sport of jiu-jitsu.”
The fourth leg of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour heads home to Abu Dhabi next in January, 2019, taking place from January 10-12.
For registration and more information, visit – https://events.uaejjf.org/en/event/121.
