Leading jiu-jitsu stars to vie for top honours in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - Amongst the athletes descending on Abu Dhabi from more than 100 countries, are current world champions and emerging stars from Brazil, a traditional heartland for the sport.

The 11th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC) will bring the curtain down on the Ranking Series of 2018-2019 sports season of the UAEJJF, with world titles and crucial end-of-season ranking points on offer.
Jiu-jitsu heroes, contenders and future champions, from East to West, will take to the mats at the Mubadala Arena eager to make their mark and earn glory in the professional category competitions, which runs on the final three days of the ADWPJJC 2019.
Amongst the athletes descending on Abu Dhabi from more than 100 countries, are current world champions and emerging stars from Brazil, a traditional heartland for the sport.
Gabrieli Pessanha, the current world no. 1 in the female adult brown/black belt category says that while she may be the youngest athlete in her category, she already has enough top-level experience to stand up and show her undoubted talent at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
"I have gone through a lot of in jiu-jitsu and it has all made me not only a better athlete, but also a better person, that is the beauty of our sport. I'm looking forward to getting into the arena and doing what I love - jiu-jitsu.
"Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is one of the biggest championships in the world of jiu-jitsu. The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) has created opportunities for the athletes to not only dream but live the dream of being a champion. This year will be my first time participating at the championship and I hope to do what I do the best, that is competing."
For Pessanha, a debut at the ADWPJJC 2019 will really be a dream come true. However, win or lose, the determined youngster will remain true to the values of the sport.
"May the best athlete win," added the respectful 18-year-old. "But I really can't wait for this championship. I go to sleep thinking about it and I wake up thinking about it."
Meanwhile, the world no. 2, Mayssa Bastos, who has been practicing jiu-jitsu for nine years, has been focusing on three core values of the sport - discipline, hard work and development - in her preparation for the championship.
"For me, the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is one of the most important events of the year. Besides being a great competition, the championship gives the value that the athletes deserve," said Bastos, 21. "I'm working hard in training so that I can get there, perform to the best of my ability and win my fourth title."
Another Brazilian athlete ready to stand strong on her return to the home of jiu-jitsu is Bianca Basilio, the current world no. 6 black belt, who praised the efforts of championship organiser, the UAEJJF, in promoting jiu-jitsu and creating opportunities for athletes thanks to a championship prize fund of more than Dh2 million.
"The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is very important for my career both professionally and financially.
"Professionally because it is a very well-organised event, financially I can say that it is a great opportunity to participate because we have the chance to win good prize money so that we can continue the walk, which is not easy," said the 23-year-old.
"I will contest to win because this championship is an honour for my team, family and friends."
At the top-end of the men's professional event, current world no. 2 black belt Diego Ramalho will make his championship debut this week, a chance of realising a life-long dream of becoming the best in the world at the home of jiu-jitsu, for the 26-year-old who began his journey in the sport at the age of 10.
"Since I started my career in jiu-jitsu, I always dreamt of being the best black belt in my division. Now, I have a great chance to conquer my dream in Abu Dhabi and I really can't wait for it," said Ramalho.
Ranked no. 9 in the world, Erberth Santos, is also looking forward to his visit to Abu Dhabi and is fuelled by determination to secure hero status on the biggest stage of all.
"I'm trained and I'm going to get the title," said the 25-year-old, a former UAEJJF 'King of the Mats' champion, who has chalked up 15 wins this season. "I really can't wait for this championship and feel this is my time to show the people what I can do."
The Brazilian athletes will be amongst the favourites to take home the numerous world titles on offer at ADWPJJC 2019, and championship organisers are ready for a global showdown with this year's championship building on the success of the past 10 years.
"We are fortunate to have the best of the best coming to compete in this year's championship and that is an indicator of the appeal of the ADWPJJC and its status as a dream championship for athletes around the world," said Mohammed Hussein Al Marzooqi, Director of Marketing & Finance, UAEJJF and Director of the championship.