The first ever World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Cup took place last weekend in Abu Dhabi. Top jiu-jitsu competitors from all over the world made the trek to the United Arab Emirates for chances at prizes that reached $7,000 for black belts. With patronage from Sheik Zayed Al Nahyan, the tourney was organized by Carlos Santos and drew hundreds of athletes.

Unlike almost all Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournaments, the event was held outside in an open-air coliseum and was televised on local United Arab Emirates media. But like most BJJ events, it was full of exciting finishes:

* Rafael Mendes defeated Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles
* Rodolfo Vieira defeated Rafael Lovato Jr.
* Marcelo Garcia lost by triangle to Braulio Estima

This week on The FightWorks Podcast, we will speak with Braulio Estima, who came in second place in the black belt absolute division behind Tarsis Humphreys. Estima, who resides in the United Kingdom now, won the 2009 European Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships and was no doubt considered a contender for winning the absolute division at the World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Cup. If you wish you could have traveled to the event, do not worry! Estima gives us all the details on the event and more.

Finally, we include an installment of the popular Black Belt Corner. Our guest this time around: the man who introduced Brazilian jiu-jitsu to the United Arab Emirates: Nelson Monteiro!

Many thanks to GracieMag for the photo!

http://www.thefightworkspodcast.com/podcasts/fightworkspodcastepisode164.mp3