One of the best Jiu-Jitsu fighters in Brazil of the new generation, Rafael Mendes has gotten the black belt just a year ago, and won almost all tournaments he disputed. After the second place in 2007, Mendes won the Brazilian selective for the 2009 ADCC, and will fight at the 66kg division in the best Submission tournament in the world. In an exclusive interview to TATAME.com, the athlete spoke about ADCC, his idols in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA and Helio Gracie’s death.

How was the emotion of winning a spot in ADCC?

It was great, I was blessed by God and was able to win the event. I almost got there in 2007 and this time I could put my game, I submitted all the fights until the end, just couldn’t finish in the final, but I tried a leg lock, key locks, always looking to finish it and I ended winning by points. It was a tough final, because he (Raoni Barcellos) was using the anti-game, trying to take the fight to the extra time and win by points, with a takedown, but I knew I couldn’t do that, then I always looked for to finish and was able to be the champion.

How old did you started in Jiu-Jitsu?

At 12 years old. Since I started I saw that it was what I wanted, I started to train the whole day, three times a day, and when I finish the studies I started to train four times a day. Thank God, today I managed to reap the fruits of that work.

What do you expect of the ADCC? If happens, how would it be the fight with Rani (Yahya), who is the current champion?

I have been training hard and looking to focus on each fight. So, I’ll get there and try to win the first, second, and if I happen to fall with Rani, or any other athlete, I’ll come with the same focus, which is trying to submit and put my game in practice, forget about whom I’m fighting and try to do my best.

Who is the responsible for your technical changes so fast, besides your talent?

I think this evolution isn’t just talent, because if the person only has talent and isn’t determined, it will reach a place, but not the highest. If you have determination and talent, then you can reach the highest place of the podium. The most important isn’t the talent, but will, determination, overcoming, training every day, maintaining an intense training and the union of my team that is essential.

Do you have any idol in Jiu-Jitsu or MMA?

I always admired Leozinho Vieira, and admire until today. I think he has a very intelligent Jiu-Jitsu, he can do amazing things in a fight. I always admired Fernando Augusto “Tererê” too. They were great fighters, which will never be forgotten. In MMA, I admire BJ Penn, because I think he’s very technical.

What you have to say about the death of Master Helio Gracie?

It was sad, everyone felt a lot with Helio’s death, and I have no doubts that he was very important for Jiu-Jitsu. If it weren’t for him, maybe we weren’t here today, so I would like to thank him for everything he did for the Jiu-Jitsu and wish that he rest in peace.