Rubens Cobrinha

With only nine years of career in Jiu-Jitsu, Rubens Charles “Cobrinha” won an historic achievement. In the last weekend, at the World Championship of Jiu-Jitsu of California, the black belt of Alliance putted for the fourth time the gold medal in the chest, matching Royler Gracie’s record. After dominating once again among the feathers, Cobrinha talked with TATAME.com about his way to the title, revealed what he and Royler talked after his conquest, the rivalry with Rafael Mendes and more.

Talk a little about your path to the final.

I made four fights, and won two by submission. In the final, I made a hard fight with Bruno Frazatto, came in half guard... It was a good fight, they like to do a pressure and don’t let to get in the position... The final was a good fight.

And the confrontation that everyone expected, between you and Rafael Mendes, in the semifinal. How is this rivalry between you two?

It is another thing. It is important the rivalry to stay inside the tatami, and outside be friend. The other had six minutes, I think I made some mistakes, I had already won him twice, but lost there. It’s part of it, you win today, but tomorrow you can lose.

The guard that him and Frazatto do is complicated?

It is what they do, the 50-50... Long ago we made this position, but we do to shave. Now, some athletes are doing to hold the position for ten minutes, and I think this only makes the sport go back, because it stays boring, the audience looking at a position for ten minutes.

Beyond the feather, the Alliance stayed with the gold in the light weight, with Langhi, Vela in super heavy and closed the middle with Marcelinho and Serginho... What’s the secret?

I think it's the union, everyone wanting to help the other. We have the General Fábio Gurgel and Romero Jacaré, who always makes the team remain united. We have no pride in training, one helps the other. I think this has made the Alliance have such wonderful results that we had today (yesterday).

After the title, you went to compliment Royler. What did he told you that time?

He called me there and said 'now we are equal' (laughs)... Thank God I got my fourth world title, closing it the best way.