By Guilherme Cruz

Photo Ana Prata

It was a very busy weekend on the mats of National Cup, event which gave its champions a large amount of money as a reward for their wins. Fighting for the largest piece of the US$30 thousand prize, Bernardo Faria (Alliance), champion in 2009, had his vacancy assured on the absolute finals, and watched the guys fighting for the other vacancy.

After a Saturday filled with great disputes, Rodolfo Vieira (GFTeam) confirmed himself as the opponent to be beat with his win over Sérgio Moraes (Alliance), on semi-finals. On the belt dispute, Rodolfo beat the champion of 2009 with a advantage and earned a lot of money. “A war which was defined by an advantage”, regretted Fábio Gurgel, leader of Alliance.

On the weight dispute the show was excellent too. Used to dominate the rooster weight, Bruno Malfacine (Alliance) changed his division and shone among the light feathers, getting the title with a win over Samir Chantre (Carlson Gracie). The golden medal of the feather weight dispute went to Bruno Frazzato (Atos), who beat Leon Amâncio (Checkmat) on the grand finale.

Among the mediums, Cláudio Calasans (Atos) guaranteed another title for the team from São Paulo as he beat Vitor Henrique (GFTeam) on the finals of the division, while Ivaniel Cavalcanti (Carioca Team) beat Pablo (Edson Carvalho’s Team) to win the rooster’s golden medal. On the ultra heavy dispute, the domain was of Luis Felipe “Big Mac”, champion of the division with a win over Adrian Miliato (Impacto).

On the super heavy dispute, the gold went to Denis Gomes (Ataide Junior’s Team), beating the tough Ricardo Henrique (Nova União) and bringing a lot of cash to Sao Paulo. Among the light weights, the domain was of one team, PSLPB, with Cícero Costha broke even with his pupil Leandro “Ló”. Rodolfo Vieira wanted to focus in the absolute division and gave up to fight the final in the weight division against Alexandre de Souza.

GABI WINS AGAIN

Among the women, who reign once again was Gabrielle Garcia (Alliance). Current world champion on the weight and absolute disputes, the blonde debuted in great style on the black belt category, getting the absolute title among the heavies. “I unified all belts I’ve got. Now I have three: SP Cup, National Cup and World Cup”, celebrated the athlete, who beat Talita Nogueira ( Ryan Gracie) on the finale.

On the Chat of this month’s edition of TATAME Magazine, Gabi revealed her wish of becoming “the Roger Gracie among the women”, but Rômulo Barral, on his Twitter, gave her a new idea. “Congratulations, Gabi… You wanted to become Roger on the female dispute, and I want to be Gabi among the men (laughs)… You’re too tough”, complimented the world champion.

Bia Mesquita (Gracie Humaitá), who had debuted on the brown belt with a title on National Cup 2009, cameback in great style, beating Luiza Monteiro (Chekmat) and earned a lot of money and also the golden medal of the medium absolute dispute. The duel between two Michelles on the light weight ended with a win of Tavares (Gracie TIjuca), who beat Nicolini (Checkmat).

CHARLES ABSOLUTE ON THE BROWN BELT

UFC lightweight Charles “do Bronx’s” Oliveira (Bronxs Gold Team) is preparing himself to fight for the second time on Ultimate in September (UFC Fight Night 22), but it doesn’t mean he is staying away from the mats. With an eye on the prize for the champion on the brown belt category, Charles closed his campaign with a choke over Claudevan Martins (Dida’s Team) and got the title.

Fighting among the masters, Mário Reis (Gracie Barra) won the light absolute dispute as he beat Ricardo Luiz (Gracie Barra Caveirinha), while the heavy absolute title went to Adriano Silva (Barbosa), who beat Renato Andrade (Checkmat) by points and reached the highest peak. Click here and check an exclusive photo gallery of National Cup.