ABU DHABI // Felipe Pena may have gone through a tough qualifying process, but the Brazilian has backed the new system introduced this year at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
A rule change means only two fighters from each country can qualify for the main draw.
Pena took his place in the main draw of his black belt 94-kilogramme class on Thursday after wins over compatriots Maciel Trindad and Vicente Cavalcanti by submission, before rallying from two advantage points down to get the better of another Helton Junior 2-0 by points at the Ipic Arena.
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“It’s a good thing if the sport is going to benefit under the new rules,” said Pena of the rule change.
“I have faith on the administrators. If they think if this is the way forward, so be it. Of course, it is very tough for us to go through a qualifying process but it ensures only the best reach the final round.”
Last year, Pena lost to compatriot Erberth Mesquita in the 94kg quarter-finals but atoned that loss by claiming the open division against Jose Junior, the Abu Dhabi based Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor.
This time around, Pena has no absolute belt to defend but can concentrate on his weight division.
“The preparation has been great,” Pena, 24, said. “I trained a lot in Brazil for this competition. Today I concentrated on my qualification for tomorrow. I think I did pretty well.
“I think there are many good guys left in my weight category but I am confident. I am super ready. This season I won gold in the Grand Slams Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro. My expectations is to get the gold in Abu Dhabi.
“The competition in Abu Dhabi is getting tougher every passing year. The World Pro has drawn more than 7,000 competitors. That’s incredible in terms of participation in a single sport.”
Elsewhere, Priscila Cerqueira is gunning for a gold after coming up short 12 months ago in the women’s brown/black belt 70kg.
“Success doesn’t come without sacrifices,” said the Brazilian after defeating compatriot Natalia de Souza 6-0 on points to move into the quarter finals.
“I doubled my efforts this time. The fights don’t become any easier with so many competitors from all over the world.
“The only way you can win is by working harder and with a bit of good fortune. I believe I have done as much as I could, and I’m hopeful.”
Brazil led the medals table at the end of Day 3 in the World Pro with 19 gold medals from the 59 that were up for grabs. Russia are second on six, followed by the UAE on four and Britain on three.
The jiu-jitsu extravaganza in Abu Dhabi was extended to two weeks, the first four days for kids, followed by the para jiu-jitsu championship, the Abu Dhabi World Youth Championship and the World Pro over five days for a prize fund of Dh3 million.
The event concludes with a gala awards ceremony at the Emirates Palace hotel on Sunday.
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