April 2009 - News Archives

Prof. Almeida Wins and Makes a Big Announcement!
04/03/2009

From www.UFC.com



"Middleweight contender Ricardo Almeida improved to 10-3 with a shutout three round decision over Matt Horwich.

Scores were 30-27 across the board for the “Big Dog”.

Almeida drew first blood, taking Horwich to the mat in the first 30 seconds. The visibly bigger Horwich (24-11-1) got up quickly though and tried to work some sloppy standup as Almeida clipped him with more orthodox strikes. Midway throught the round, Almeida scored with another takedown that Horwich got up from immediately. It was Almeida’s striking that was paying dividends though, as he piled up the points while using his punches to set up more takedowns. After another trip to the mat, Almeida appeared to have struck paydirt with a guillotine choke, but Horwich escaped and caught his foe in a heel hook that the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt escaped from just before the bell ended the round.

The fight immediately went to the mat to start round two, and Almeida controlled matters from the top position with effective ground strikes. The two briefly stood at the 3:30 mark of the round, and Almeida tagged his foe a couple of times before Horwich tried to end things with a guillotine choke, but Almeida easily fought his way free.

Horwich fought well in the early part of the final round, but his lack of speed was becoming a liability as Almeida continued to dominate the standup. Surprisingly, despite this, Almeida kept looking for the takedown, punctuating his last one with a yell as he put Horwich on the canvas just before the final bell."

That's it, ladies and gentlemen. We couldn't be happier and of course, you can now download the fight on www.ufc.com for only $1.99! Yes, you read it right $1.99!

Let's all BUY Professor's video and show our support!

Click here  

for the video by UFC on Demand and have fun watching Prof. Almeida's great perfomance against very tough Matt Horwich!

 

 Picture by Tracy Lee.

Many of you might not know that Ricardo enter the octagon weighting 188 lbs, while most middleweights weight about 200 pounds at fight time. Being one of the smallest middleweight fighters, Ricardo spoke to Joe Silva (UFC's matchmaker) and President Dana White about his decision, and they gave him their blessing. He will now fight among the bigger welterweights (170 lbs).

Click here for the video of Ricardo's official announcement(from UFC.com):

" Almeida Plans Move to 170

Ricardo Almeida may have fought his last fight as a middleweight.

The decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and former middleweight King of Pancrase defeated one-time International Fight League champion Matt Horwich by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 18. Afterward, he made known his intention to move to the welterweight division.

Ricardo Almeida plans
a move to welterweight.“My plans are to drop to 170 pounds,” Almeida told UFC.com. “My team has been saying that I’m too small to fight these big guys at 185. I’m really considering [the move]. I just have to talk of course with Joe [Silva] and [UFC President] Dana [White] and the UFC to see if I have their blessing.”

Almeida had no trouble getting past Horwich, an eccentric Team Quest veteran with a wealth of experience. A winner in eight of his past nine fights -- the lone defeat was a split decision loss to Patrick Cote -- Almeida put Horwich on his back in every round, threatened him with submissions and rarely allowed him room to operate. He knows sacrifices lay ahead.

“I have a choice between being one of the smallest middleweights or among the biggest welterweights,” Almeida said. “It’s definitely going to be a big sacrifice, but this is the UFC. You don’t have better fighters than here, and to win is very tough.”

Still only 33, Almeida holds victories against some of the world’s top middleweights, including Nate Marquardt, Kazuo Misaki and Ryo Chonan. He believes the drop to a lower weight class puts him one step closer to his goal.

“My dream fight is for the title, no matter what weight,” he said. “I’ll drop to 155. Chop my leg off.”

There you have it. Also Prof. Almeida's next fight has already been scheduled, this time around on the main card so we can all watch it live! We'll keep you posted as soon as the UFC makes the official announcement. You will absolutely LOVE this one!

Also, many of you have asked which address you should use to write Prof. and email, so here it is:

ricardo@ricardoalmeida.com

Not only he'll love to hear from each one of you, but he'll reply as fast as possible.

Many thanks for your incredible support, we'll see you on the mats tomorrow morning!

A nice Q & A With Prof. Almeida by Andy McGinley.
04/02/2009

After receiving an nice email from Andy regarding his project, we really liked his idea and decided to support it all the way! Here is a little paragraph from his email:

"I'm always interested in what a fighter's routine leading up to the fight is like.  Do fighters admit to fear, how do you decide on the song for entry, who is your corner men, and what goes through your mind in between rounds.  If I'm interested in this stuff I'd assume other students at the academy would be too, and maybe we could post it on the school's website."
We agree with you, Andy.

Check it out:
(pictures will be up soon)

 "Greetings to the RABJJ Academy and its’ associated schools.  I’ve had the great honor to talk with and interview our very own Professor Ricardo Almeida during the week of his upcoming fight on Ultimate Fight Night. 

 The popularity of MMA has put the sport at the top of the list as one of the fastest growing sports in the world.  A significant force to the sport’s growth has been the emergence of the UFC as the premier proving ground for fighters.  Professor Almeida will be stepping into the Octagon on Wednesday evening to challenge Matt Horwich, a veteran of the sport.  Professor Almeida is always up for the challenge and a chance to showcase the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. 

Professor Almeida’s first professional fight was taken on VERY short notice, and it is just one example of Professor Almeida’s indomitable spirit.  For Professor Almeida’s upcoming fight I wanted to learn what he had to do to prepare for this challenge.  In addition to learning about Professor Almeida’s training, I wanted access to the inner workings that take place behind the scenes of a UFC event. 

This is the first part of a two part interview that will be posted at a later date when Professor Almeida returns from Tennessee.  I hope the students at all of the RABJJ academies enjoyed this interview, and if you found it interesting please tell your teammates to check it out on the academies website. 

I want to thank Professor Almeida and Ally for allowing me to do this.  I’ll see you on the mats. 
 Andrew McGinley"  

Ok, enjoy Andy's interview, PART 1:

AM: Where did you get the nickname “Big Dog?” 
 I’ve read a couple of stories as to how you got that nickname.  The first one was that it was given to you by the lifeguards on the beach for regulating who gets to surf, and the second by the locals because you kept the beach clean.  Any truth to either of these stories?

RA: Yes and no. I never regulated who got to surf but if people were acting disrespectfully in the water I wouldn’t hesitate to let them know. The surfers from brazil are notorious world wide for being aggressive ( dropping in on other peoples waves). I would not hassle other surfers but if they come hassle me then I would make myself heard. This was even before I started practicing Jiu Jitsu. Luckily, I never got into any fights because of surfing.

AM: I have had the privilege of taking classes taught by your brother Flavio “Little Dog” Almeida when he was here in New Jersey teaching at the academy. Just for the record, he is certainly not little.  Did you have a traditional big brother – little brother competitive relationship?

RA: I miss having my brother here too. He now lives in San Clemente, California and runs a very successful school.
We fought a lot when we were younger. But when we started training Jiu Jitsu our relationship became more cooperative than competitive. We always trained real hard with each other, but we would corner each other at tournaments and help each other out. Jiu Jitsu definitely impacted our relationship very positively.

AM: Do Brazilians love to give nicknames?  Off the top of your head, what would be good nicknames for some of your Black Belt Instructors . . . . Professor Brian, Professor Larry, Professor Dante?

RA: Professor Brian could not have any other nickname than  Coach, but if I had to give him one would be Ram-Man from the He-Man series. Prof. Larry would be Saracura which is a bird indigenous to Brazil that has really long legs. Prof. Dante would be Grimlock from the transformers, although I did not give him that one.

AM: How far in advance did you start to train hard core for this upcoming fight?  How much of the upcoming fight occupies your thoughts?  When do the competitive juices begin to flow?

RA: Usually as soon as I sign the bout agreement which is usually around 3 months before the fight i start to get pretty focused. I have learned not to think about the fights much.

AM: The UFC’s Joe Rogan referred to you as a wizard on the ground.  On the UFC’s website, you listed leg kicks as one of your favorite strikes.  What other disciplines, other than Jiu Jitsu, have you been training in for your fight with Matt Horwich?

RA: I have been diligently practicing wrestling and Boxing. Some Muai Thai too.
In the past, the UFC had no time limit and would allow competitors to stay on the ground even if the pace slowed down. 

AM: Since the UFC instated new rules, has the Jiu Jitsu player adapted well with the changes, (such as shorter rounds and being stood up if there is no progress in the action?)  In your opinion, is a legit Jiu Jitsu player at an advantage or disadvantage in the Octagon?  With the new rules, how has Jiu Jitsu evolved?

RA: I think the rules are more geared toward stand up fighting. But instead of making excuses we need to train and constantly adapt.
Just look at guys like Minotauro and Damian Maia,they seem to have no problem using JiuJitsu in the octagon. Even GSP used a lot of BJJ to wear down and eventually stop BJ Penn who is a phenomenal Jiu Jitsu guy.
The key is to have a dynamic offense oriented Jiu Jitsu game. Developing strong takedowns and the striking element are important also.

AM: The late Carlson Gracie once said that when a Jiu Jitsu Black Belt gets punched he becomes a white belt, do you believe that?  It doesn’t appear to be that way in any of your fights.  Any thoughts about his statement?

RA: No I don’t believe that. In every Martial Art there are students who hide behind their rank.
I have met Jiu Jitsu Black Belts who couldn’t fight if their life was on the line.
But I also seen Muay Thai guys who hit pads all day but refuse to spar.
I don’t believe every Martial Art student should be able to fight in MMA, but I cant stand the ones that want to make believe they could fight Fedor with one hand tied behind their back when they actually couldn’t fight their way out of a paper bag.

AM:When will you be heading out to Memphis for Ultimate Fight Night and while you are out there where will you stay?

RA: The UFC will usually fly us 5 days before the fight. We are staying at the Renaissance Hotel, in downtown Nashville.

AM: Who will be accompanying you to Memphis and be in your corner during the actual fight?  Has Master Renzo cornered every one of your fights?

RA: Master Renzo Gracie, Andre Gusmao and Mark Henry (Boxing Coach) are here with me and will be in my corner.
Frankie Edgar and Chris Liguori have travelled with some of their family members to come support me.
Renzo only missed my fight with Misaki in Pancrase because he was fighting in Pride Bushido only three weeks later. I insisted he didn’t come so his brother Ralph Gracie cornered me for that fight. Other than that, he has cornered every single one of my MMA fights.

AM: After the fight, if you have the opportunity, can you ask Dana White to put a fight card together (somewhere close to the academy) that includes you, Matt Serra, and Master Renzo?

RA: Well, the UFC card in may will have Matt, Andre, Frankie and Dan Miller. I know it is in Las Vegas but it could be a good chance for a short vacation.

AM: How important are the corner men during your fights?  Do you make adjustments during rounds or stick to the game plan?

RA: I believe having a good cornerman is very important. When you are in there is so much going on that it is difficult for the fighter to process it all and make all the adjustments.
The cornerman has an outside perspective and can guide the fighter wether it is through pacing or making technical adjustments.
Renzo is a great teacher but he is without a doubt the best cornerman  I have ever seen.

AM: Will you have to find a place to train and warm up while in Memphis or do you turn your hotel room into a training room?

RA: The UFC provides separate training rooms and divides the fighters between red and blue corner, this way you don’t have to train right in front of your opponent.

AM: If you stay at a hotel, how do prepare your pre-fight meals to fit your needs, and how (if needed) will you cut weight?

RA: This time Ally has been cooking most of my meals and I'm trying to eat as much as possible the same foods I eat at home.
I don’t cut much weight to make 185 lbs so I just reduce food and water intake , get a good workout the morning of the weight in and I’m there.

AM: How do you choose a song for your entrance?  Is it a song that pumps you up, relaxes you, or reminds you that it is time for you to go to war?  Have you selected a song for your upcoming fight?  

RA: I usually like songs that relax me. When I’m about to walk into the cage and fight the last thing I need is something to pump me up even more.
This fight I’m walking out to a song that my son likes a lot and we listen to it in the car together.

AM: The T-shirts fighters wear during their entrance are unique especially because one cannot purchase them.  Has your pre-fight T-shirt been made yet?  Can you sell them at the academy because I think the students would be interested in purchasing them?  (If not please save me one).

RA: The shirts I walk out in are made by my sponsorship manager. Usually I get less than a handful, only for myself and the cornerman. I definitely like the idea of a Team Almeida t-shirt, I’ll keep that one in mind.

AM: You’ve mentioned in an interview posted on our school’s website that you had an injury that has been repaired, how is that injury healing?  Are you back to 100%?

RA: I was diagnosed with a Sports Hernia (different than inguinal hernia) which to simplify is a tear on your lower abdomen region. I wen to two specialists, one wanted me to have surgery, the other for me to try to rehabilitate through therapy. I chose therapy. Now I feel 100% and I am looking forward to getting out there Wednesday night.

AM: Did this injury affect your last fight with Patrick Cote?  I’m no Bas Rutten, but if you fight like you did in the first round of the Cote fight you make for a very tough opponent for any competitor in the UFC.  Did something happen after the first round?

RA: I am not one to make excuses, Patrick won the fight. In the judges eyes he was the better fighter that night.
 I have had many people tell me they thought I had won the first and third round which would swing the decision my way.
But now there is nothing I can do about that but look forward to my next fight. And I can tell you for sure that you will see my fight for the 3 whole rounds, just like I fought in the first one against Cote.

AM: Has your last loss motivated you for your upcoming fight against Matt Horwich?

RA: For sure. In order to compete at this level you can’t second guess yourself. There can be no second thoughts no doubts.
To me personally, coming off a loss is a very motivating factor.

AM: hat will be the game plan for your fight with Matt Horwich? 

RA: I can’t be too revealing so I will use two words:
JIU JITSU.

AM: In another interview you have said Matt Horwich will be your toughest ground opponent to date, does that mean a ground battle? 
Often in a fight when two opponents have the same strengths, such as Jiu Jitsu, it is another discipline or another aspect of their game that helps the winner prevail, is this something to consider?

RA: I believe he is the best ground fighter I have fought in MMA.
I’m hoping for a submission war but this is MMA not ADCC, so much comes into play.
I can’t just assume we will be exchanging positions on the ground for 15 minutes, I have to come in ready for anything.

Last words...

I would like to thank all the students at RABJJ Academy for their support and dedication toward their training.
The RABJJ Professor’s and Coaches for helping me with my training and covering all my  classes in my absence. Without them I would not be here.
My wife and family who sacrifice so much so I can live my dreams.

AM: Thank you for giving me the time to answer some questions about yourself and your upcoming fight.  If the students at the academy find these questions and answers to be interesting would you be willing to do something similar to this again before your next fight?

RA: For sure my man, let's Do it.

AM: THANK YOU PROFESSOR . . . . . GOOD LUCK!

Thank you Andy. We're sure your team mates will stay tuned for part 2!

One last time...

 You can now download the fight on www.ufc.com for only $1.99! Yes, you read it right $1.99!

Let's all BUY Professor's video and show our support!

Click here  
for the video by UFC on Demand and have fun watching Prof. Almeida's great perfomance against very tough Matt Horwich!

Ricardo's Seminar at SPA City BJJ!
04/03/2009

Prof. Almeida together with some very special guests will be visiting SPA City BJJ and Head Instructor Chad Beatty on Sunday, April 19th.

Prof. Almeida will also bring our dear  Professors Steven Bongiorno, Dante Rivera, Tom DeBlass, Drew Puzon and our our recently awarded Grapplers Quest Champion, Max Bohanan. Talk about a huge seminar, with tons of old friends getting together for some great Jiu Jitsu training!

The seminar will be divided into 2 sessions, one for beginners and one for advanced students. If you live in NY state or have friends and family in the Saratoga Springs area, don't miss the chance to train with some of the best in the world!

Please visit our RABJJ associated listings page for more information about RABJJ - Spa City BJJ.