Emmanuela Oliveira 
Gabriel Almeida’s first grappling fights in the 2024 season were at the ADCC trials in Belo Horizonte, last Saturday, March 2nd. After a time away to recover from knee surgery, the fighter who stood out in his career due to his finishing qualities faced the challenges imposed by the ADCC with intense motivation, making it clear that his reputation did not weaken with the hiatus. In an interview with VF Comunica, after winning silver in the tournament, the grappler gave more details about his experience at the trials.
“I was happy to be able to fight forward. I pushed myself hard and gave my all in there. That’s how I like to fight. I was confident in my preparation. I had a very intense routine, dedicating myself to training seven days a week to get there in the best possible shape.”, details the black-belt who performed in a very tough final with Charles Negromonte, champion of the 88 kg division.
Gabriel Almeida maintained his reputation as a finisher in the ADCC BH Trials
To reach the final of the ADCC trials in BH, Gabriel went through five fights and concluded all of them with a submission, an incredible performance that could be repeated, this time with gold as the outcome, in the trials that will take place in São Paulo. If he wins, he will repeat the feat of 2019, when he got the highest place on the podium in the qualifiers held in the same state.
“This is a side of my Jiu-Jitsu that I really value. The submission attack can not only end the fight, but also helps open up spaces in the opponent’s game. Fighting to finish makes the fight more intense and cool to watch, the audience appreciates is more. (…) I return to ADCC in São Paulo hungrier to win. This week I worked on details that I felt could improve in a short-term, but I intend to fight in the same way, always progressing.”, he states.
Synergy between technique and physical preparation is essential
Still regarding the demands of the ADCC, one of the most competitive grappling competitions in the world, Gabriel said that the championship requires “a very physical battle”, forcing the champion to seek harmony between strategy and physical conditioning.
“I feel more confident today, both in my wrestling and in my submission attacks. I’ve always liked playing guard more, but I feel like I’ve evolved a lot in other areas. Furthermore, my conditioning is also very good. The ADCC is a very physical battle, so you have to be on top of your game so as not to get tired and give up positions.”, he concludes, more than ready to win a place in the ADCC Worlds in August, in Las Vegas.
