Brazilian black belt fights MMA in Netherlands

Looking for success on MMA rings, Marcio “Gracinha”, who doesn’t fight for almost two years, flew to Holland and already has a scheduled fight. Training on Melvin Manhoef gym, Jiu-Jitsu black belt will face Johan Croes. “I already got three fights to do, one of them now, on October, fort he dutch lightweight title in Rotterdam, against Johan Croes. I intend to keep training and competing as much as I can“, the rough guy told us, in the interview below.

Why did you leave Brazil?

My financier situation was very complicated. My last commitment on ring was on Capital Fight, in Brasília, almost two years ago. After that I haven’t compete anymore, and athletes depends on competition’s money and, as I said, my situation was very complicated, affecting all my life. I needed to reach something, have an attitude.

So you changed your team?

Yes, now I represent Mike’s Gym, here in Holland, people knows it as Melvin Manhoef’s gym and other Muay Thai fighters.

But you’re only professional athlete of the team o rare you teaching classes either?

As Jiu-Jitsu black belt, I’m teaching classes once a day to professional athletes and also for who isn’t a professional. But he focus is train to compete, get in the rhythm again to get back to show up between the athletes on top of lightweight division.

Netherlands is traditionally known by the power of Muay Thai. Jiu-Jitsu athletes do a nice job too?

Even before I get here they were training Jiu-Jitsu a lot, but Muay Thai is stronger here. Every week we have competitions here. But in my classes there’s a lot of MMA professional athletes. This week, Paul Dailey came here, and besides Muay Thai, he’s training ground with me for his next commitment on UFC. And Melvin, who’s here everyday.

And what are your plans for the future?

Thanks God I already have three fights to do, one of them now, on October, fort he dutch lightweight title in Rotterdam, against Johan Croes. I intend to keep training and competing as much as I can.