Fighters Only

Issue 053

August 2009

STATISTICS

Name: Ricardo Almeida

Age: 32

Height: 5’11”

Category: Middleweight

Record: 17-1-0

Fighting Style: Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Fights out of: Hamilton, New Jersey

Active since: 2000

Former King of Pancrase Ricardo Almeida was on track to becoming one of the best middleweight fighters in the world. The Renzo Gracie-trained BJJ black belt was on a six-fight win streak and had defeated Nate Marquardt for the Pancrase title, but he shocked fans and critics alike when he abruptly left the sport in 2004.

Almeida raised eyebrows by stepping away from the sport, but his retirement wasn’t the result of a fall out or loss of love for the game. Instead, he decided to take time out from training and fighting so that he could concentrate on building his successful BJJ academy in New Jersey and therefore ensure a decent life for his growing family.

Almost four years later and 30 years old, Almeida returned to MMA and was signed by the UFC, who he had fought for during 2001 and 2002. He showed little ring rust against Rob Yundt, who succumbed to a guillotine choke (the same move with which Almeida submitted Marquardt).

Since then Almeida has gone 1-1 in the Octagon, with a close split decision loss to Patrick Cote (who later went on to challenge Anderson Silva) and a solid unanimous decision win over Matt Horwich.

Almeida’s position as a UFC middleweight is that of an experienced and capable competitor, but one who is not yet ready to take on the upper echelon fighters in the division. His time away from MMA may have robbed him of his best years but, with a few more high-profile wins, he could establish himself as one of the better fighters out there and eventually position himself as a title contender.

Technical ability

There are black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and then there are black belts who can effectively use their skills in the cage. Almeida is definitely the latter. The Renzo Gracie-trained grappler has an extremely efficient and effective style of jiu-jitsu that is perfect for MMA.

Strength

Trained by top strength and conditioning expert Martin Rooney (the physical conditioning coach to Team Renzo Gracie) Almeida is always in great shape. Whereas some jiu-jitsu players prefer to focus on technique instead of developing their physical attributes, Almeida blends both together into a very formidable package.

Legs

Pulled off one of the most audacious and exciting moves ever seen in MMA. Back in 2001, Almeida fought Eugene Jackson. The Brazilian threw and landed a high kick that Jackson took on the neck. As Jackson bulled forward to take Almeida off-balance, the ‘Big Dog’ threw his legs up and locked on a triangle choke, forcing Jackson to tap out.