Robson Gracie Jr will appear in one of the most anticipated fights of Copa Podio Season 4, which takes place on January 9, in Rio de Janeiro (watch it live or on replay only on FloGrappling). 

The relatively-unknown black belt, who is the youngest brother of the legendary Renzo Gracie, will face the multiple-time world jiu-jitsu champion and former participant of TUF Brazil, David Vieira, in a special no gi match. 

The event also features a Lightweight Grand Prix with superstar Leandro Lo defending his title. 

Robson has won several tournaments throughout Europe and has arrived at the stage in his career where he is ready to test himself against an experienced opponent in a competition at the level of Copa Podio. 

As a child, Robson took his first lessons at the Carlson Gracie academy in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, training with his father, a ninth degree red belt Grand Master of jiu-jitsu. 

Photo: James Molinos

At 15, Robson Jr moved in with his brother, Ryan Gracie, returning to Rio de Janeiro at 18 year of age where he started to train with Roberto 'Gordo', the inventor of the half guard. Gracie now lives in New York and to trains at his brother Renzo Gracie's gym in Manhattan. 

After a few years of training in America Gracie decided to settle down in New York, where he has lived since 2013. He reveals he has been learning many tricks from his his older brother, Renzo. "He's always fixing something or motivating me with words that he took from some old war book," says Robson. 

On the pressure of carrying the Gracie name, he says: "There are times that it weighs a little yes, but I try to kind of forget that, especially when I walk onto the mat. About being born into the Gracie family, it's like I never fight alone. Bearing that name is a huge motivation. My father always said how important it is for a Gracie to fight, he talked about honor and not to be afraid of the opponent, and to never turn down a challenge. My brothers just confirmed what my father had told me." 

As for his opponent, Robson knows him well, as he had the chance the get some rolls  at Gordo's gym in Rio. Vieira is known to prefer to play on bottom and has a sharp guard. It will be a battle of styles as Gracie shows a slight preference for playing on top. 

"We trained a few times, but it was a long time and was only a few times. I know he plays guard and I prefer to play on top, but in reality it does not matter," says Robson. 

"My difference in this fight will be that I'll leave everything on the mat, look for the submission the whole times and give my everything. I've always had a very strong desire to fight on Copa Podio, and I'm not going to let this chance pass by. I'm training hard with John Danaher and my cousins," he says.

This post originally appeared in Portuguese on the Copa Podio website.