IBJJFSep 1, 2017 by Hywel Teague
Flashback Friday: When Nicholas Meregali Tore Through IBJJF 2017 Worlds
Flashback Friday: When Nicholas Meregali Tore Through IBJJF 2017 Worlds
Relive Meregali's gold medal-winning performance -- all matches have been unlocked for a limited time, meaning no subscription is required to watch them.
Possibly the most exciting person to watch at the IBJJF 2017 World Championships in June was young black belt Nicholas Meregali.
His first appearance at Worlds as a black belt came after two huge years: double gold as a purple belt in 2015,and double gold as a brown belt in 2016.
To keep even a fraction of that momentum rolling in the black belt ranks would require every ounce of technique, athleticism, and -- most importantly -- willpower.
Meregali didn't just give a good account of himself. He went out there and won gold in the heavyweight division, beating Leandro Lo in the process.
Lo had bested him twice in one weekend at Pans, less than three months prior, by passing the young Alliance black belt's guard.
This time, Meregali was a different animal. As fired up as we've ever seen him, he blew through three very capable opponents to face Lo in the final. Meregali triangled Helton Junior of Cicero Costha, choked Lucas Leite of Checkmat, and triangled fellow Alliance rep Dimitrius Souza to earn his place in the final.
Lo had fought Meregali no less than three times before, but he had never faced a Meregali like this.
Relive Meregali's gold medal-winning performance below -- all matches have been unlocked for a limited time, meaning no subscription is required to watch them.
His first appearance at Worlds as a black belt came after two huge years: double gold as a purple belt in 2015,and double gold as a brown belt in 2016.
To keep even a fraction of that momentum rolling in the black belt ranks would require every ounce of technique, athleticism, and -- most importantly -- willpower.
Meregali didn't just give a good account of himself. He went out there and won gold in the heavyweight division, beating Leandro Lo in the process.
Lo had bested him twice in one weekend at Pans, less than three months prior, by passing the young Alliance black belt's guard.
This time, Meregali was a different animal. As fired up as we've ever seen him, he blew through three very capable opponents to face Lo in the final. Meregali triangled Helton Junior of Cicero Costha, choked Lucas Leite of Checkmat, and triangled fellow Alliance rep Dimitrius Souza to earn his place in the final.
Lo had fought Meregali no less than three times before, but he had never faced a Meregali like this.
Relive Meregali's gold medal-winning performance below -- all matches have been unlocked for a limited time, meaning no subscription is required to watch them.