The Wolf & The Lion Set To Collide At BJJ Stars
The Wolf & The Lion Set To Collide At BJJ Stars
Jiu-jitsu's bad boy Erberth Santos is taking on one of the most decorated athletes of their generation, Patrick Gaudio.
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BJJ Stars is set to be Brazil's biggest grappling event of 2020, and FloGrappling members in the USA, Canada, and Mexico can watch it live on July 25 (or on-demand after the event).
Jiu-jitsu's bad boy Erberth Santos is taking on one of the most decorated athletes of their generation, Patrick Gaudio, in the third match from the top on what is one of the most stacked cards of the summer.
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The Wolf: Erberth Santos
Erberth Santos is one of jiu-jitsu's most enigmatic and perplexing figures. A killer at times, seemingly quitter at others, nobody is really sure which Erberth is going to show up to competitor on any given day.
Though he’s suffered some mixed performances of late, let us not forget that Erberth is a world champion. He's beaten some of the very best to EVER do it, and he’s done it in style. Vicious judo, aggressive submission hunter with great kneebars and triangles – when Erberth is on, he is truly a frightening competitor to behold.
WATCH: Erberth Santos Highlight
Erberth is a lower limb wrecking machine: toeholds, kneebars, and straight ankle locks have all been common weapons for him, and they comprise more than half of his totals submission wins. In fact, Erberth defeated Gaudio via kneebar in 2016 at the Rio Open.
And though Erberth’s most dangerous weapons are traditionally associated with his guard, he also is equally dangerous when it comes to passing the guard.
The Lion: Patrick Gaudio
In contrast with Erberth’s bad-boy vibe, Patrick Gaudio better epitomizes Teddy Roosevelt's "walk softly" ideology; though his persona is mild-mannered and friendly off the mats, everybody knows that the Lion plays for keeps when the competition is on.
A European, Pan and Brazilian national champ (plus a Worlds silver medalist) Gaudio has proven himself to be one of the very best fighters of his generation. Typically winning his matches via points (57%), Gaudio is a shrewd tactician who knows how to stay out of danger and patiently work towards his goals.
He can also bite down on his mouthpiece and inflict some serious damage when required, as evidenced in his 2017 match with Romulo Barral where he dislocated the legendary Gracie Barra fighters ankle with a vicious toehold.
How Do They Matchup at BJJ Stars?
Erberth Santos seems to be coming into this match in the best shape of his life.
He's teamed up with former rival Leandro Lo as a regular training partner, and the two have been seen pushing their physical limits through grueling exercise and jiu-jitsu sessions all summer long.
For his part, Gaudio recently found himself joining Alliance and training at the famed Dream Art facility in Sao Paulo, placing him in the heart of one of the most elite facilities in the world.
What we're getting at here, is that you should expect a banger. Both are highly motivated, with optimal training conditions, and eager to make a statement on Brazil's biggest stage.
Fans should expect some action on the feet as each man tests their takedown abilities, and from there it's truly anyone's guess – just know that a high pace is guaranteed.