Xande Ribeiro On Decision To Compete Masters: 'I May Look Young But I've Been Around A While'

Legendary world champion Xande Ribeiro returns to the IBJJF Pans this year after a 10-year absence from the prestigious competition, but has chosen to compete in the Masters division (over 30 years of age). 

We caught up with Xande at matside and got the scoop on why he decided to go up to the Masters division. 

“It’s hard for me to stay away from it! I had an injury in my training camp for ADCC last year and I didn’t really peform the way i wanted. 

“I want to fight World Pro so was training already, my doctor said I could train and just keep the physiotherapy going. I was feeling good and my brother signed up so it’s like ‘OKk if you’re doing it I’m might as well do it too!’ 

“I signed up for masters, I’m 35 years old, I look pretty young but I’ve been around for a while. I fought last year Worlds as an adult and I could have fought but I have a problem losing weight right now. But it’s still a badass division as there are a lot of good guys. 

“Masters, if you put a roster of masters, you have myself, Braulio, Galvao, Lucas Leite, Cobrinha, Roger – we’re all masters! But we like to butt heads with the adults. 

“I believe a lot of masters could go to adult division and still win, but I thought it was good way to test myself.”
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Xande Ribeiro competes Saturday March 19 in the Masters 1 Black Belt Super Heavyweight division. Watch it on Mat 4 at approximately 3pm.