Rodolfo Vieira MMA Update: Training At American Top Team For Imminent Debut

Rodolfo Vieira MMA Update: Training At American Top Team For Imminent Debut

Not content with being a a five-time IBJJF World champion, an ADCC champion, and a seven-time World Pro champion, Rodolfo Vieira is preparing for his MMA debut.

Oct 28, 2016 by Hywel Teague
Rodolfo Vieira MMA Update: Training At American Top Team For Imminent Debut
Not content with being a five-time IBJJF World champion, an ADCC champion, and a seven-time World Pro champion, Rodolfo Vieira is busy preparing for his mixed martial arts debut. 

Vieira, who hasn't competed in grappling since winning ADCC in August 2015, relocated from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Florida earlier this year to train with noted MMA stable American Top Team (ATT). 

According to ATT co-founder Ricardo Liborio, Vieira is doing "great" and is on track for an imminent debut. 

"He's training a lot of striking and wrestling to develop his MMA game," Liborio said. "'Katel' Kubis is his striking coach, and Steve Mocco is the wrestling coach. He's sparring with the majority of the guys, and everybody seems pleased with his progress." 

See for yourself: Take a look at Vieira's progress in these two videos, the first from seven months ago and the second only two weeks ago... 



Vieira appears to have gelled with the ATT crew and according to Liborio is an "unbelievable" teammate who brings a strong work ethic to practice. 

It does take a lot of courage to do what he did. He is one of the best ever in jiu-jitsu and let everything go to dedicate himself to a completely different sport with no guarantee of success. He's an amazing and humble individual.
Vieira competed in jiu-jitsu in the heavy and super heavyweight divisions, -94kg (207lbs) and -100kg (221lbs), respectively. He has stated he will fight MMA at 185 pounds. 

As yet no date is confirmed, but rumors abound that Vieira will likely make his MMA debut on January 14. in Japan. No opponent has yet been named.



Watch Vieira train wrestling with Roberto 'Cyborg' Abreu: