Where did Claudio Calasans go? That is a question many fans want answered. Team Atos black belt Calasans had his best career year to date in 2015, winning his first IBJJF World title at middleweight, and followed it up by winning the ADCC Absolute title. Save for a super fight at the end of 2015, Calasans disappeared from the competition scene, and hasn't been seen in action yet this year. 

We caught up with Calasans to find out why he’s been absent and what he’s planning for his return. 

FloGrappling: Can you explain why you decided not to fight at the Europeans or the Pans? 

Claudio Calasans: I didn’t compete in the Europeans because it was seminar season. I stayed for two months in Europe giving seminars and camps, traveling a lot, so I wasn’t focused on training and it was because of this I decided not to compete.

The Pans are very close to the date of the World Pro, and as I live in Brazil, it’a not good for me to have to travel to the U.S., go back to Brazil and then go to Abu Dhabi. I prefer to stay and train for my upcoming goals. 

FG: So after the World Pro, how will you prepare for tournaments such as the IBJJF Worlds and Copa Podio? It’s going to be a tough season, right? 

CC: I’m already training hard, and it’ll be a continuation of that for each championship, improving on the things that were lacking and continue working on the things that were right. Every tournament and camp is an evolution both personal and technical. 

Claudio Calasans will compete at the World Pro, IBJJF World Championships and the Copa Podio Middleweight GP. 

Watch Claudio Calasans train judo takedowns