Two-time ADCC silver medalist Joao Gabriel Rocha has had to withdraw from the upcoming ADCC 2017 World Championships due to an injury suffered in a recent match. 

Following the war with Buchecha at the IBJJF Grand Prix, in which the eventual winner was also left with damaged ribs, Rocha has revealed he injured his neck in the match and will be unable to compete in Finland. 

"I'm really sad, but I'm out of ADCC 2017. I tried forcing it this week but it didn't work out. I injured my neck in the IBJJF GP against Buchecha," Rocha said.  


​Rocha defends Claudio Calasans's takedown at the 2015 ADCC World Championships in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photo: Hywel Teague 

Rocha took silver in the +99kg in 2013 and silver in the absolute division in 2015. 

The last two times I got the silver medal, I really want this title and I know I can conquer it, but it won't be this year.

Rocha hopes to return later in the year to compete in tournaments such as the IBJJF No-Gi Worlds.

​READ MORE: The Final List Of Every Grappler In For ADCC 2017 World Championship

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