In a division where the average age was only 25, the 37-year-old veteran Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes saw off the new generation to affirm his position as one of the best lightweight grapplers alive. 

Tanquinho’s clean sweep included a submission win over Keith Krikorian in the opening round, referees’ decisions over Matheus Gabriel and Paulo Miyao, and a 3-0 points victory against Kennedy Maciel (aka “Cobrinha Jr.”) in the final. 

The gold-medal-winning performance saw him beat No. 1 seed Miyao and the current IBJJF World champion Matheus Gabriel. In his post-match interview Mendes said he felt he had been overlooked with all eyes on the young guns. 

“During the whole ADCC champ I just saw people talking about the young guys. I guess people forgot about my career,” he said. “I won Worlds in the gi, no-gi, and nobody give me credit. Give me some love guys, come on.

“My motivation to come here and compete was two things: ADCC was the only title in my career I never had, and for my wife who is expecting our first baby. I fought for them.” 

It was Tanquinho’s fifth time out at ADCC having competed in every edition since 2011. His best result to date was a bronze medal in 2015. 

WATCH: 

Elimination: Augusto Mendes SUB Keith Krikorian 5-0 7:55

Quarterfinal: Augusto Mendes REF Matheus Gabriel 0-0 15:00

Semifinal: Augusto Mendes REF Paulo Miyao 0-0 15:00

Final: Augusto Mendes SCORE Kennedy Maciel 3-0 20:00