On The Rise: Luccas Lira
On The Rise: Luccas Lira
Luccas Lira is one of the fastest-rising talents you may not have heard of just yet.
Unlock this article, live events, and more with a subscription!
Already a subscriber? Log In
Luccas Lira is one of the fastest-rising talents you may not have heard of just yet. A blue belt double-gold champ at the IBJJF No-Gi World Championships, Lira is one of fight sport's emerging talents and someone to absolutely keep an eye on.
Watch Luccas Lira's impressive run at No-Gi Worlds below and make the jump to get to now the young athlete a bit more.
WATCH: Luccas Lira Claim Double Gold At No-Gi Worlds
Tell me about how you found jiu-jitsu, who your first instructor was, and when it changed from something that you just liked to do into your dream career?
I was into weight lifting and then I discovered that there was a Jiu-Jitsu class going on upstairs in the gym I was training. My first professor was Carlos Augusto “ZAU.” I own him a lot cause he taught me not just jiu-jitsu but how to be a good person inside and outside the mats.
I went to a class and I love it. After one month training, I went to my first tournament at my home town João Pessoa and that was the moment I knew it I was going to do jiu-jitsu for the rest of my life as something professional.
I just love the adrenaline and feeling of competition.
WATCH: Luccas Lira Meets Mahmed Aly
When did you first meet Cyborg? What was that like? And how has your relationship evolved with him as your coach?
I first met Cyborg at his gym.
I fought one of his students at the World Pro in Abu Dhabi and then his student invited me to do a camp for the IBJJF Worlds at Fight Sports. I didn’t think twice and went there. Cyborg was super friendly.
I was so amazed because he is an idol for me. I could never imagine that I was going to be training with him. And since the beginning, he showed me that I had to work hard if I wanted to be a professional.
As my coach, he just motivates me by example. Everything he does at the age he is gives me strength and determination to get where I wanna be.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments?
- IBJJF 2018 South American Champion
- IBJJF 2018 Salvador Open Champion
- 3x IBJJF 2019 Miami Open Champion
- IBJJF 2019 Charlotte Open Double Gold Champion
- IBJJF 2019 Worlds Third Place
- IBJJF 2019 Pan No-Gi Champion
- IBJJF 2019 No-Gi Worlds Double Gold Champion
You just received your purple belt - what did that moment mean to you? Who are some purple belts that you'd like to face in competition?
I worked hard for my purple belt. I think that moment means that I’ll climb even higher at this new level. I want to be at the top of purple belt rank going after all major tournaments.
I have some in mind but I know that we will face soon. Rui Alves, Micael Galvão, Nick Rodriguez, are some matches that I believe it could be a good show.