Before Coaching MMA, Ricardo Liborio Was A Jiu-Jitsu World Champion

Video and text by Riccardo Ammendolia

Long before ever being recognized as one of the world’s greatest MMA coaches, Ricardo Liborio was a world jiu-jitsu champion. 

He was regarded as one of the top—if not the best—competitors from the world-famous Carlson Gracie team. 

Carlson’s team was primarily known for its hard-nosed top game, which was definitely something embedded in Liborio’s style. However, as well as having great takedowns and passing, Liborio’s closed guard was legendary.

At the first World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in 1996, Liborio entered both the super-heavy and absolute divisions at the legendary Tijuca Tennis Clube in Rio de Janeiro.

Giving up more than 40lb, Liborio battled with the likes of Leo Castelo Branco, Marcelo Figueiredo and even Dutch grappler and UFC veteran Remco Pardoel.

The rumor is he did so to avenge a loss with Castelo, whom he would meet up with in the finals and eventually defeat for the title.

Liborio also closed out the absolute with teammate Amaury Bitetti and would later retire from the sport to focus on MMA competition and coaching, where his legacy and knowledge would be passed on and respected for years to come.