With another IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix fast approaching, expectations are running high for the tournament's loaded roster of athletes. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Sept. 1, the $40,000 open weight GP will be part of the federation's Jiu-Jitsu Con week and will feature the main players of the heaviest categories.

With names such as Nicholas Meregali, Victor Hugo, Fellipe Andrew, and Gutemberg Pereira in the mix, the IBJJF will once again have veteran João Gabriel Rocha in its GP. 

At 32 years old, João is the most tenured black belt in the event, and promises to be in his best shape for the upcoming competition.  

Known for taking part in some of the most memorable finals of the IBJJF Worlds and other tournaments around the world, João became a symbol of perseverance within the sport after receiving a cancer diagnosis in his first year as a black belt. After a tough battle in chemotherapy and returning even stronger to the competitive scene, the Brazilian athlete from Rio went on to win some of his greatest titles.

Coming in hot off an absolute title at the Austin Open 2023, João is fired up for the GP, and makes it clear that he never ran away from a challenge. "I've always been told to lower my weight class to avoid fighting Buchecha and Rodolfo Vieira, but what I really wanted was to fight the best," João told FloGrappling.

Read the interview with João Gabriel Rocha below, where he gives a sneak peek at his plans for his third appearance at the IBJJF Absolute GP, and how he intends to take the title this time around.

FloGrappling: In a new phase of your career, more focused on growing your academy, you're back to compete again in an invitational tournament. How did you receive the invitation for the IBJJF GP?

João Gabriel Rocha: They came looking for me, asking if I would fight again. My original plan was to return for the Worlds, but due to some back problems, I wasn't able to participate in that competition. Seeing as I'm much better, and now I've been invited for this GP, I returned to my training routine and I'm gunning for first place. I fought in this GP three times and two of those ended with me as a runner-up. That's enough of that, I want to be the champion!

FG: After taking the absolute title in the Austin Open, after defeating world champion Johnatha Alves, you'll be facing some heavy hitters of the new generation, like Nicholas Meregali, Victor Hugo, Gutemberg Pereira, and Fellipe Andrew. How are you feeling about pitting yourself against these younger contenders and how do you think that your experience might aid you?

JGR: I believe I struck the perfect balance between experience, technique, and strength. I used to be very hasty and even lost some Worlds finals because of my impatience. With my current experience, I feel that I'll be able to bring a new version of myself to the mats. I'm eager to face these guys from the new generation. 

I want to see how it'll be, but I do believe that my experience will give me an edge over them.

FG: While you haven't had the same recognition as others in the ultra heavyweight division, you famously won matches against Marcus Buchecha, Felipe Preguiça, Nicholas Meregali, Rodolfo Vieira, and others. What's it like flying under the radar and how have you turned this to your advantage?

JGR: This situation only started at black belt. In the colored belts, I've always been hailed as a favorite in competitions, but my black belt division had guys like Buchecha and Rodolfo Vieira winning every title. I've always been told to lower my weight class, but what I really wanted was to fight against the best. I also received my cancer diagnosis in my first year as a black belt and ended up staying away from the mats for a whole year. What this gave was resilience. Without faltering, I started fighting again and became a finalist at the Worlds, with no support from major teams. I surrounded myself with the ones that cared for me and ignored everyone else. My focus was and continues to be training and fighting.

FG: After your battle with cancer and the months spent in chemotherapy,  you returned to the mats and had some great performances in the competitive scene. How did that traumatic experience shape you? 

JGR: That battle and all the others I've fought throughout the years have built me into the person I am. Everything I've been through has shown me exactly what I'm capable of and how far I'm able to go. I believe that I'm currently at my peak, not only physically but also spiritually. This GP is just the first step towards my true goal, which is to compete at next year's Worlds. The road ahead is long but I want to be at my best by then. I still have a few good years of fighting in me and I intend to spend them on the mats, doing what I love.