At only 22 years of age Yago de Souza will compete in his first major tournament as a black belt this weekend when he enters the middleweight division at the IBJJF European Championships. 

A training partner of Leandro Lo and a member of the newly-formed ‘Brotherhood’ team, the Sao Paulo-native knows that his success at brown belt will not guarantee a repeat performance at the top levels of the sport. 

"I was happy with the titles I got as a brown belt last year, like the IBJJF World title. In 2016, I’m going to give everything to overcome at black belt,” says Souza.  "It’s not going to be easy, but I’m working hard for this to happen.” 

Yago will fight in the middleweight division alongside Lucas ‘Hulk’, Alan ‘Finfou’, Luca Anacoreta, Yan Cabral and many more. 

Middleweight is a very difficult and evenly-balanced division. The athletes are all really technical and are in good physical shape.

“My training for the Europeans was intense, I'm lucky to have many training partners at my weight and it gives me a good advantage. Having quality guys in the gym, like Leandro Lo, Wellington ‘Alemao’ Luis and my cousin Manuel Ribamar, for me, is a luxury. They help me a lot and always correct my mistakes.” 

Yago recalled the most valuable lesson he received from world champion Leandro Lo: “He always told me to be a complete fighter, know how to play guard, how to pass and submit…  And to seek out training with the toughest guys on the team. He also warned me to be bold at the time of competition, and to take risks.” 

Watch the 2016 IBJJF Europeans live or on replay here on Flograppling

Original Portuguese text by Vitor Freitas, translation by Hywel Teague