Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu has long been an advocate of progressive jiu-jitsu. His upcoming participation in the Grappling Pro Championship this weekend is just another step toward confirming that legacy.

The status quo is not Abreu's style. He is widely known for his own unique jiu-jitsu game -- being a heavyweight who moves like a lightweight -- as well as the development of his distinctive "tornado guard." He supports non-profit jiu-jitsu programs and the idea of making jiu-jitsu accessible to underprivileged youth. 

And now he's fighting in the second edition of the Grappling Pro Championship in Naples, Florida, on Sunday, Dec. 11 -- a relatively new promotion that features matches split into rounds and a unique points-based rule set.



"I believe that people are opening their minds into making jiu-jitsu grow professionally. And I think that is the best thing that has been happening lately to jiu-jitsu," Abreu said. 

This event opens the minds of the fighters into a new way of competing. And I think that's the beauty of jiu-jitsu, you can tweak a little bit of the rules, and then you have a whole new concept of what fighting is.

Developed and organized by one of Abreu's own black belts, Marcel Goncalves, the Grappling Pro Invitational Tournament features an eight-man bracket in which competitors face each other in matches consisting of up to three five-minute rounds and ending in a final match of five five-minute rounds.

In addition to many of the standard points, Grappling Pro also introduces scoring for side control, reversals, pushing opponents out of bounds, and being the last to score during a round (when the match is tied). 

As usual, submissions reign supreme and definitively end the match. 


Abreu believes the Grappling Pro rule set forces competitors to become more well-rounded in their games. Although he doesn't like to think of himself as the favorite to win, Abreu did admit that he may have an advantage in this regard. 

I believe that every fighter should be well-rounded," Abreu said. "I think I can do well, because I'm comfortable in all aspects of jiu-jitsu. I believe I have good wrestling. I can fight on the ground. The more tools you have to present in the game, the better.

The rounds also create a strong incentive to submit fast and early.

"You also really have to go for the submission, because nobody wants to go three five-minute rounds and spend the energy," Abreu said. "It demands a lot of gas. So it's a really good incentive for you to finish your fights fast, so you don't need to go so many rounds."

The bracket features an interesting mix of seasoned black-belt competitors and tough up-and-comers. 

Abreu has faced most of them before. He holds a winning record against Bruno Bastos at four wins and one loss. Abreu is 2-2 against Vinny Magalhaes, and he beat Jared Dopp in the ADCC. Others, such as young superstar Mahamed Aly, Abreu has never fought but looks forward to the possibility of facing. 

I don't like to see myself as a favorite or anything like that, you know?" Abreu said. "But I know I'm going to push hard, and I hope to put on a good show. I'm not pressuring myself that I have to win. I just want to go there and give it my best. That's all I want.

How to Watch Grappling Pro Championship 

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 11, at 1 PM Central Time. 
ON TV: Now available on Roku and Apple TV 4 -- download the FloSports app today.
STREAMING: Available only on FloGrappling for $20 monthly or $150 yearly. A yearly FloPRO subscription provides access to ALL FloSports sites. SIGN UP HERE

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