IBJJFJul 18, 2017 by Reid Connell
Mr. Untouchable: Is Lucas Lepri The Best Lightweight Ever?
Mr. Untouchable: Is Lucas Lepri The Best Lightweight Ever?
Lucas Lepri became the winningest lightweight in Brazilian jiu-jitsu history by capturing his fourth division title at the IBJJF World Championships in Long Beach, CA, on June 4 -- an accolade no other fighter has accomplished.
Lucas Lepri became the winningest lightweight in Brazilian jiu-jitsu history by capturing his fourth division title at the IBJJF World Championships in Long Beach, CA, on June 4 -- an accolade no other fighter has accomplished.
But what may be more impressive than the achievement itself is how Lepri arrived there.
For the past two years, Lucas' skill set propelled him to a completely new level of dominance. His 2016 bid for gold at the 2016 IBJJF World Championships ended in spectacular fashion: He didn't concede a single offensive point.
For a tournament of this difficulty, that's almost unprecedented.
The Alliance standout staved off young and hungry black belts Mansher Khera, JT Torres, and the surging Edwin Najmi. Forcing three submissions in four fights, Lepri couldn't have scripted a better tournament.
At the 2017 IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championships, the 168lb Lepri decided to try his hand in the absolute division, a category normally dominated by super heavyweights. After two commanding matches, Lepri met the the 220lb Joao Gabriel Rocha and lost a closely contested match with the big man.
Although the Alliance black belt ultimately walked away without a medal in the open class, his willingness to test his jiu-jitsu against any and all opponents is a testament to his philosophy and outlook on the sport.
The following day, Lepri competed in his own weight class and returned to his winning ways. For five matches, he didn't surrender a single offensive point. Perhaps most impressive was putting up 12 points against Atos black belt Michael Liera Jr.
Lucas Lepri vs Michael Liera Jr.
Going into the 2017 World Championships, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone picking against Lepri. But that is not say it wouldn't be a hard road. After a difficult weight cut, Lepri's first match was a razor-close victory earned only by advantage. From there, however, Lepri went on a tear, taking out Jake MacKenzie, Yan Lucas, and Roberto Satoshi en route to another gold medal and world championships victory.
There have been many dominant champions over the years -- Michael Langhi, Celso Vinicius and Márcio Feitosa all come to mind -- but 2017 marked the year Lepri not only joined the winner's circle but also stood atop it.
Lucas Lepri vs Jake MacKenzie
'Lucas Lepri: Heart of A Lion' premieres tomorrow right here on FloGrappling!
Don't miss jiu-jitsu highlights, feature stories, event updates, and more. Sign up for the FloGrappling mailing list today.
But what may be more impressive than the achievement itself is how Lepri arrived there.
For the past two years, Lucas' skill set propelled him to a completely new level of dominance. His 2016 bid for gold at the 2016 IBJJF World Championships ended in spectacular fashion: He didn't concede a single offensive point. For a tournament of this difficulty, that's almost unprecedented.
The Alliance standout staved off young and hungry black belts Mansher Khera, JT Torres, and the surging Edwin Najmi. Forcing three submissions in four fights, Lepri couldn't have scripted a better tournament.
At the 2017 IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championships, the 168lb Lepri decided to try his hand in the absolute division, a category normally dominated by super heavyweights. After two commanding matches, Lepri met the the 220lb Joao Gabriel Rocha and lost a closely contested match with the big man.
Although the Alliance black belt ultimately walked away without a medal in the open class, his willingness to test his jiu-jitsu against any and all opponents is a testament to his philosophy and outlook on the sport.
Lucas Lepri vs Michael Liera Jr.
Going into the 2017 World Championships, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone picking against Lepri. But that is not say it wouldn't be a hard road. After a difficult weight cut, Lepri's first match was a razor-close victory earned only by advantage. From there, however, Lepri went on a tear, taking out Jake MacKenzie, Yan Lucas, and Roberto Satoshi en route to another gold medal and world championships victory.
There have been many dominant champions over the years -- Michael Langhi, Celso Vinicius and Márcio Feitosa all come to mind -- but 2017 marked the year Lepri not only joined the winner's circle but also stood atop it.
Lucas Lepri vs Jake MacKenzie
'Lucas Lepri: Heart of A Lion' premieres tomorrow right here on FloGrappling!
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Don't miss jiu-jitsu highlights, feature stories, event updates, and more. Sign up for the FloGrappling mailing list today.