In Old School: Legends of Jiu-Jitsu Hywel Teague and Riccardo Ammendolia look back at the most influential names of yesteryear.
Ricardo Arona | Old School: Legends of Jiu-Jitsu
May 13, 2020
Only one ADCC champion has ever managed to go unscored on, and that man is the "Brazilian Tiger", Ricardo Arona.
-99kg ADCC champion in 2000, -99kg and openweight champion in 2001, and superfight champ in 2003, Arona was one of the few Brazilian grapplers of that era who was unafraid of and able to go head to head with wrestlers. A powerhouse grappler, he manhandled his opponents and left a legacy that may never be challenged.
A world champion in the gi at purple and brown belt before becoming notorious for his no-gi exploits, Arona's grappling career was short-lived as he moved to pursue a career in MMA where he became a superstar in Japan.
Now retired and living his best life in his hometown of Niteroi in Brazil, Arona spends his days surfing and training jiu-jitsu in his home gym.
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