Diogo Araujo Considers Himself A Favorite For IBJJF European Gold
Jan 18, 2016
Diogo ‘Moreno’ Araujo has an impressive collection of medals but as yet has never fought at the IBJJF European Championships, renowned as one of the biggest tournaments in the world.
A Brazilian no-gi champion, Rio Grand Slam winner and Copa Podio Middleweight Grand Prix (2013) runner-up, ‘Moreno’ will be one of the top competitors to watch in the middle-heavyweight (88kg / 195lb) division and almost certain to make it to the final rounds of the tournament.
We caught up with him at Soul Fighters BJJ in Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro to find out how he feels days out from the chance at winning gold in Lisbon.
“I feel in the best shape of my life, training camp has been awesome.”
“I do my conditioning four times a week at 7am, then I come here for this madness that is Soul Fighters headquarters led by ‘Tatu’.”
“Usually it’s [tough] here. We try to keep the pace strong and fast, as much as we can the whole year.
“For me, I was planning to fight the Europeans so I didn’t stop at all. I think I just stopped for December 25, and January 1. On the second of January I was here, training!
“I will fight middle-heavy. That’s my division. I decided to fight No-Gi Brazilian Nationals because I had a partner who was fighting as middle-heavy, so I decided to move up. I’m going to stay as middle-heavy, hat’s my division, it’s where I feel in shape, I feel fast and strong.
“It’s never easy to analyse [the division], because everyone can take it, anyone could be in first place. Of course we’ll see thre
“But I also consider myself a favorite. And I ewill do my best. Hopefully at the end of the day I’ll be there as first place.
“There are like two superfights in Europe, but I can’t the event or the opponent because it’s not confirmed. For sure I’m going to fight the World Pro, and maybe the Brazilian Nationals.
“Maybe I will go to Pan-Ams, but let’s see. The dollar is expensive because I live in Brazil, so I have to make some calculations.
“I don’t know if I’m going to win, but I know for sure that I feel ready and I want this tournament so much.”
Diogo Araujo will compete in the 2016 IBJJF European Championships, which you can watch ONLY on FloGrappling.
