Competitive grappling profile: Yuri Simoes

Competitive grappling is building itself into a viable option for the men and women that enjoy the many aspects of martial arts. Promotions such as Polaris, the Eddie Bravo Invitational and Fight 2 Win Pro are putting on multiple events throughout the year, while presenting some of the best and brightest stars to step onto the mat. The phenomenal black belt, Yuri Simoes, has broken through as one of the top competitors in the sport and continues to build on his already extensive legacy.

A product of the Caio Terra BJJ, Simoes has become a sought after athlete in the heavyweight division. He earned his black belt from Ricardo Vieira back in 2011 and has since become a multiple time champion. He took his place in history a few weeks ago as he earned back-to-back gold medals in the IBJJF No-Gi Worlds absolute division. His victory over Murilo Santana locked up the championship as he closed out the day winning both the ultra-heavyweight and open weight divisions.

Simoes won his first absolute black belt title back in 2014. The 2016 title makes him the first person to claim top honors in the absolute division twice.

Anyone who is familiar with Simoes recognizes his aggressive style that has led to victories on the biggest stage. In 2015 he won the 88 kilograms division at ADCC and earlier this year he had two exciting matches at EBI 6 against teammates Gordon Ryan and Garry Tonon. His resume includes wins over the likes of Tonon, Dean Lister, Keenan Cornelius, and Rafael Lovato.

Simoes is a very well rounded competitor whom never seems to be in a dangerous position. In the rare moments he does lose a fight, many of those come via points instead of his competitor forcing him to submit. Simoes technical prowess allows him to attack from various positions, but he’s shown an affinity for lighting quick arm bars.

Even though Simoes has continued competing at the highest level in grappling; he is planning a debut in MMA at some point in 2017. He’s currently training at the American Kickboxing Academy which houses such mixed martial artists as Luke Rockhold, Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Until he steps into the cage, fans should continue to catch all of his upcoming matches as he brings some of the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the sport.

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