DALLAS, TX, June 07, 2011 – Originally from Rio de Janiero, Brasil, Daniel “Jacare” Almeida started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the late 1990’s under his long-time coach and mentor Bruno Bastos of Nova União.
Putting in hard work and training for many years, the now twenty-eight year old Daniel Almeida currently holds the rank of 1st Degree BJJ Black Belt under Bastos and has accomplished much in the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including being crowned a 4x Rio State Champion, a 2x winner of CBJJO Brazilian Nationals, and also a multiple-time winner at IBJJF International tournaments.
Yet despite his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prowess and pedigree, this submission expert chose to forgo competing in the world’s top tournaments this year (like the Pan-Ams and this past weekend’s 2011 World Championships) in order to shift his focus away from Gi competition and on to his burgeoning MMA career, where he currently holds a 4-1 record.
“I came to America last year originally for just two months experience but I went back to Brasil already knowing that’s what i wanted (to move to America), says Jacare. “I came back to Dallas last December to be with my Sensei and also try to become an MMA Champion.”
With his gaze firmly set on climbing high in the sport of MMA, Almeida has worked long and hard with his Sensei Bruno Bastos along with MMA Coach Sayif Saud and conditioning coach Clint Bounds in order to adapt his already fine-tuned submission game to the MMA cage and pick up other skills that will further help him improve as a fighter.
According to Jacare, his training at Octagon MMA in downtown Dallas is a recipe build for success – one that’s proved successful thus far and which he believes will lead him to the pinnacle of the sport in the UFC. Working towards that dream, Almeida made his U.S. debut this past April 8th for 24/7 promotions in Midland, submitting James Gray via kimura in under one minute.
Now he’ll look to pass his second test by fighting in 24/7’s “Battle of the Panhandle: Amarillo vs. Dallas” show, set for this Friday at Amarillo’s Azteca Music Hall.
“Chance Watson is my opponent,” says Jacare. “He’s big and strong and will try to make the fight hard for me but I’m ready for him. I just want to say thanks to Octagon MMA for all the support to me and to all my fans for believing because I’ll get my goal. OSSS!”
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