World Jiu Jitsu Expo
The Jiu-Jitsu Expo and 2012 Spring Open took Long Beach, California on May 10th. Called the “World” Jiu-Jitsu Expo as it’s premeire on the scene the Gracie clan pulled out all the stops. It was a who’s who of the brazilian jiu-jitsu community. Who was on site, just about everyone you would, should or could know.
Renzo Gracie, Carlos Gracie Jr, Fabio Santos, Jacare, Conpedro, Braulio Estima, Kayron Gracie, Kyra Gracie, Kron Gracie, Jeff Glover, Alvaro Romano, Mike Fowler, Chris Haueter, Caio Terra, Mendes Brothers, Andres Galvao, Werdum … Laranja…. and many more…
Super Jiu-Jitsu Fight: Diaz vs Estima – No Show!
The accusations fly between Nick, the promoter and Braulio. … read more
Braulio steps out and says a few words to the crowd…
[social][/social]
[bjjad][/bjjad] And Nick Diaz who was there early on then not. Nick had a Super BJJ Fight with Braulio Estima (Estima was flown in for this fight from England). Estima cut weight to 180, Diaz supposedly cut weight to 180 the night before and then ate. Estima was rumoured to have been 9 lbs over weight. Regardless, as many BJJ fans poured in for the fight – Nate ended being a no-show. Renzo Gracie had to address the crowd and explain that he COULD NOT BE FOUND. Unfortunate, unprofessional, and I’m sure a few other choice words the fans had in the stands.
But is it the REAL STORY?…
Nick Diaz Responds, Later
Nick on the Diaz Brothers Facebook Page says: “Promoter fails to donate the money to charity as agreed. (shady) Promoter changes rules for weigh ins to accommodate fellow Brazilian Match ain’t happening.” Time posted – 1am PT.
Rumours Prior to the Event, Estima Over Weight?
Prior to the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo this was posted to Sherdog the night prior:
“@MiddleEasy – Here’s the deal on the @NickDiaz209 vs @BraulioEstima BJJ Match… Braulio Estima had originally agreed to compete at 180lbs. Nick Diaz has dieted and made the agreed weight, while Braulio has notified the camp that he will NOT be able to make the agreed upon weight tomorrow before the match. The Gracie Fighter camp responded by allowing Estima to weigh in at 185lbs the day of the match, but Estima says he can no longer cut anymore weight. In my opinion, this is a tactic used by Estima and his camp advantageously knowing the fact that Nick Diaz will probably fight no matter what. As of right now, Estima is expected to weigh in at 185lbs tomorrow, if he doesn’t, this match could be in seriously jeopardy.”
Estima’s Response Post Event
Braulio Estima posted to his facebook page after the event: “Unfortunately the so expected super fight Estima vs Diaz didn’t happened. I’m very sad as I did everything possible for it to happen. I weighed in at 180lbs this morning at 10 am as agreed and asked to see nicks weighing too but I was informed by Cesar his Coach that he was 180lbs in the previous night and that he ate and is over 180lbs even though I just let it go an still showed up to fight. What pisses me off the most is that he was telling he was going to give his purse to charity for the childrens hospital and than don’t show up. What kind of person is that. Shame. Ps. I’m sorry for all the ones who stayed up to watch this fight but I’m sure the prelims fights was amazing. Thank u all for the support always”
Braulio is also asked to fight others, like Drysdale. But refuses saying he was planning on fighting Nick Diaz and that should be his fight. True enough statement and training for one fight a certain way and changing up the competitor can provide for unexpected results.
I think several speculations could be put together by the bits and pieces of information floating around.
Ultimately, Diaz did not show up. He could have asked to address the crowd prior to cancelling the match, put out a statement earlier, etc. Timing is everything in fighting, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling. Nate may be right, but if he is, his timing is off. Regardless of the details, 9 lbs and the drama – the fans lose out. And the Sport Loses Out.
