A Quick Interview with Joao Pierini

*originally published in the Oct '01 issue of Full Contact Fighter*

When the Gladiators team is mentioned, names that usually come to mind are UFC veterans Eugene Jackson and Tim Lacjik, or IFC vet Doug Evans. But the Gladiators Training Academy has other fighters waiting for their chance to compete. Joao Pierini is one such fighter. A Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt, Joao’s responsible for the team’s jiu-jitsu training, and he’ll be making his American debut at the upcoming Warriors Quest 3 show in Hawaii. Focused and serious inside the ring, friendly and funny outside of it, Joao was kind enough to answer a few questions.

Joao, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m 29 years old and I am from Sao Paulo, Brazil. I live with Eugene Jackson and I train at the Gladiators Training Academy. I left Brazil because there are better work and future opportunities here in the U.S.

What’s your Brazilian Jiu-jitsu pedigree?

I studied in Sao Paulo in 1983 and had three different teachers. My first teacher was Orlando Saraiva. My second teacher was Moises Muradi. My third was Pedro Hemeterio. I’ve trained in jiu-jitsu for seventeen years and I’ve been teaching about seven of those. I got my black belt from Moises Muradi.

What’s your fight record?

I fought against four other up-and-coming Brazilians [at a show called Circuito Free-style Vale Tudo] and won all the fights inside the time using my jiu-jitsu ground techniques. My corner man was Marcelo Giudici. I trained for three months prior to fighting.

How did you feel going into the ring?

My confidence was high because I trained with good people.

How’d you end up at the GTA?

I’ve been with the Gladiators for about a year. I came to train at the Gladiators Academy because of a guy named Eric Wray. He saw me at another gym and was impressed enough to introduce me to Eugene, who brought me to the Gladiators. I am also training jiu-jitsu with Claudio Franco and his team on the weekends. I want to let everybody know that I am now training full time for mixed martial arts, and I believe you will know my name in the future!

For those who haven’t seen you compete, what’s your style?

My style is jiu-jitsu and my jiu-jitsu is aggressive. I like to take my opponent to the ground, control him, and force him to give me an opening for a finishing move.

How has training at the Gladiators affected that style?

There are good teachers, especially boxers, that I think have helped me become a more rounded fighter.

What did you think of Eugene’s fight at UFC 33?

Eugene fought okay. I didn’t like the lack of respect on the part of Almeida when he attacked off the opening-glove touch.

What had you worked on with him before the fight?

Eugene is basically a striker so we focused on avoiding and escaping. His escapes will be much better next time. He will be doing more jiu-jitsu from now on. It is time to go back to basics – jiu-jitsu takes a long time to develop well.

How important is training in jiu-jitsu?

At first, grapplers ruled because the strikers knew no ground techniques. Now everyone does jiu-jitsu, so it’s down to who trains the hardest!

What are your goals in MMA?

My ambition is to fight in the UFC at 170 pounds. I’m not looking for any particular opponent. My manager, Doug Wilson, just booked me my first fight in the States – the Warriors Quest show in Hawaii on December 1.

Training with a gi: yes or no?

Yes. Jiu-jitsu in the gi allows you to develop more techniques and to develop them better.

Your opponent for the Warriors Quest 3 show is Nassor Lewis. What do you know about him?

I know he is supposed to be very tough. He’s never fought before, so I don’t have a tape on him. I expect to make a statement in this fight and start to build a name for myself – so I can achieve my goal of fighting in the UFC!

Any advice for the aspiring fighter?

To be a great fighter you need no distractions. You need to eat well, sleep well, and train well. These three must be in place with no exceptions.

Anything else?

You must also never forget to be grateful to God for all the opportunities in your life!