Japan vs. BJJ/Vale Tudo in 1996

[Mako]

Saw a really interesting "old school" vale tudo event from 1995 or 1996. (Universal ValeTudo Fighting) it was all in Japanese, so it was a little tough to follow, but was basically S.A.W. japanese fighters against Budokan and Carlson Gracie Team guys.

Wallid, Liborio, Carlao Barreto (as a BROWN belt), The Pedro,
Ebeneezer Fontes Braga, etc.

I was amazed at how small (compared to now) most of these guys looked. I guess it just shows how MMA has become a "big guy" game. They all looked to be in really good shape, but weren't all "diesel" like the do now.

Also, there was a nice "defessa pesoao" demonstration with Ricardo Liborio and Wyldar Pimenta. Does Liborio have a Judo background? His throws were pretty impressive!

I guess my question is this. Are the days of the "average" guy over in MMA? All the guys I listed are all blown up now. Even older film of a "skill" guy like Renzo shows you how much bigger they've gotten.

[Hookah Smokin Caterpillar]

Back in the days when a Wallid can win a Vale Tudo match were back when a "Martial Artist" can still compete. Guys like Renzo, Royce, Severn etc. are the Martial Artists while guys like Henderson, Serra, Newton are the breed of today's atheletic Vale Tudo fighter. There's too much power, stamina and skill from today's fighters

[Mako]

Hookah,

I totally agree that the "new breed" of MMA stars are, athletically speaking, an entire new genre.

What I meant, though, was that even the SAME guys are much bigger now. Liborio was small, Barretto looked more like a swimmer than a fighter. Even in old fights compared to now, Renzo was much smaller. Even the old "skill" guys have beefed up considerably!

I agree though, the days of Keith Hackney, full tiime owner of "Relieable Heating and AC" coming in and competing are over. These are full time, professional athletes now.

[bobby_steeles]

never rule out an ettish comeback...