The Berimbolo Kid's Match of the Week - Week 34 - Lucas Leite vs. Roberto 'Cyborg' Abreu - 2007 NoGi Worlds

(The previous edition can be found HERE)

Welcome to another Match of the Week! This week's match is Lucas Leite vs. Roberto 'Cyborg' Abreu from the first ever edition of the NoGi Worlds back in 2007. 

Lucas Leite is a black belt under Leo Vieira and competes for Team Checkmat. Lucas has been a common figure on the podium of major competitions ever since he was promoted to black belt back in 2007. He is well known for changing weight class, and sometimes has even competed at heavyweight (-94kg). Today, Lucas runs a successful academy in La Harba, California.

He is a five time Pan American Champion (2015, 2014, 2012, 2009, 2007 brown), a three time World NoGi Champion (2014, 2011, 2009), a two time World (2007, 2005 brown) and Grapplers Quest Pro Champion (2009, 2007), and a one-time European (2006 brown), American National NoGi (2011), and São Paulo State Champion.

Over the years, Lucas has become famous for his use of the half guard. He is one of the key figures responsible for bringing great attention to the position. He really is exceptional from that position. He has great sweeps from the half guard and also transitions to the back really well. Submissions wise, Lucas has a preference for chokes from the back. 

Lucas Leite
Source: Owen Francis 

Roberto Abreu, better known in the BJJ community as 'Cyborg', is a black belt under Francisco 'Toco' Albuquerque. He initially started training with the Nova Geracao Team, but has since started his own team, Fight Sports. Cyborg is well known for his very unique style of grappling and the tornado guard, which he has since made famous. 

Throughout his reasonably long career, Cyborg has won multiple titles. He is a four time World NoGi Champion (2012, 2011, 2010 weight & absolute), a two time Pan American Champion (2008, 2001 blue), and a one-time ADCC (2013 absolute) and European Champion (2005). He is also a six time World bronze medalist (2013, 2011, 2008, 2006 absolute, 2003 purple, 2002 purple absolute) and a two time ADCC (2013, 2011) and World NoGi bronze medalist (2008 absolute, 2007).

Obviously, as I mentioned earlier, Cyborg is well known for his tornado guard. He is also known for his half guard and the deep half guard position. A very unique, yet under utilised submission which Cyborg has great amounts of success with in competition is the reverse triangle. For such a big guy, Cyborg moves almost like a lightweight. He is very explosive with his movements.

Roberto 'Cyborg' Abreu

During this match, Lucas really shows his skill from the half guard. For the first half of the match, he is relentless with his back takes and sweeps. However, Cyborg does a great job of defending and is always pushing the pass. He also uses some of his famous tornado guard to sweep. The ending of this one might actually surprise you!

The video of the match can be found below! I hope you guys enjoy!

See you next week!

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