David Farias Competes for Combat Jiu-jitsu Worlds Championship
Combat Jiu-jitsu Worlds has built a unique platform garnering worldwide attention within the fight sports community. The upcoming August 18 tournament installment features 16 elite welterweight competitors, all aspiring to become the Combat Jiu-Jitsu World Champion.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black belt David Farias enters the tournament with two decades of experience, accumulating many prestigious grappling titles throughout his journey. Farias’s background could pose a significant threat to the other CJJ competitors. What makes his deserving this opportunity? Why is he destined to walk away, champion? David Farias explains it all for us in this discussion with MYMMANEWS.
Being a competitor in any form of competition, every athlete has the desire to test themselves. For you, as a combat sports competitor, how does this premise resonate with you?
David Farias: “I think anyone who practices martial arts has the desire to know how capable they are as a practitioner. For me, transitioning from Jiu-Jitsu to a Combat Jiu-jitsu platform is an opportunity to test my craft, both physically and mentally. Personally, as an ‘old school’ martial artist, I still hold to the value of self-defense. I see this as an opportunity to see how my Jiu-Jitsu transitions into reality base combat while still being constrained to the element of grappling.”
You have competed in countless grappling tournaments. However, naturally, if the grappling tournament routine becomes repetitive, you want to seek out new challenges. With your recent entry into the Combat Jiu-Jitsu Worlds, does this answer your wishes of seeking new challenges?
David Farias: “Absolutely, Combat Jiu-Jitsu introduces a more pure form of grappling with the addition of the open hand strikes. I am delighted to see how much Jiu-Jitsu has grown, but I believe it is imperative to hold to the traditional precepts of the art. Jiu-Jitsu was intended to be a combat art much like any martial arts. So this answers my wish of seeking a new challenge without necessarily transitioning my approach to combat.”
Many candidates were overlooked and not considered for this event. What do you feel was the standout feature that made you deserving of being a part of this prestigious tournament?
David Farias: “I have close to two decades under my belt training in Jiu-Jitsu, while still being relatively young. Plus, I think my face looks good on a poster.”
Speaking of tournament entrants, what separates David Farias from the other Combat Jiu-Jitsu competitors?
David Farias: “Not overlooking any of my competition, but my time in the sport and the art. I might be the only competitor on the bracket who has competed across three decades, except someone like Vagner Rocha maybe.”
Combat JJ Worlds has a unique rule set, merging aspects of MMA with EBI Rules. Was it difficult in modifying your training for this event, as oppose preparation for a grappling tournament?
David Farias: “I think my style is right for this format. I have always trained my Jiu-Jitsu intending to transition to combat. I would say the only modifications I needed to make were adjusting for the open hand strikes.”
What is your overall purpose in winning this tournament?
David Farias: “This is the pinnacle of my career in this sport. When I first started, there weren’t many tournaments, and you had to have money to compete in the big-time events. Lately, I have had some good opportunities, but this by far has been the biggest blessing and hope is the first of many. I want people to know that Dave Farias has been overlooked, and hope to leave a mark in this sport starting August 18th.”
Do you think this experience may inspire future aspirations in MMA?
David Farias: “No, this is enough for me to say, “I can if I need to.” I would be a lot more comfortable with a fat older version of myself coaching people on the television screen by participating in this event.”
Finally, when fight fans see you step unto the mat on August 18th, what should they expect from David Farias?
David Farias: “Other than good looks, expect surprises. I am overlooked often, and people tend to be surprised. When I am on, I am on, and I have been working hard for this event, Combat Jiu-Jitsu Worlds.”
Want to see David Farias’ quest to become CJJ World Champion? Be sure to tune into “Combat Jiu-jitsu Worlds: Welterweight Tournament”, airing live on UFC Fight Pass, Saturday, August 18 at 5 pm Pacfic/8 pm Eastern.
