As a two-time ADCC champion to go along with his countless other titles, including Worlds, it’s same to say that CTA’s Yuri Simoes is one of the top competitors of his generation. A beast both on his feet and with his guard, Yuri has competed on the F2W stage several times now, defeating the likes of others who have reached the pinnacle of grappling excellence such as ADCC absolute champ Dean Lister and US Olympian Travis Stephens.
Tonight in East Bay at the Craneway Pavilion, Yuri looks to add to his list of impressive wins by notching one over TLI’s Tim Spriggs. It should be a match for the ages as both men are known for their straightforward aggression. The two compete in 220 lbs. black belt gi match as the main event of Fight 2 Win 94.
We recently caught up with Yuri ahead of tonight to get his thoughts on the biggest bout of the evening.
Fight 2 Win 94 – Yuri Simoes (CTA)
Yuri, how would you summarize our life so far?
My life has been pretty random and savage, one day I will write a book, stay tuned!
How long have you been training jiujitsu? What’s your typical weekly routine like?
I’ve been training for around 20 years now. My training routine varies based on my upcoming tournaments and matches. I try to keep my routine innovative, so I can continue to grow.
Who would you consider as some of your main influences in the sport?
That’s a tough question to answer, because I could literally write a long list of names of people that have influenced my jiujitsu and my game on it. But I would have to say the three Professors that I’ve trained under in jiujitsu, I would say:
- Maurição Behring – RIP
- Caio Terra
- Ricardo Vieira
Oh… and I will also add my Dad to that list, of course! Because if it wasn’t for his incentive and support, I wouldn’t have even started training BJJ back when I was still a boy.
You’re teaching regularly at CTA, is that correct? What’s that like?
That is correct! It’s great, I love teaching and being able to influence others. Teaching has also been a great way for me to learn about my own game as I am always having to break down and teach some of my own moves.
As an ADCC and World Champ, you’ve already accomplished a lot of this sport. What else do you want to accomplish?
As far as my goals in grappling, I want to become the first man to capture the championship wins in all 3 different weight classes at ADCC. I am also aiming for the absolute title at ADCC next year. Furthermore, next month I am shooting to be the a 3x IBJJF Absolute No Gi Champion as well.
What motivates you?
Jiujitsu speaks to me in terms of who I am as a person. The sport in fact motivates me to become a better overall person in life. I am challenged of course physically and mentally but there is also a huge creative factor in Jiu jitsu as well that drives me to continue to be open minded. I’m driven by the feeling of knowing that all my hard work, sacrifices, high and lows in life were all worth it. I want to be successful- that is the ONLY option in my head and I will be relentless in my pursuit of making history.
You’re already a huge part of the sport’s history! What are you most proud of so far?
I am proud of making my parents in Brazil proud of who I am today as a person and athlete. I am also proud I was able to overcome my knee injury and prove everyone wrong to come back and win last year’s ADCC when I wasn’t at my full recovery, I had to overcome a lot to come back and get that victory!
How would you describe your jiujitsu to fans coming to F2W 94, and have never seen you compete?
You’re in for a treat.
Your opponent at F2W 94, Tim Spriggs, what do you expect out of him?
He’s a solid competitor, and I expect him to bring 100% of his game tomorrow.
Any prediction for the finish?
I’m not good at predicting. I’d rather be a “doer” than talker.
What’s next for you after this?
Worlds No Gi.
Any last words before the main event match?
Thank you to my family and all my friends, fans, team and a big thanks to my sponsor Black Belt CBD! I appreciate the love and support.
