Werdum Takes Heavyweight Crown

In 1999 and 2000, Mark Kerr won the ADCC over-99-kilogram division, but not since the competition became a biennial event had a 99-and-over winner repeated as champion. Until now.

2007 champion Fabricio Werdum took a 9-0 points win over Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu to claim his second straight title in the division. Uncharacteristic for heavyweights, both men opened the match hot, and Abreu took Werdum's back with hooks in during the pre-points period. However, after Werdum escaped, he showed why he won the division in New Jersey two years ago.

Playing on top, Werdum was able to escape Abreu's half guard and hold side control to score. Though Abreu regained half, Werdum continued to pass whenever he did, building his nine point lead. Despite the lead, Werdum looked for a finish until the end, trying to step over Abreu's head to set up a topside triangle to please the crowd in Spain, Werdum's home-away-from-home where he's spent time living, training and teaching.

In the division's bronze medal affair, 2005 champion Jeff Monson bested Saulo Ribeiro on points in a lukewarm affair, in which neither fighter could generate major offense. Following the bout, the 35-year-old Ribeiro took the house microphone, and thanks both ADCC organizers and fans before announcing his retirement from competitive grappling after six BJJ world titles at the black belt level and two ADCC titles.