You couldn’t blame Nathiely Melo De Jesus for having a big smile as she claimed gold and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) World No1 crown in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
The Brazilian entered the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship at the top of the rankings and with nearest rival Luiza Da Costa failing to win her Brown Belt in the 62kg, she cemented the spot even before taking to the mat.
But that didn’t stop her from sealing the top prize in the black belt 90kg final. Up against compatriot Talita Nogueira, the scores remained 0-0 but Jesus made her move later on to earn a 2-0 advantage which was eventually enough to secure victory.
It was her seventh gold this campaign, her first full season as a black belt.
“I’m really happy to win not just the gold but the World No.1 title,” she said. “I really didn’t expect [to get World No.1] because it was only ten months ago that I started focusing and competing in black belt categories. It has been a great journey for me and it’s now given me more motivation to succeed in the future.”
Meanwhile, Beatriz Mesquita continued her record of being on the podium at every World Pro in Abu Dhabi since its inception in 2009.
The 26-year-old beat Tammi Musumeci of the USA to get her hands on the 62kg gold, a medal that left her thrilled.
“I fought her a couple of times and was reading her game alll time time. Every day it was like a final for me,” she said. “It was a great match and playing her before was the advantage. It really feels great to have another gold here in Abu Dhabi.”
Another Brazilian to go home with gold was Ana Talita Alencar. She won the 55kg title after beating Great Britain’s Vanessa English.
“I really cannot describe how I’m feeling right now,” she said. “I’m very happy. I was only competing in black belt for less than a year and to win in this competition is really amazing.”
