3X World Champion Marcio “Pe de Pano” Cruz returned to competition in late February at the Tampa International Open where he won ultra-heavy and open class gold in epic fashion. We caught up with the R1NG BJJ leader to discuss his return to competition and his plans going forward.

You returned to competition at the 2023 Tampa International Open. What was your motivation to compete at this event?

“I always loved to compete. But when you get older it’s much harder to stay at a high level. My son is 7 years old and never saw me fighting. I made him a promise that I would fight a tournament so he could watch. This was my main motivation for this one.”

What was your preparation like for the event and what obstacles did you have to overcome?

“I wasn’t training to compete anymore. Before the pandemic I had a knee surgery and since then I wasn’t training at all or barely training. All this time off the mats took a toll on my body and my will to get back to training and in better shape physically. About a year ago I started some light strength and conditioning training and slowly got my old shape back. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be ready to compete and only came back when I really felt ready.”

Can you describe how your matches went?

“I was expecting to feel some type of pressure but it never happened. I was really relaxed and had in mind to go in there and do what I always did. The first fight I was able to get a good submission and second fight I fought a very experienced Bruno Bastos and got the win via decision.”

When can we expect to see you compete again? Do you plan to compete at World Masters in Vegas?

“I have to say I’m really happy to be back and got that itch, that feeling to compete again. I was really thinking about even competing at the Pans but it was too soon. I’ll definitely be at the World Masters in Vegas.”

How has jiu-jitsu competition improved your life?

“Competing always made me realize that I’m my biggest challenge and my biggest obstacle. I always think positive and I’m always willing to give that first step to make things happens. Jiu-Jitsu gave me all of that."