Atos Jiu-Jitsu’s Rolando Samson returned to competition in 2022 following a series of injuries that kept him away from the mats for nearly three years. His return to IBJJF competition came at the 2022 Jiu-Jitsu CON, where he had three matches and two submissions, taking gold in the medium-heavy division. Rolando would go on to take gold at the 2022 Twin Cities and 2023 Austin Opens prior to competing this past weekend in Los Angeles. 

You took gold this past weekend at the LA Open in a stacked middleweight division, defeating 3X Pan Champion Johnatha Alves in the final. Talk about your weekend in LA.

“Man, my matches in LA were cool. I’m constantly learning about myself and what I can do. My finals match with Johnatha was an honor for me. He is a technician and I'm just grateful I had the opportunity to feel it.”

At the upcoming Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Florida you’ll take on the always challenging middleweight division. What are your expectations for the event?

“My expectations for Pans is for me to do my best in every situation presented to me. I haven't done this tournament since 2018. I'm excited to compete at this tournament and test myself against these guys.”

How do you feel about a potential match with middleweight kingpin Tainan Dalpra?

“That match would be awesome. He's the best right now and I'm a big fan. Seeing his work come to light has been a treat and I would love to test myself against him."

What are your current competition goals?

“My goals are to continue to improve and compete as much as I can with the time permitted. I'm very excited to compete at Worlds since I haven't done it since 2018. I’m just grateful to be back out there again after such a long hiatus.”

Watch Rolando take on the black belt middleweight division at the 2023 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championships, live on flograppling.com.