Ronaldo Junior, one of the top ranked medium-heavyweights in the world, is having an exceptional year so far. With great performances in both Grand Slam events and in open tournaments, he is set to display the best of his jiu-jitsu skills at the IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix on September 1st in Las Vegas, Nevada. This super fight against Sebastian Rodriguez promises to be a thrilling clash of styles, pitting two Pan Champions against each other in an exciting showdown.

As he reflected on his achievements thus far in 2023, Ronaldo expressed gratitude for the opportunities to showcase his skills on big stages in the sport. "It’s been great to have opportunities to show my jiu-jitsu to the world on the big stage. I feel great and ready to display the best of my jiu-jitsu up to this point," said Ronaldo.

As a a veteran of IBJJF GP events, Ronaldo is no stranger to the excitement and challenge they offer. When asked about what he likes about the IBJJF GPs and what makes them special, Ronaldo commended the professional approach of the IBJJF in organizing these pro events. "I like the attitude from IBJJF to drive jiu-jitsu in a professional way, making pro events like the GP. As an athlete, I feel honored to be part of it, and I’m happy to be able to fight the way people want to see, high level all day," he explained.

Facing Sebastian Rodriguez for the first time at the black belt level, Ronaldo acknowledges the skills and capabilities of his opponent. Sebastian's aggressive fighting style matches Ronaldo's, ensuring a match filled with non-stop action. "Sebastian’s good. He definitely deserves a shot against me. I’m a showman. He’s entertaining as well, so it’s a good matchup. Now it’s just a matter of who has better jiu-jitsu, and we are going to find out on September 1st."

Looking ahead to the rest of 2023, Ronaldo set his sights on another prestigious event, The Crown, where he aims to show that he has the best pound-for-pound jiu-jitsu in the world. His determination and enthusiasm for the event speak volumes about his desire to leave a legacy in the sport.

Be sure to catch the IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix on Friday September 1st. The event is part of Jiu-Jitsu CON, the largest gathering of jiu-jitsu practitioners in the world. If you can’t make it to Vegas to watch the event live, you can stream it exclusively on FloGrappling.