The World Championships have been the host of some of the most iconic moments in jiu-jitsu history. From dominant performances to epic come from behind victories, we’ve seen it all at the Worlds. Back in 2009, nearly fourteen years ago, Roger Gracie put on what was arguably the most dominant performance ever at the World Championships. It was a career defining moment for Roger and a performance that is still talked about today, nearly fourteen years later, in jiu-jitsu academies all across the world.

2009 Worlds Highlights

-Super Heavy & Open Class Champion

-6-0 with 100% submission rate

-4 cross chokes from mount and 2 mounted ezekiel chokes

-All 6 submissions came from mount

Super Heavy - 3 fights, 3 submissions

Roger had three matches in the super heavy division at the 2009 Worlds. His first match was against Bruno Bastos of Nova Uniao. Roger started the match by pulling guard, the only time he did so at this event. After attempting an omoplata when Bruno stood up, the two reset to their feet. Bruno pulled guard this time and the two exchanged beautiful ‘Shaolin’ style sweeps from half guard. Once Roger got on top, he passed the half guard straight to mount and finished with a cross choke.

His semifinal opponent was future IBJJF Hall of Fame member Bernardo Faria, a master of the half guard position. Bernardo got right to his game, starting the match with intensity and pulling to half guard. Roger proved that he had the recipe to beat the position, however, and proceeded to pass to the mount, finishing with an ezekiel.

Coming into the 2009 Worlds, Ricardo “Demente” Abreu was an accomplished super heavyweight competitor known for his butterfly guard game and his armbar submissions. He started the super heavyweight final against Roger by pulling straight to butterfly and scoring a quick two point sweep. He then forced Roger to the turtle position off of a pass attempt from half guard, and appeared to be in control of the match. It wasn’t long before Roger turned the tables, avoiding a back take attempt and ending up in the top half guard position. He would once again pass directly to the mount from half guard and then finish shortly thereafter with another mounted ezekiel choke.

Open Class - 3 fights, 3 submissions

Similar to his run for super heavy gold, Roger faced three world-class opponents in the open class. He started his run in the quarterfinals against 2007 World Champion Rafael Lovato Jr. Roger showed some of his judo skills to start the match, hitting a beautiful foot sweep to score two points. Once on top he passed, mounted, and finished a cross collar choke.

Roger faced jiu-jitsu and judo black belt Claudio Calasans in the open class semifinal. Calasans started the match with a perfectly timed single leg takedown, scoring two points to take the lead. He could not keep Roger on his back, however, and pulled guard after they reset back on their feet.  Roger opened the guard and nearly passed, but Calasans recovered to butterfly guard. As he attempted to elevate and sweep Roger using his hooks, Roger passed to the side control position. He then mounted and finished his third cross choke from the mount of the day.

In his final match at the 2009 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships, Roger faced another future Hall of Fame member in Romulo Barral. Romulo was a 2007 medium-heavy World Champion and widely regarded as the best spider guard player on the planet. He pulled Roger into his closed guard to start the match, and opened it up shortly after to play his favored spider guard position. Roger remained patient on top, applying consistent pressure that eventually led to a guard pass. Once in side control Roger used the same tactics he had used in all of his previous matches, working his way into the mount position and finishing with a cross choke, his fourth of the event.

Roger’s game at the 2009 Worlds embodied a classical style of jiu-jitsu in which he achieved top position, passed the guard, mounted, and then attacked submissions. It’s an approach that has stood the test of time and one for which Roger will always be regarded as a master of.