The Brazilian Impact

MMA fans across the world know its origins. They know the name that began it all: Gracie. The importance of Brazilians to MMA is clear, they began it with Vale Tudo, and continue to dominate the sport they helped make. One of the most prominent Brazilian contributions to modern MMA is the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The ability for a fighter to win from off of his back can completely turn the fight around. In a random coincidence as I wrote this, I watched Nate Diaz getting pummeled on the ground by Kurt Pellegrino, only to catch him in a triangle choke seconds later and win the fight.