Shine Fight Promotions has secured the services of another top-level grappler, as they have signed the 2009 Abu Dhabi Combat Club 88-kilogram and Absolute division champion Braulio Estima (0-0 MMA) to an exclusive contract in the United States. Other terms of the agreement will not be released. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace is expected to make his debut in 2010.
Braulio Estima
Estima is considered one of the world’s very best grapplers. The head instructor and owner of the Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Birmingham, England, Estima is a black belt who currently trains alongside Renzo Gracie. His submission competition achievements include winning the CBJJ World Championship in 2004, 2006, and 2009, the Absolute World Cup Championship in 2006, the European CBJJ Absolute Championships in 2006 and 2009, as well as being the ADCC 2007 silver medalist. At ADCC 2009, Estima won both the under-88 kg and Absolute division championships, defeating DREAM veteran Andre Galvao and Sengoku veteran Xande Ribeiro in the respective finals.
Called “the breakout star” of the 2009 Abu Dhabi Combat Club tournament by Sherdog, the 6’3”, 190 lb. native of Brazil shocked the grappling community by submitting submission legend Marcelo Garcia, in addition to defeating Galvao and Ribiero on his way to the under-88 kg and Absolute division championships. Also labeled “one of grappling’s most underrated and overlooked competitors” by Sherdog, Estima is a multiple-time World, European and Pan-American grappling champion.
Estima’s grappling credentials rival those of any fighter in MMA. Here is a list of his achievements:
- ADCC 2009 88 kg and Absolute Champion
- Absolute World Cup Champion – 2006
- Absolute World Champion – 2002
- World Champion – 2004, 2006, 2009
- Grand Slam Capital Challenge Jordan – 2008 heavy weight and Absolute Champion
- Pan American Champion – 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006
- Absolute Pan American Champion – 2003
- Pan American No Gi Champion – 2008
- Absolute Pan American No Gi Champion – 2008
- European Champion – 2007, 2009
- Absolute European Champion – 2007, 2009
- Champion of the International Team – 2003, 2007
- Champion’s Challenge BRAZIL X USA – 2003
- ADCC Silver Medalist – 2007
- World Silver Medalist – 2008
- 3rd placed on the World Championship – 2003
- 3rd placed on the World Championship – 2001
“Braulio is such an amazing grappler. It will be interesting to see how he translates his grappling skills into the MMA world, but I’m glad that Shine will be facilitating his debut,” stated Shine matchmaker Ron Foster. “We believe that he will excel in MMA as he has in the grappling world.”
An opponent has not yet been determined for Estima, but he is expected to make his debut at Shine Fights III, which is tentatively scheduled for April 2010.
Hector Feliciano is the founder and Editor of the Martial Arts Times. A fighting enthusiast, He looks forward to sharing his experiences with readers and interacting in the wonderful world of Martial Arts. 
