Vagner Rocha

Name: Vagner Rocha
Current Rank: Black Belt under Pablo Popovitch
Notable Achievements:

• 1st Place ADCC US East Trials (2015/2010)

• 1st Place ADCC US West Trials (2017)

• 1st Place EBI Combat Invitational (2017)

• 1st Place IBJJF Pans Championship (2007 brown)

• 2nd Place ADCC World Championship (2019)

• 2nd Place IBJJF World Championship NOGI (2021)

Lineage: Carlos Gracie -> Crolin Gracie -> Jorge Popovitch -> Pablo Popovitch -> Vagner Rocha

Introduction

Vagner Rocha, also known as 'Ceará,' is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Pablo Popovitch. He is a formidable force in both the grappling and mixed martial arts (MMA) worlds, having competed in top promotions like ADCC and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). With an ADCC medal to his name and a reputation for relentless fighting, Rocha is also the founder of Vagner Rocha Martial Arts, a renowned association in South Florida.

Early Life

Born on June 6, 1982, in Nova Friburgo, a mountainous region in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Vagner Rocha's journey to martial arts began at an early age. At just five years old, his family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he was introduced to taekwondo at the age of seven. Although he lost touch with martial arts for a while, his passion was reignited at 18 when he was introduced to jiu-jitsu during a holiday in Brazil.

Formative Years in Jiu-Jitsu

Vagner began his jiu-jitsu training in 2001 under Jorge Popovitch. However, the birth of his first child forced him to slow down his training to focus on providing for his family. Once he found stability in his life, he returned to jiu-jitsu with full dedication. The Popovitch family played a crucial role in his progression, awarding him all his belts, including his black belt in December 2007.

Ascension to Prominence

Vagner Rocha's rise to prominence came with a series of significant achievements. He won the ADCC US East Trials in 2010 and 2015, and the ADCC US West Trials in 2017. He also secured first place in the EBI Combat Invitational in 2017 and the IBJJF Pans Championship as a brown belt in 2007. His accolades also include a second-place finish at the ADCC World Championship in 2019.

Career in MMA and Coaching

In 2008, Vagner was offered a coaching position at the BJJ Centre, where he honed his coaching skills. He also ventured into MMA in 2009 and eventually made his way to the UFC in 2011. That same year, he founded Vagner Rocha Martial Arts (VRMA), his own association.

The Avengers and Fight Sports

Vagner Rocha has also been associated with Fight Sports, a well-known academy in Florida. He formed an alliance with Roberto 'Cyborg' Abreu in 2009, leading to the creation of a team called The Avengers, which included several other black belts. Although the team eventually disbanded, the friendship and alliance between Rocha and Abreu persisted.

Legacy and Influence

Vagner Rocha's grappling record boasts 91 wins, with 42 of them coming by submission. His favorite technique is the "50/50 of the Arms," and he competes in the Peso Médio weight division (82.30 kg / 181.5 lbs). His influence extends beyond the mat as a coach, mentor, and founder of his own martial arts association.

Conclusion

Vagner Rocha's journey from a young boy in Brazil to a black belt in jiu-jitsu and a competitor in MMA is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and love for martial arts. With a legacy that continues to inspire, Rocha remains a significant figure in the world of jiu-jitsu and MMA.