In this article titled “All Access: Rafael Lovato Jr Makes Final Preparations For Tezos WNO,” Rafael Lovato Jr is highlighted as he gears up for his upcoming match against Elder Cruz on Thursday, May 18th. The article features a video by FloGrappling and provides viewers with a glimpse into Lovato Jr’s intense final training session. As he goes through various grappling techniques and strategies, Lovato Jr emphasizes the importance of connecting wrestling to finishing moves and encourages his training partners to bring their best. The article also mentions two of Lovato Jr’s students, Professor Troy and Coach Heflin, who will be competing alongside him in the event, highlighting their hard work and dedication leading up to this opportunity. With Lovato Jr’s own accomplishments in jiu jitsu and the prospect of taking on a talented opponent like Cruz, the anticipation for the match is palpable.

Preparation for Tezos WNO

Training session before the match

In preparation for his match against Elder Cruz at Tezos WNO, Rafael Lovato Jr organizes a training session for himself and his teammates. He instructs them to focus on situations where they can take their opponents down and transition to the back for a finish. By connecting their wrestling skills to their finishing moves, they aim to maximize their chances of success in the upcoming event.

Connecting wrestling to the finish

Lovato Jr emphasizes the importance of connecting wrestling techniques to finishing moves. Whether it’s using a front headlock or taking the back, he wants his teammates to understand how their takedowns can lead to submission opportunities. By drilling these sequences and practicing them with their training partners, they hope to become more comfortable in executing these techniques during their matches.

Training Session

Lovato Jr and his training partners engage in a drilling session to sharpen their skills and techniques. With the hard work of their training camp already completed, they aim to reduce the pressure and have some fun during this final training session. The presence of their fellow teammates provides an opportunity to work together and observe each other’s game, ensuring that everyone is ready for their upcoming matches. This camaraderie allows Lovato Jr to see the progress made by his students and instills a sense of pride in their achievements.

Having fun and reducing pressure

While the final training session is crucial for maintaining sharpness and technique, Lovato Jr encourages his teammates to enjoy themselves and relieve some of the pressure. The presence of their peers creates a supportive environment and reminds them of the journey they have all undertaken together. This lighthearted approach helps them relax while still staying focused on their goals.

Students on the card

Lovato Jr expresses his pride in the accomplishments of his students who will also be competing at Tezos WNO. Professor Troy, one of his newer black belts, has been working hard and achieving great results. Lovato Jr acknowledges the effort and dedication Troy has put into his training, making his inclusion on the card especially meaningful. Coach Heflin, on the other hand, has only participated in one previous grappling event. Despite his relative inexperience, Heflin reached the finals in that competition, showcasing his natural talent and skill. Lovato Jr sees great potential in Heflin and believes that he will soon make a name for himself in the world of professional grappling.

Professor Troy’s success and hard work

Lovato Jr commends Professor Troy’s dedication and hard work. He views him as a deserving individual who has earned his place on the Tezos WNO card through consistent effort and notable progress. As one of Lovato Jr’s newer black belts, Troy’s success reflects their shared commitment and the effective instruction provided by Lovato Jr.

Coach Heflin’s wrestling background and potential

Coach Heflin comes from an impressive wrestling background, bringing valuable skills to the world of grappling. Despite initially having limited exposure to the sport, Heflin quickly adapted and excelled. Lovato Jr acknowledges the growth he has witnessed in Heflin’s abilities and highlights the productive training sessions they have had together. Heflin’s wrestling expertise has not only made him a valuable training partner for Lovato Jr but also positions him as a formidable contender in the professional grappling scene.

Competition and Goals

Tezos WNO holds great importance for Lovato Jr and his teammates. Qualifying for ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) and earning a spot on Who’s Number One (WNO) are two significant goals in the world of nogi grappling. Lovato Jr emphasizes that years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication have led them to this moment. The opportunity to participate in such a prestigious event signifies the culmination of their efforts and represents a chance to showcase their skills on a larger stage.

Importance of Tezos WNO

Lovato Jr acknowledges that Tezos WNO is currently one of the biggest professional shows in the world of grappling. Being invited to compete in this event holds great significance and indicates recognition of their talent and contributions to the sport. The exposure gained from such a platform can propel their grappling careers to new heights and attract further opportunities for advancement.

Matchup against Elder Cruz

Lovato Jr expresses excitement about his upcoming matchup against Elder Cruz. He considers this an ideal matchup, as Cruz is a young and hungry competitor who wants to make a name for himself. Lovato Jr holds deep respect for Cruz’s Sensei Lucas, highlighting the reputation of his Jiu-Jitsu techniques and the quality of training he provides. Facing one of Lucas’s highly skilled black belts is an honor for Lovato Jr and serves as a testament to the growth and development of the Jiu-Jitsu community.

Elder’s style and previous victories

Describing Cruz’s style, Lovato Jr mentions that Cruz is an aggressive and forward-moving competitor, combining wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu techniques. Cruz’s previous victories over prominent names in the grappling world demonstrate his skills and the level of competition he has faced. Lovato Jr sees this as an exciting challenge and an opportunity to showcase his abilities against a skilled opponent.

Expecting a tough and exciting battle

Lovato Jr anticipates a tough and exciting battle with Cruz. Both competitors possess the skills and determination to give their absolute best during the match. Lovato Jr emphasizes the respect and admiration he holds for Cruz, acknowledging the competitive spirit and skill set Cruz brings to the table. He expects the match to be filled with fireworks and a testament to the growth and evolution of their grappling careers.

Giving their best and winning as a family

As Lovato Jr and his teammates prepare for Tezos WNO, they approach the event with a sense of unity and camaraderie. They view themselves as a family, supporting and encouraging one another. Their shared goals and training experiences foster a collective desire to achieve victory while representing their team. Lovato Jr emphasizes the importance of giving their absolute best during the matches and striving for success together. Winning as a family not only highlights their individual accomplishments but also reinforces the bonds they have formed throughout their grappling journeys.