Javi Vazquez talks Elite XC

Submitted by: Keith Mills

Longtime readers of Abu Dhabi News probably remember Javier Vazquez from his days with Millennia Jiu-Jitsu, the team that dominated King of the Cage in ’02. At the time Javi was the Lightweight Champion, Romi Aram the Welterweight Champion, and John Alessio the Superfight Champion. In ’03 things fell apart at Millennia when Javi, at the time confirmed to make his UFC debut, tore his ACL under a minute into his KOTC title defense against Alberto Crane. See the ADCC News archives for the complete story on the rest of the team and Javi’s follow-up fight against Robert Emerson in November ‘03.

Javi recovered and representing Showtime Jiu-Jitsu went on to win the Abu Dhabi ’05 North American Qualifier, beating Crane in the finals for added drama, but tore a groin muscle that kept him out of the Worlds that cycle. Since then Javi has continued to do compete in grappling events, even being named On the Mat’s #1 ranked North American fighter for his weight class. Next Javi returns to MMA where he fights in EliteXC’s first show on February 10th against Adriano Pereira.

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