The 2022 IBJJF No-Gi Worlds set a precedent for weirdness when both finalist in the black belt open weight division did not show up for their scheduled fight without any prior notice. One of the finalists, Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu was a no-show because USADA was there testing the champions, according to Victor Hugo, one of the two black belt open weight bronze medalists.
The problem of steroids in BJJ has become so common, that people take it for granted these days. With testing almost non-existent, we’re seeing human specimens at the biggest professional stage in Jiu-Jitsu that all look like prime UFC steroid-era Vittor Belfort. One of those accused of exploiting a certain type of PEDs over the years has been multiple times World Champion Cyborg, with the latest accusation coming a few days ago from Victor Hugo.
USADA officials showed up at the IBJJF No-Gi Worlds tournament in Anaheim, CA to test the champions of the black belt divisions. The final of the open weight division scheduled for Sunday, December 11, was a historically anticlimactic moment, with both finalists ending up disqualified for not showing up.
One of the two bronze medalists, Victor Hugo thinks he knows exactly why this happened. According to him, both Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu and Cardoso Ceconi fled as soon as they got wind that USADA representatives were in the building. It seems that Victor Hugo’s allegations are supported by, well, everyone else at the venue.
Cyborg defeated Victor Hugo in the finals of the Ultra heavyweight division and responded that he had an injury and a place to catch, hence his no-show for the finals of the open weight. Given that we’re talking about another potential world title to his name, saying this excuse has shaky legs is an understatement.
Cyborg declared the following on his Instagram profile:
“8X World Champion 🥇I had a great performance this weekend, amazing fights fighting among the best in the world. I was feeling an old injury and after winning the weight I decided to preserve myself not fighting absolute finals and I had a flight to catch. Hopefully Ceconi and I will be able to face each other in another opportunity. Huge thanks to my team and all sponsors for all the love and support.”
This was not an isolated incident as both finalists in the heavyweight finals also failed to show up, one of them being Cyborg’s teammate Vagner Rocha.
