Leonardo 'Chocolate' Nascimento Ready for Fight at ADXC: The Luta-Livre Legend Returns to Rio for Another Takedown Show!

It is with great honor that the DESTAQUE Luta-Livre blog welcomes Leonardo Nascimento, better known in the martial arts world as “Chocolate”. A 5th Dan black belt in Luta-Livre, former professional MMA athlete and ADCC trials champion, Chocolate is a living legend of Luta-Livre and one of the most respected representatives of this style on the world stage. With a career that includes representing the Brazilian Wrestling team and being part of the RFT team, led by Mestre Cromado, he has gained fame for his skill in takedowns, transforming each fight into a true spectacle and making his opponents “fly” with his impressive technique. In addition to being an athlete, he is the father of two children and a Physical Education teacher, inspiring and educating the new generations.

After fighting some of the biggest names in MMA and Grappling, Chocolate returns to Rio de Janeiro to face a new challenge at one of the biggest events in the world: ADXC, organized by the Abu Dhabi federation. In today's chat, we'll learn more about the trajectory, inspirations and future of this Luta-Livre giant.

Chocolate, many dream of winning the ADCC Trials, but few get there. How did it feel to achieve this victory? And how was the preparation for this level of competition?

"When I signed up for the ADCC tryouts, I no longer trained as often. I had to choose between work and training, but I went willingly, as I always dreamed of fighting in the biggest ground fighting event in the world. Unfortunately, during a competition, I ended up injuring and tearing my shoulder tendon, which made my dream of competing in full condition very difficult."

For years, you were considered the number 1 representative of luta-livre worldwide. How do you see this responsibility and what impact did it have on your career and the popularization of luta-livre?

"I never considered myself number one in our sport, mainly because I never had support or recognition. It seems like it's easier for them to value Jiu-Jitsu athletes, who don't always carry the flag of our fight. In my view, the true number one from Luta-Livre is Alexandre Cacareco."

MMA and Grappling Experience Against the Best in the World: You have faced some of the biggest names in both MMA and Grappling. What was the most challenging fight and why?

"In MMA, one of the most challenging fights was against Alexandre Sagat, at The One event. I accepted this fight with only four days prior and it was a three-round battle, which I ended up winning. In grappling, I remember the ADCC qualifiers in 2009, when I faced Cassiano Tite, who had been submitting all his opponents. It was a tough battle, but I managed to win."

Takedown Technique: You are known for your "magnificent" takedowns that send your opponents flying. How did you develop such a powerful technique, and what advice would you give to those who want to master takedowns in Luta-Livre?

"I started in judo, training from the age of 7 to 12. Fighting is like riding a bicycle, you never forget it! When I started in Luta-Livre Esportiva, about five years later, I applied what I knew about judo and, in 2006, I discovered wrestling with professor Rodrigo Artilheiro, which gave me an even stronger foundation in falls."

Next Fight at ADXC: Now you are preparing to compete at ADXC, in Rio de Janeiro. How important is this fight in your career, and what can fans expect?

"I received the invitation for this fight three weeks in advance, but for those who are in the battle, there is no bad time. I will fight in the 120kg category and those who like my work can expect the best of me. I am going to war and I want to take the Luta-Livre flag to the top of the podium, which is the place it deserves to be."

Tell us a little about your relationship with the RFT team and Mestre Cromado. How have they influenced your style and your career?

"RFT is more than a team, it's a family. No one is alone. Mestre Cromado is the one who always believed and continues to believe in me. Everything I've achieved in the fight is thanks to him. If there is a "Leonardo Chocolate" today, it's because he gave me this foundation."

Work-Life Balance: We know that in addition to being an athlete, you are also the father of two children. How do you balance your intense training and competition routine with your family life?

"Family is everything! If there is no support, the competidor side practically doesn't exist. But today, the priority is work, because the bills arrive every month. Fighting is like a religion for me, I need to practice to feel good, but I no longer train with the same intensity as a professional athlete."

Experience as a Physical Education Teacher: In addition to fighting, you are also a teacher. How does your experience in martial arts impact your work as an educator? And what is the most valuable thing your students learn from you?

"Currently, my focus is working as a personal trainer in the area of ​​Physical Education. Fighting helps a little, but what I bring most to my clients is discipline, commitment to schedules and responsibility at work, in addition to respect for each one of them."

Perspective on the Evolution of Luta-Livre and Grappling in Brazil: In your opinion, how have Luta-Livre and Grappling evolved in Brazil in recent years? What still needs to be done for these sports to gain more visibility?

"For Luta-Livre to grow, it is essential that athletes receive more support and stop paying so much attention to Jiu-Jitsu alone. We have to value those who really raise the flag of Sports Luta-Livre here in Brazil."

Future Plans: After ADXC, what else are you planning? Are there any other goals or competitions you still want to achieve?

"First, the focus is on ADXC and putting on a show for those who follow. Then, we'll see what this fight will bring with open doors."

The chat with Leonardo "Chocolate" Nascimento showed us not only the talent and technique of a true luta-livre master, but also the passion and commitment he dedicates to the sport and his students. With a career full of achievements and challenges, Chocolate continues to represent the essence of luta-livre, inspiring new generations and leaving a remarkable legacy for the martial arts.

Now, with his next fight at ADXC approaching, we are sure that he will put on another show, taking the name of Brazil and Luta-Livre even further. Follow this legend on his journey and stay tuned to DESTAQUE Luta-Livre for more inspiring stories and exclusive interviews!