SANTA ANA, California (August 8, 2007) – Legendary Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor and fighter Joe “Macaco” Moreira is working with his good friend, Kimo Leopoldo, to develop a mixed-martial-arts show between Team USA and Team Brazil New Era Fighting (NEF), the most entertaining MMA organization.
 
Moreira, who now lives in Newport Beach (CA), is a 7th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 3rd degree Judo and Ruas Vale Tudo Black Belt with 40 years of experiencing as an MMA trainer. He is a three-time World Championship winner, represented Brazil in the 1984 Olympics, and started training when he was nine years old at the famed Carlson and Rolls Gracie School, where he was mainly coached by Reylson Gracie and Pinduka.

“Kimo and I fought on the same show,” Joe explained his friendship with NEF champion Kimo. “I had a problem with my coach and the next day in the lobby he and some of his people confronted me. Kimo stepped in (on Joe’s behalf) and we’ve been good friends ever since. It must be around 12 years now. I taught him, we’ve stayed at each other’s house, and trained together.

“We’re trying to find sponsors for a fight in Brazil. We could get up to 20,000 fans, but it all depends on the sponsorships we raise. There are a lot of tough, young fighters in Brazil who will put on a great show. These kids just need a chance. They’re all-around MMA fighters, not just trained in Brazlilian jiu-jitsu, and a lot are heavyweights.”

“My sensei, Joe Moreira, trained with the Gracies and has done more for Brazilian jiu-jitsu in this country than even the Gracies,” Kimo remarked. “What we’re trying to do at New Era Fighting is get back to the true spirit of mixed martial arts. Fans are getting bored with fighters on shows who have the same style of fighting.”

“We’re trying to incorporate different styles of mixed martial arts,” NEF president Ron Kort said. “We want fighters who box, wrestle, grapple, karate, jiu-jitsu, kick-box – all different styles of fighting – against each other. A Team USA vs. Team Brazil show would also serve as recruiting for our ongoing ‘World’s Toughest Man’ contest. We’ve signed a few fighters from tryouts and we’re planning to sign more. We are a global organization and promoting a show in Brazil would expand out market.”

For more information about NEF or its “World’s Toughest Man” contest call 714.973.3053/714.448.9999 or go on line to www.NewEraFighting.com.

CONTACT:
Bob Trieger
Full Court Press
978.207.0165
bobtfcp@hotmail.com