Before Bryan Tidwell grapples fellow Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Roli Delgado at Valor Fights 40 on Saturday night in Nashville, LIVE on FloCombat, he sat down with ProMMANow.com.
How were you introduced to Brazilian jiu-jitsu in the first place?
Really, I don’t know (laughs), but when I was younger I remember hearing that jiu-jitsu is better for smaller people because it’s more about leverage and technique instead of strength. I happened to be close to a jiu-jitsu school, which happened to be Nashville MMA. I’ve been there since Day 1, when I was 17.
What would you say are your three biggest grappling accomplishments so far?
I don’t know. But one would definitely be getting my black belt. I don’t really know, to be honest. I haven’t really done a lot. Winning the Chicago Open as a purple belt is something I’m proud of. I just love competing. I just love jiu-jitsu. I don’t really have that many accomplishments.
How excited are you to test yourself against Roli Delgado?
I’m really excited. He’s a really good black belt and a pioneer in the region. I’m really looking forward to testing myself against a black belt who’s been in the game a long time. I have a lot of respect for him and his team; I’m excited.
What does Roli bring to the table?
I know he’s good all around, and he’s particularly good with ankle locks. In 2010 he kind of revolutionized it. But he’s good all around. I’ve done a couple seminars from his coach, and I know they’re phenomenal at jiu-jitsu. It’s going to be good.
Do you have any predictions for this match?
I don’t really have any predictions. I just know it’s going to be exciting, and the fans are definitely going to get their money’s worth.