It's not too often that people get to see a true Master at work, but with the inaugural World Cup of Mixed Martial Arts we were treated to just that, as Ricardo Liborio demonstrated why he might just be the best coach in Mixed Martial Arts today. Ricardo Liborio's personal accomplishments in the competitive arena are very well documented. He is one of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners ever to come out of Brazil. He could have settled anywhere in the world, but he choose the United States; and the United States is that much better for his choosing to make that country his home. Ricardo Liborio's presence in the United States has helped to develop some of the best MMA athletes in the world. His training camp, American Top Team, on any given day sees MMA athletes from around the world visiting for the opportunity to work in the environment he has created along with his team.

His work and coaching philosophy shined on September 15th, when WCMMA Team USA was lead to a near perfect performance. His team scored four out of five victories, three coming by submission and one by a TKO. The only blemish was that his female team member, Jessica Rakoczy, had to bow out to Rute Frias of Portugal due to medical issues with the Mashantucket Gaming Commission.

What impressed us the most about Ricardo Liborio were his philosophy and his strict adherence to the principals of the Martial Arts, both of which he transmits to the athletes he works with. He was very direct in our interview, saying, "To maintain the level of discipline and respect that the martial arts brings is the most important thing to us." He goes on to explain that without these attributes of martial arts, MMA itself would never be successful. Well, Ricardo Liborio isn't just about speaking these words: his team members exemplified what he spoke about, showing a tremendous amount of respect and sportsmanship while facing Portugal.

Along with Coach Liborio was Assistant Coach Rian Gittman, a menacing and fit figure, who keeps the team in order and makes sure they stay sharp. It was especially nice to see Mr. Gittman's involvement with his son, letting his son experience this event with him and by his side.  Rian was extremely motivated and proud to be helping to not only lead Team USA to victory, but also to have had a very active role in training many of these athletes as  the prepared for the competition. The training camp for the athletes started months ago, but truly moved into high gear about six weeks before the event. It was during those six weeks that these athletes fell under the guidance of both Ricardo Liborio and Rian Gittman at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida.

Team Portugal, and their Coach Kleber Repolho, showed how World Cup team competition not only delivers great excitement but also exemplifies the very best values the sport has to offer among national teams.

Coach Repolho made no excuses for the team's loss, saying, "Our loss is really a lesson, one that we will bring back to Portugal and begin to learn from. Portugal will be back, and we will show that we have the spirit to be champions. We are looking forward to eventually a re-match against the United States." We are sure that Kleber Repolho will be the spark that will start the fire within MMA in Portugal. They now have the opportunity to work together for a common cause, as this is a matter of national pride for their country. Kleber Repolho is a man who may be humble in defeat, but he is also a man who will not accept anything less than to rebuild a stronger and better team. We are looking forward to seeing his results with the Portuguese National MMA Team.

Is your country ready to enter the World Cup of Mixed Martial Arts? If you feel that you qualify to be able to organize a professional Mixed Martial Arts Team to represent your country then now is the time to begin to prepare. The WCMMA is inviting qualified coaches, trainers and other organizations that wish join in a global alliance among other nations to compete in the next level of mixed martial arts. The WCMMA prides itself with the values that surround traditional martial arts while we create a competitive environment that allows other who embrace the same values while competing in MMA. For further details fill out the registration form and a WCMMA representative will contact you with further details.

What countries would you like to see compete in the World Cup event?