Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante is a Brazilian-born fi ghter who is known for his excellent stand up, as well as his solid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game. Cavalcante trains out of American Top Team in Florida with teammates like Thiago Alves, Thiago Silva, and Jorge Santiago. The 25-year-old has compiled a MMA record of 14-2-1 and is considered one of the top 10 lightweights in the world. After starting his career in various promotions like HOOKnSHOOT, Shooto, and Cage Rage, he had made his home in the K-1 Heroes shows in Japan. Prior to his debut in K-1, “JZ” had already won seven of his fi rst nine fi ghts, with his only loss coming to Joachim Hansen, as well as a draw with Ryan Schultz.
Making his debut in K-1 in May 2006, Cavalcante defeated Hidetaka Monma by TKO in the fi rst round. Barely breaking a sweat in his next fi ght against Hiroyuki Takaya, “JZ” knocked out the Japanese fi ghter in 30 seconds with a fl ying knee. Winning his next fi ght by majority decision against Caol Uno, a popular MMA veteran in Japan, earned him more notoriety with the fans. In his next two fi ghts, he would submit Rani Yahya and defeat Nam Phan with strikes. His next bout was supposed to be his toughest as he would take on another top talent in Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro. Ribeiro at the time was 14-1, with his sole loss coming to Tatsuya Kawajiri. That fi ght took no time at all, as Cavalcante fl oored Ribeiro with strikes just 35 seconds into the fi ght. After that fi ght, Cavalcante was highly regarded to be one of the future champions in the lightweight division.
After a submission victory over Andre Amade, Cavalcante moved to the Dream promotion in Japan. He was immediately entered into its lightweight grand prix and was matched up with rubber guard expert Shinya Aoki. Aoki had been making waves with the MMA fans after submitting Joachim Hansen with a gogoplata at Pride Shockwave 2006. The fi ght started out with Cavalcante being the aggressor, knocking Aoki down a few times, but not looking to get into his guard. However, after getting a punch through, and barely missing a high kick, Aoki was able to grab onto Cavalcante’s legs. “JZ” pounded on Aoki’s back and ended up striking the back of Aoki’s neck accidentally. Aoki was in pain and was not able to continue. The fi ght was ruled a no contest. They would rematch a month and a half later. Their second fi ght was a completely different from their fi rst encounter. Aoki threw multiple submission attempts, including a close armbar, but the Brazilian worked out of it. Unfortunately for “JZ,” he ended up dropping the unanimous decision.
Since the Aoki fi ght, there hasn’t been any word on when and where Cavalcante’s next fi ght will take place. One thing is for sure, though; you don’t want to miss it.
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