Rodrigo Caporal says “My ultimate goal is to be the champion”

Rodrigo Caporal (13-6, Espada MMA, Brazil) will face “Crazy Dog” Park Dae-Sung in the International Trials for the ROAD FC $1 Million Lightweight Tournament on February 11, 2017. Ahead of the match, he shared how BJJ has directed his life, and why his daughter is a source of inspiration.

Rodrigo Caporal is the RUFF Lightweight Champion and winner of their final 1 Million RMB tournament. He started his MMA career in Brazil, and continued in China and Asia when he relocated to Hong Kong.

Caporal is a BJJ black belt who owns and coaches at Espada full time, with a growing number of gyms across Asia constantly joining his team. His BJJ passion has been lifelong and he continues to compete at the highest level alongside his MMA career.

Caporal's introduction to jiu jitsu was as a rambunctious child, as he explains,

“My mom would say I was a very mischievous kid, so I started in Brazilian jiu jitsu as an outlet for all my energy. I was hooked and haven't stopped since. My most memorable competitions were when I won in the IBJJF Worlds Championship in 2005 and 2011, in both gi and no-gi. The Worlds is like the ultimate competition for BJJ fighters, so it was a big deal for me.”

Caporal's passion led him from his home to the other side of the world, as he shares,

“I am from Caraguatatuba outside of Sao Paulo, Brazil. It is very laid back and relaxed, with beautiful beaches and hot weather. Then I had this great opportunity to teach Brazilian Jiujitsu at a gym in Hong Kong. I was young and wanted to try something new, so I hopped on a plane and 7 years later, here I still am.”

Caporal has had many changes in his life and has dedicated himself to a difficult path. He says through all of it family has always been the most important,

“When I started MMA, my family was very supportive, they knew this was something I loved. My wife is my biggest supporter and helps me manage things so that I can focus on my training. Without her, I couldn't do it. My wife's family is Korean and quite conservative, so they weren't really familiar with the concept of MMA as a profession. Once they got to know me and became familiar with what I do, they started following it, and now are huge supporters and fans.”

Caporal has a busy lifestyle, but he rounds it out with other interests, and of course family,

“I am a teacher, coach, fighter and gym owner. It is a lot of work but if I have any spare time, I try to go surfing. Also, I'm actually a pretty good cook and I love experimenting in the kitchen, maybe I would be a good chef! I don't usually have much free time in between work and training so I usually spend it with my family.”

Caporal's family includes a very special daughter who has given him inspiration,

“My daughter is my world. She was born with cleft lip. It was tough when she was a newborn, we always worried that she wasn't getting enough milk. It got even tougher when at only 10 weeks old she underwent surgery to get her lip repaired. But I believe God gave her to us this way for a reason. I always tell her that God blessed her with two smiles in her lifetime. She is such an amazing, intelligent, thoughtful, adventurous and sassy little girl now.

“We brought her to the gym since she was a baby. Now she understands that Daddy is a fighter and goes away for fights because it is for work. She is starting to take an interest in jiujitsu and practices on her toys, which makes me really proud! I don't want to push her into martial arts, but we will support her all the way if one day she wants to try. I have a little gi waiting for her right now, in case that day is tomorrow.”

Caporal's family means the world to him, so he is planning well for their future. Part of this includes his goals in MMA with ROAD FC,

“Road FC is one of the best MMA promotions in the world, and certainly in Asia. I am excited about the opportunities that Road FC is giving me, and blessed that I can be a part if this promotion. It is a huge stepping stone in my MMA career. I will be able to support my family, grow my gym, and build a nest egg for my daughter.”

In order to do that, Caporal will stay focused on his training, prepare for his upcoming opponent, and strategize for the tournament,

“I try to develop and incorporate many fighting styles because this is MMA, right? I like George St Pierre, because he has really good stand up and ground games. I need to constantly evolve. But my strength - as everybody knows - is on the ground. Chokes and joint locks.

“I think my opponent is a great fighter with good wrestling and stand up, but I will dominate in the fight because this is what I'm training for.

“Road FC is signing on some really good fighters. It is very exciting. I want to fight strong competitors. Each fight is going to be different so I need to cater my strategy to each match and opponent. For now, my ultimate goal is to be the champion in Road FC and win this $1 million tournament. ”

In conclusion, Caporal's life as a coach and fighter knows that support also means giving back, so to his fans he says,

“Thank you so much for your support. Never give up in life and always believe in your dreams.”

For his updates, follow @rodrigocaporal on Instagram.