Breaking Down the Rise and Fall of Erberth Santos: A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Phenomenon
Combat sports, including jiu-jitsu, often witness athletes who start their careers with remarkable vigor, competing frequently and striving for greatness. However, as their success grows, they become more selective about the fights they take. This article delves into the story of Erberth Santos, a former rising star in the jiu-jitsu world who reached the pinnacle of success before experiencing a tumultuous journey of setbacks and personal struggles.
Erberth Santos Journey From Troubled Youth to Rising BJJ Star
Hailing from Boa Vista, Brazil, Erberth Santos faced challenges from a young age, frequently finding himself in trouble both at school and on the streets. Introduced to jiu-jitsu at the tender age of nine, Santos showcased immense potential in local tournaments, catching the attention of renowned coaches who convinced his skeptical mother to allow him to train. With his natural toughness and dedication, Santos quickly rose through the ranks, eventually training at prominent gyms in Brazil and Team Lloyd Irvin in Baltimore, Maryland.
Erberth Santos Rise to Jiu-Jitsu Prominence
Santos’ talent and hard work paid off in 2014, where he established himself as the number one brown belt in the world. He claimed victories at the Gee and No-Gi World Championships, South American Pan-American, and Brazilian National Championships. Transitioning to the black belt division in 2015, Santos faced legendary opponents like Andre Galvao, Marcus Buchecha Almeida, Bernardo Faria, and Felipe Pena. While initially falling short against these seasoned veterans, he came back the following year to defeat each one of them, solidifying his position among the elite.
Erberth Santos Reaching The Pinnacle of The BJJ World
Standing at an impressive 6’2″ and weighing 230 pounds, Santos competed in the super heavyweight and absolute divisions. Despite facing the toughest heavyweight grapplers of his era, he used his speed and powerful passing to make his opponents appear less skilled in escapes overall. In 2017, Santos achieved the ultimate glory by winning the Black Belt World Championship, cementing his status as one of the best jiu-jitsu practitioners in the world.
Erberth Santos Setbacks and Personal Struggles
Santos’ momentum came to a halt in 2019 when he faced multiple setbacks. A motorcycle accident left him with an injured elbow, impeding his training and performance. During a superfight against rival Felipe Pena, Santos injured his knee, and frustration led to a chaotic brawl between team members and fighters. These incidents, coupled with personal challenges, such as financial difficulties and becoming a father unexpectedly, took a toll on Santos’s mental well-being.
The Dark Days For Erberth Santos
The year 2019 marked a significant decline in Santos’s career. He faced a one-year suspension from the IBJJF due to his involvement in the brawl. Struggling to cope with his circumstances, Santos fell into a deep depression, turning to heavy marijuana use as a coping mechanism, smoking something like 5 to 10 joints per day. His inconsistent training and competition performances led to being blacklisted from many competitions. Then a weight cut gone wrong resulted in hospitalization due to dehydration, further highlighting his decline.
Erberth Santos Road to Redemption
In 2020, Santos began working with a psychologist and returned to his original jiu-jitsu team, signaling a potential turn in his mental health. However, the trend of competing less and less persisted. With dwindling matches and victories in subsequent years, Santos faced challenges in maintaining consistency. His most recent appearance in 2022 saw a defeat in the IBJJF World Championship against Raphael Lovato Jr.
Future Uncertainties For Erberth Santos
At the age of 29, Santos recently underwent elbow surgery to rectify cartilage buildup, expressing his determination to rehabilitate and make a strong comeback. However, the toll on his body and the lack of consistent training and competition point to a significant decline for the once-promising black belt. His physique is nothing like in his previous years of training and competing. Erberth Santos went from physically jacked and dominating opponents on the mats to frail and skinny looking during surgery, which doesn’t point to much of a bright future comeback for the once rising star in the BJJ World.
Reflecting on Erberth Santos’s Journey in Jiu-Jitsu
Erberth Santos’s journey in jiu-jitsu showcases the highs and lows that can accompany success. From a troubled youth to a rising star, Santos reached the pinnacle of the sport before facing a series of setbacks and personal struggles that derailed his career. As he works toward redemption, the future remains uncertain for Santos. Nonetheless, his story serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes can face, both physically and mentally, on their paths to greatness.
