Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Braulio Estima (0-0), the 2009 Abu Dhabi Combat
Club 88-kilogram and Absolute division champion, is likely to make his
mixed martial arts debut at Shine Fights III against Judo practitioner
Rick Hawn (3-0). 
 
The news was first reported Friday by the Boston Herald and
subsequently confirmed by MMAjunkie.com with
sources close to the fight.
 
The as-yet-unannounced card is expected to take place in mid-May and
air on pay-per-view. A match-up between UFC veteran Din Thomas and
former boxing champion Ricardo Mayorga is expected to headline the card.

After making a name for himself jiu-jitsu, 2009 Abu Dhabi Combat Club
Absolute Division winner Braulio Estima is hoping to do the same in
MMA.
 
The 29-year-old grappler, whose full name is Braulio de Oliveira
Estima, long considered a move into fighting but finally signed a
contract with the upsart Shine Fights organization after reaching the
top of the competitive grappling circuit.

"I think overall no other people than us who
fight at a good level in jiu-jitsu represent (the sport well)," Estima
recently told MMAjunkie.com. "A lot of people
represent jiu-jitsu, but it's not like a world-class level yet."

The upstart Shine Fights organization has added an intriguing prospect
to its roster in advance of an anticipated April fight card.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Braulio Estima (0-0 MMA), the 2009 Abu Dhabi
Combat Club 88-kilogram and Absolute division champion, has signed a
multi-fight agreement with the Shine Fight organization.

The Gracie Barra black belt is currently training alongside Renzo
Gracie and is expected to make his MMA debut at Shine Fights'
as-yet-unannounced third event, which is expected to take place in
April.

Rolles Gracie talks about making his UFC debut at UFC 109 against Mostapha Al-turk on Feb. 6.

Sportsnet.ca

Watch all of the interviews after the jump

MMAFighting.com

Another Gracie set to make his UFC debut, Renzo will face former UFC middleweight champion Matt Hughes at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi on April 10.

Sportsnet.ca

UFC hall of famer and legend Royce Gracie finds himself in Abu Dhabi this week, talking with EmiratesJiuJitsu about the sport and more.

Royce explains why he dropped his black belt for a blue belt.

Royce talks about the Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Team at the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC)

Royce gives his opinion on the recent 10% sale of the UFC to the Abu Dhabi-based company, Flash Entertainment.

Royce gives his predictions for upcoming UFC bouts.