3-Time BJJ World Champion Cruz Claims to Have Evidence of Match Fixing and Corruption by International Federation Referees

The International Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Federation (IBJJF) has been accused of match-fixing in major tournaments by Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) great Márcio Cruz, also known as “Pé de Pano”. The current MMA practitioner claims that bets involving referees and other authorities are the driving force behind these purported manipulations. In his video, Cruz asserted, “They are betting cash and then going in to referee”. Pedro Arruda, the head referee coordinator for IBJJF events, currently in charge, also made multiple comments in this group regarding how to work a deal, as per Cruz.

Cruz, one of the most well-known competitors in BJJ history, claimed in the MMA Hoje podcast released on YouTube to have screenshots, audio recordings, and leaked messages as proof. These tapes purport to show IBJJF organizers and referees debating how to unlawfully affect match results by penalizing or awarding advantages to particular competitors to gain profits from betting given that BJJ is now an intriguing, while somewhat recent, addition to the combat sports available for wagering. Online BJJ betting is becoming more and more popular, much like the sport itself. Bookies now see the potential of BJJ as a crucial component of MMA, for which UFC betting sites have been sought after for some time now.

The current head referee coordinator for IBJJF tournaments, Pedro Arruda, is accused by the three-time world champion and the owner of the fifth-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu of favoring particular referees who would “take care of his interests”. He said Arruda rigged referee assignments so his GF Team wins. According to the communications, Arruda was allegedly giving a referee named Rogério advice on how to fabricate penalties against a rival at the No Gi (grappling without the traditional uniform) World Championships. “In the first 2 minutes, you have to give an advantage, then you get an illegal grip… no one can say anything”, the message says.

No Response from IBJJF on Cruz’s Accusations

The IBJJF hasn’t yet reacted to these severe claims, which would be similar to Leo Messi’s claim that FIFA told football officials to rig games. Cruz has urged the IBJJF to take action against Arruda and promised to provide further proof following the World Championships if Arruda carries on coordinating referees. Cruz expressed his honest desire that upon his return, he’ll commend the IBJJF’s attitude, but is aware it won’t happen.

Cruz, who won seven world titles and Pan-American titles combined between 2000 and 2005, thinks that most referees are aware of the betting scandals but have decided to say nothing. He asserted, “The office sees everything as a necessary cost to make a championship”. Cruz, who’s well-known for his intense rivalry in black belt world championships, claimed that he was forced to come clean about the “totally absurd” corruption. The 46-year-old fighter declared that he found it ridiculous. The funniest part according to him is that nobody is discussing this on the Internet, despite the fact that he is unable to remain silent. If you ask Cruz, Jiu-jitsu isn’t progressing because of this; everything is hidden beneath the surface of the cloth.

Due to his prior experiences reporting corruption, Cruz expressed mistrust about the IBJJF’s response and felt forced to spread the word about the betting schemes he alleges are taking place.