"What can I say about Mario Roberto? Mario returned to the United States in 1998 to debut in No Holds Barred fighting, and to do a Jiu Jitsu match with one of America's best - and what happened? The people that know Mario expected the results, but others may be surprised:
Mario's Jiu Jitsu match with UFC star Jeremy Horn at HOOKnSHOOT QUEST (August 1998) was spectacular. Though officially a draw after 30 minutes, there is no doubt that Mario would have won under a point scoring system - he held Horn's back for over 10 minutes, controlling Horn completely. Remember, Jeremy is one of the best there is - he dominated UFC Champion Frank Shamrock on the ground.
Showing the heart of a Lion, Mario made his first official No Holds Barred match the next day - against Travis Fulton, no less. Most fighters look for an easy match for their debut - not Mario. He fought one of the most experienced fighters in the world in Travis Fulton, and won a decision. He is now 1-0 in No Holds Barred, and HOOKnSHOOT looks forward to seeing their rising star compete in 1999.
Mario Roberto has proven himself to be a fighter, but like any true warrior, he looks forward to proving this again! It is his heart that is his biggest asset...."
FIGHT WORLD'S webmaster Miguel Iturrate (
http://www.fightworld.com)
"Mario is 20 years old but looks about 17. He is very unassuming and wears big, black horned-rim glasses. No one ever suspects how devastating this kid is, but he breezed through the HOOKnSHOOT Middleweight Championship without a scratch! It's simply a delight to see him dismantle his opponents. Mario is easily UFC competition level so look for big things from him."
Cal Cooper, The New Full Contact Webmaster
From the TNFC "Rumors" page, April 26 1998
"A correction to the quick results from the HnS middleweight tournament held in Evansville, Indiana on July 18th. BJJ stylist Mario Roberto defeated his finals opponent, John Renken, in 29 seconds, not 2 mins. as previously reported."
From The New Full Contact "Rumors" page, July 27 1997
