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Caught between classes at his academy in Lawndale, California, Nino Schembri is candid when asked about why he decided to accept the superfight at the 2014 World Jiu-Jitsu Expo.

“I was retired! When the WJJE called me and offered to fight, I said no! But then they said the opponent would be Vitor Shaolin and I tought, well, maybe that’s worthy coming back!”

Meanwhile, in New York City, Shaolin had a similar reaction when he got the call.

“In the 90’s when never got to fight, so I thought this could be a good fight for those who like Jiu-Jitsu.”

Both icons in BJJ, Shaolin and Nino have nothing but words of praise for each other.

“Nino was one of the most creative competitors in our time. I always liked his game. On top of that, he is also a really nice guy!” said Shaolin.

Schembri, in his turn, also had no problems pointing out Shaolin’s main qualities.

“He has a forward game, just like mine. He allows the game to flow both on top and on the bottom. I expect a match without stalling for the entire 15 minutes. It is likely that someone will get submitted and I hope it’s not me.”

In closing, both dared to say why they think they will win the match.

“I hope to win because I’m training hard and also because I think I am being able to implement in training all that I want to do during the match,” analyzed Shaolin.

Nino recognizes that the daily routine of teaching and training that both fighters have to go through makes things harder.

“It is tough to teach classes and train tough, but we manage it. I’ll do what I always did which is to try to impose my game, be explosive and use all my guns hoping to catch him with something,” said Nino.

The fight between Nino Schembri and Vitor Shaolin takes place at the 2014 World Jiu-Jitsu Expo, October 18-19, at the Long Beach Convention Center.

Click here for more info and to buy your tickets.