Bloody Elbow

Name:	Claudio Henrique Da Silva
Nickname:	Mineiro, Hannibal
Age:	29
Height:	5'11"
Location:	England & Brazil

Who's the last pure grappling talent that broke into the sport of mixed martial arts with instant success? 2007 Abu Dhabi Combat Club champion Demian Maia comes to mind, and it's been almost three years since he capped off an impressive five-fight submission streak with a victory over Chael Sonnen at UFC 95. Where's the next great grappling talent out of Brazil?

You would think with an abundance of BJJ players that more savvy submission specialists would find a way to the promise land, but that just isn't the case anymore. The evolution of the sport has changed things, and there are plenty of fighters outside of Brazil who are helping spread the knowledge of the art.

There may, however, be an exception. Brazil's Claudio Henrique da Silva (8-1), a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Ricardo Vieira, is plowing through the international scene with a grappling-centric attack that would make Brazil's grappling elite proud. The 29-year-old has recorded eight consecutive wins since his debut in 2007, submitting six of those eight opponents. He choked out Jean-Francois Lenogue in two minutes and fifty-one seconds at BAMMA 5 in February, and he capped off his 2011 campaign with a victory over journeyman Matt Ewin at WFC 2 in July.

Fighting as a depleted welterweight early in his career, Silva moved up to middleweight when he returned to the sport in 2010 after a three-year hiatus from the sport. Stronger and healthier, Silva continued where he left off, dismantling his competition with a solid takedown game, quick transitions, and a savvy submission game.

Unlike some of his grappling heavy predecessors, however, Silva also employs a legitimate ground and pound attack from the top. He likes to posture up to his feet and wreck his opponents, usually passing to side control or sitting into a leg lock. His style allows him multiple avenues of attack, and none of his opponents have been able to stop him so far.

Silva is an appealing fighter for a number of reasons. Quick submission specialists who can finish are attractive in their own right, but Silva can also appeal to multiple demographics. He's affiliated with London Shootfighters in England, he's Brazilian, and he speaks English. That adds a little extra incentive for his eventual suitors, and the UFC seems to be the only major organization who can benefit. Look for Joe Silva to call this year.

Check out video footage of Claudio Henrique da Silva after the jump...

Claudio Henrique Da Silva vs. Jean-Francois Lenogue

Claudio Henrique Da Silva BAMMA 5 interview

Claudio Henrique Da Silva vs. Shaun Lomas

Claudio Henrique Da Silva vs. Aurelijus Kerpe