Team Elite MMA David Durao Elite Sports

Biography

His name is David Durao. David fights out of Underdog MMA in Hartford CT and Jiu Jitsu and Strength Academy – Soul Fighters BJJ in Cromwell CT. David was a lifelong soccer player eventually playing division 3 soccer for Rivier University. After losing his passion for soccer he was introduced to the UFC. Shortly after discovering the sport he made his way into his first gym.

Through his martial arts training David fell in love with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and started to compete locally and throughout the northeast in competitions such as IBJJF and other submission only tournaments. After training around Connecticut David settled in with Underdog MMA and Soul Fighters Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Once David settled in with his team he decided to make his transition to MMA. David is known in BJJ and MMA as an exciting fighter that always brings the action. He is known for his unorthodox style and his willingness to engage in a war when he steps into the cage. When seeing David compete expect for him to live up to his nickname “Da Spider Money” with his flying arm bars, flying triangles, exciting back attacks, and unorthodox takedowns.

Video

Q&A Session Between David Durao and Elite Sports


Question: What are your goals for this year? Next 3 years? Next 5 years?

Answer: My goals for the rest of 2017 is the keep improving my skills and making myself a more well rounded martial artist. In the next 3 years I would love to keep competing and collecting titles in both MMA and BJJ. My 5 year goals are to go pro in MMA and get an opportunity to fight for a major promotion as well as becoming a BJJ world champ.

Question: What do you think it takes to be a champion in your sports?

Answer: I not only takes hard work and determination but also the ability to push yourself beyond your limits in the gym and in competition.

Question: Who inspires you, past or present? Why do they inspire you?

Answer: Many fighters inspire me but my true inspiration in MMA comes from my coaches and teammates. I get to see first-hand how hard they work on a daily basis. They leave everything on the mats and that motivates me to push harder every time I train.

Question: How often do you train?

Answer: I train 7 days a week usually doing two sessions a day.

Question: What inspires you about BJJ? MMA?

Answer: The challenges and adversities that present themselves in both BJJ and MMA. Both challenge my heart, my willingness to push farther than I have gone before and discover what I am truly made of

Question: How long have you been training?

Answer: 5 Years.

Question: What are the essential things for the training

Answer: Committiment and dedication towards your goal.

Question: Do you have a go-to finishing move?

Answer: My flying arm bar is easily the best technique in my arsenal.

Question: What sort of gear do you usually keep in your gym bag before hitting the gym? Do you have different items for specific days?

Answer: Both pairs of my Elite gloves, my Elite BJJ GI, and Elite Rash Guard and shorts.

Accomplishments:


- 3X New England Classic Submission Only Gold Medalist
- 1x New England Classic Submission Only Silver Medalist
- 2X Ammo Submission Only Gold Medalist
- 1X IBJJF Silver Medalist
- 2X IBJJF Bronze Medalist
- 2X NAGA Gold Medalist
- 2X NAGA Bronze Medalist
- 1X AMMO Fight League ‘Fight Of The Night’