“He’s a true friend” - Cole Abate shares his unique bond with fellow BJJ prodigy Tainan Dalpra
American BJJ sensation Cole Abate recently opened up about his close relationship with fellow jiu-jitsu star Tainan Dalpra.
Just days removed from his spectacular ONE Championship debut that saw him score a quick submission victory over Shinya Aoki at ONE Fight Night 26 inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Abate went on to win his first IBJJF world championship as a black belt in Las Vegas, Nevada.
It was another impressive showing for the 20-year-old prodigy — one he looks forward to celebrating with Tainan in a couple of weeks when the pair plan to meet up in Brazil. Speaking to FloGrappling about his relationship with the Brazilian, Abate said:
"I look up so much to Tainan. Everything that he does, everything that he stands for — he’s my best friend. He’s a true friend. And for him to be in Brazil on his vacation to call me then that truly means a lot".
"I’m actually going to go meet him in a couple of weeks in Brazil and we’ll celebrate out there."
Like Abate, Tainan is an IBJJF world champion, topping the podium at the 2021 and 2022 Worlds. He also took first at the IBJJF Pan Championships three straight years and won the CBJJ Brazilian Nationals in 2023.
This is just the beginning for BJJ guru Cole Abate
Cole Abate's ONE Championship debut immediately followed by his lights-out showing at the IBJJF Worlds is just the beginning for the BJJ young gun. Speaking with Luanna Santos at the tournament, 'Ice' said:
"Man, this is the first big step for me. It's my first world title as a black belt. I intend to conquer more gi [events] and no-gi, too. But it shows me that I'm on the right track and that I have the right people by my side."
Overall, Abate is 32-3 in his submission grappling career with more than 60% of his victories coming inside the distance. Before dominating at Worlds, he placed first at the IBJJF Pan Championships earlier this year and at the ADCC EC US Trials in 2021.
If you missed any of the action, ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch the ONE Fight Night 26 replay on demand via Amazon Prime Video.