It’s a sad time for the Jiu-Jitsu community as news has just come in that Leandro Lo was shot and killed in an altercation in Brazil. Lo was one of the most successful IBJJF world champions in the history of the sport and won an astounding eight world titles in several different weightclasses, the most recent of which was just this year in the 88kg division of the 2022 IBJJF World Championships. Lo was not just a successful competitor however, as he was also regarded very highly by his peers on a personal level as well; he was a well-loved and popular figure within the sport.
The lawyer for Leandro Lo confirmed in a statement to Brazilian news outlet G1 that Lo was shot and killed on the night of August 7th. A report was then obtained by MMAJunkie that elaborates on the specific details of the incident. Lo was apparently attending a concert in Sao Paolo when he came into contact with the primary suspect in the case, an off-duty police officer by the name of Henrique Otavio Oliveira Velozo. Velozo allegedly took a bottle from the table that Lo was sat at, and Lo confronted the man as a result. From there a physical altercation ensued and Lo was able to take down the suspect and restrain him for some time, most likely as a result of his extensive Jiu-Jitsu experience.
The pair were eventually separated and shortly afterward, Velozo pulled a gun and subsequently shot and killed Leandro Lo. He was then taken to hospital as soon as possible but was declared brain dead on the way there. These details are all that is known at this time, but it is likely that further context will surface over the coming days and weeks. Lo was one of the most popular figures in the sport and there has been an outpouring of grief from the community, for a man who was taken much too soon.
