Cole Abate takes cue from professor Gui Mendes in his grappling career: “He’s been there through so much of it”

20-year-old Brazilian black belt world champion 'Ice' Cole Abate of the United States is one of the most promising young submission grapplers in the world today, and he has his mentor Guilherme Mendes to thank for it.

Abate has emerged as a serious competitor in 'the gentle art', after winning his first IBJJF black belt gold medal and joining the world's largest martial arts organization earlier this year.

To give credit where credit is due, Abate says he would not have achieved any of his success if it were not for the renowned Mendes brothers guiding him, in particular, Guilherme Mendes who has shaped Abate's skills at Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

'Ice' Cole Abate said lots of great things about Professor Mendes on Instagram:

"I wouldn’t change anything with my relationship with him for anything. He’s been there through so much of it. I came there when I was a green belt. I was 14 years old and he helped transform an already focused mindset into a world beater. And that’s what you guys are seeing today. So hats off to him, huge thank you to him. And all of my friends and professors that supported me."

Abate made his ONE Championship debut at ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov on Prime Video last Dec. 6. He submitted Japanese MMA legend Shinya 'Tobikan Judan' Aoki with a heel hook and took home a $50,000 bonus for his efforts.

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Cole Abate says he discovered who his real friends are after black belt gold: "These are the people who have helped me since day one"

For 'Ice' Cole Abate, his real friends are the ones who have been there from the beginning, supporting his long hours on the mats and understanding his mission. These are the same people who share in both his setbacks and successes. Taking it to Instagram, Abate said:

"The first thing I see after hugging my dad and professor Gui was Tynan on Facetime with professor Gui saying he wants to talk to me. That just goes to show who really are your friends. And these are the people who have helped me since day one."

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Abate's next fight.