From Bueno to Excelente: Francisco Bueno, Jr.

By Bill X. Barron

While ascending to elite status as an MMA fighter, World Champion Francisco Bueno, Sr., a native of Brazil, had significant people who supported his climb. Bueno was a judo black belt and world-class MMA fighter at 220 pounds who fought into his fifties.

With his son, Francisco, Jr., dad crosses the Americas several times a year, communicating with his construction company remotely so he can participate in and support Junior’s journey to reach the top of the wrestling world. 

Dedication determines destiny. While he was born good (bueno), “my goal is to be great (excelente), Number One in the world and an Olympic champion.”

Dad knowingly advises his son’s high aspirations while “emphasizing a positive mindset and developing perseverance” in the face of unremitting challenges. 

“The Las Vegas wrestling community immediately embraced us,” cites Francisco, Sr. “We have a large support network which makes us feel at home during our stay for a few weeks at a time.”

In late May, Francisco will compete in the IBJJF World Jui-Jitsu Championships in Long Beach, CA, with his sights set on placing in the top four.

A 2025 12U Nevada triple crown champion in folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco, Francisco has dominated RMN Events, most recently going 11-0 in three winning three weight classes in 12U and 13U while earning the coveted Bullhead City Clash belt plated with a bull’s head.

What makes his accomplishments remarkable is that this Brazilian native comes from a country where school wrestling is not practiced and most clubs are geared toward teaching wrestling, not for competition, but for MMA preparation. 

Respect for this culture led Francisco, Sr., to develop his skills, hone his conditioning, and acquire the determination to accept only his best effort. 

While Francisco, Jr., is leaving footprints on a similar path, dad reminds him “it’s not about losing or winning. Always have fun. Focus on the experience not the result.”

In Vegas, Francisco trains intensively with Aniciete Training Center (ATC), managed by brothers Napoleon and Alexander Aniciete. Each was a three-time Nevada state champion; between the two, they attained All-American status four times from 1997-2001. 

Beginning in their garage in 2018, the brothers and their two sons, along with 8-10 local kids, developed a foundation for what has now become an elite gym of 60 wrestlers, training grapplers of all ages and disciplines in wrestling and fighting. 

For the younger kids' curriculum, they teamed up with Valyen Rouser, a three-time Montana state champion and four-time Fargo finalist, and Andy Varela, an 83 kg. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who has won four national tournaments in the past three years. 

Because Napoleon and Alex strongly believe in the mind-body connection, next year they will have their own academy to study and train at, with a significant focus on leadership training.

“Every wrestler can develop techniques and train hard, but ultimately, it comes down to the person with the highest leadership quotient,” Napoleon cites. “Our toughest challenge is getting kids to believe in themselves.”

“While Francisco is a legend in the MMA world, he has the humility and respect for the sport to allow us to coach his son. At the same time, he connected us with MMA athletes who trained with us and later invited us to sit in their match corners.”

Francisco’s coaches are impressed with how the intelligent and eager 12-year-old Brazilian soaks in what they teach him. 

Coach Anicieti observes, “Although he had no prior training in wrestling when he came from Brazil, ever since the very beginning, he has had the swagger or confidence to take control of a match.

“Francisco has the right head for the sport, taking it hard to his opponent while remaining calm in the face of danger.”

In his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, Francisco seeks out additional teaching from Hugo Amaro, a two-time Brazilian national champion who is currently ranked second in the world.

Amaro helps his students “connect the judo experience to the wrestling arena,” dad states. “It’s a training you will never forget.”

“Wrestling is very challenging, but it is certainly the best sport I have ever done,” says the junior Bueno. Then he adds, “But I feel the need to keep improving.”