April is shaping up to be a huge month for grappling with some major events on the books.
Kicking things off this Saturday is Polaris Jiu-Jitsu Invitational 3, which promises to be exciting with a main event between grappling veteran Garry Tonon, and former UFC and WSOF fighter, Rousimar Palhares. This match has been heavily anticipated as both men are very talented grappling competitors, but also both well-known for the leg attacks, namely the heel-hook; though in the case of Palhares, it’s more like ‘notorious’. Some may recall that on more than one occasion during a bout, Palhares had secured and submitted his opponents but refused to acknowledge the tap. In fact, it is because of this unwillingness to yield to the referee or his opponent, that cost him his spot in both the UFC and the WSOF. Certainly, Plahares is an imposing figure, but Tonon is no slouch and has shown no fear in going to the ground with Palhares. The co-main event features another bout between MMA and grappling veterans. Former Strikeforce champion, Jake Shields, will face multiple time no-gi champion AJ Agazarm.
Friday April 8, Fight to Win Promotions will be hosting their fourth pro event in Denver. It will feature 26 matches, with the main event being Colorado black belt and IBJJF World Masters champion, Rossie Snow, and multiple time world champion Mackenzie Dern. The co-main event will be between Nobuo Yagai and Baret Yoshida.
Finally, towards the end of the month on April 24, is EBI 5. This will be a 16 man absolute division tournament, between some of the top BJJ competitors in the world, for a grand prize of $50,000. Athletes like Dean Lister, Richie Martinez, Vinny Magalhaes, and Eddie Cummings, will all be competing. This event will also be live streamed on UFC Fight Pass. If you have an account, you already have access to what promises to be an incredible night of grappling.
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