Weekend Update: AJ Loses MMA Debut; Marcio Andre Wins F2W Belt; Results From Florida, Brazil and More

Once again, the weekend was filled with thrills for Jiu-Jitsu fans. Both in the cage and on the mats, there was plenty of action for all tastes. Here’s a quick recap of what went in the Gentle Art universe since Friday.

AJ Agazarm made his highly anticipated MMA debut, Saturday evening, on Bellator 214. In a battle of first timers in MMA, the Gracie Barra black belt faced Jesse Roberts. AJ’s best moment in the three-round fight was a back take in round 2, but he couldn’t sink the RNC. In the end, Jesse won via split decision. Watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51iKeOjT1C0

On the mats, black belt world champion Marcio André headlined Fight to Win 99, in Scottsdale, AZ, in a title bout against Matheus Gabriel for the event’s 165lb belt. In a thrilling match that treated the crowd to numerous submission attempts, Andre eventually came out as the winner via unanimous referees decision.

In the UAEJJF circuit of tournaments, Kissimmee, FL, and Guarapari, Brazil, hosted their events this weekend. The USA National Pro gathered the best competitors in the area for a full day of matches on January 26. In the black belt division, champions were: MALE – 62kg – Suraj Budhram; 69kg – Rodrigo Dias, 77kg – Alexandre Molinaro. FEMALE – 55kg – Bruna Burns; 62kg – Vanessa Arango. In the teams competition, results were: 1st – American Top Team 2740pts; 2nd – Fabin Rosa BJJ 2105pts; 3rd –  Gracie Barra Kissimmee 1725pts. Click here for the full results.

In the State of Espirito Santo, Brazil, the Guarapari International Pro, on January 27, was yet another opportunity for the country’s talent to show up on the mats. It did not disappoint. In the black belt division, champions were: FEMALE – 55kg – Mariana Rolszt; 62kg – Juliana Costa; 70kg – Dayana Almeida, Open – Dayana Almeida. MALE – 69kg – Ermilio Lima; 77kg – Luan Alves; 85kg – João Oliveira; 94kg – Gerard Labinski; 110kg – Mario Netto. In the teams competition, results were: 1st – Atos JJ 1365pts; 2nd – GA Fight – 1360pts; 3rd – GF Team 1345pts. Click here for the full results.