Brown Belt Submission Frenzy At No-Gi Worlds | Day 2 Recap

Day two of the IBJF No-Gi World Championships was dominated by the brown belts, showcasing the future of nogi grappling. Checkmats heavyweights, Elder Cruz and Jansen Gomez, closed out the absolute division after winning gold in the heavyweight and medium heavyweight categories. Cruz outworked rival Jacob Couch in the semi-final, winning by points, while Gomez defeated the much larger super heavyweight, Philippe Costa, in a remarkable performance. Isaac Michel, representing the newly formed B Team, dominated his opponents in the middleweight division, scoring an impressive 52 points in five matches to secure the gold medal, making him the B Team’s very first world champion. Other notable winners included Pedro Sauer brown belt Akilah Al-Hamid, who triumphed in the women’s open weight division, and Eduardo Hockey, who showcased his experience in claiming the lightweight gold.

In addition, Javier Zaruski of Atos impressed as the ultra heavyweight champion, submitting all three of his opponents without conceding a single point. Tamirez Montero of Checkmats secured victory in the middleweight final by submitting Alana Santiago, while Brianna St. Marie triumphed in the lightweight final. Damian Balderrama of Otos emerged victorious in the featherweight division. With the brown belts showcasing their skills and talent on day two, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the No-Gi Worlds as the black belts take the mat. Fans can watch all the action live on Flo Grappling.

Brown Belt Submission Frenzy At No-Gi Worlds | Day 2 Recap

The second day of the IBJJF No-Gi World Championships was filled with excitement as the brown belts took the stage. The future of no-gi grappling looks incredibly promising, and one team that made their mark on this day was the Checkmats Heavyweights. Their dominance was evident throughout the competition, with their athletes taking control of the mats and securing impressive wins.

Checkmats Heavyweights Dominated

The Checkmats Heavyweights truly showcased their skills and talent on day two of the championships. They outperformed their opponents with their strength, technique, and strategic moves. It was clear that their hard work and dedication had paid off, as they took home numerous gold medals in different weight divisions.

Elder Cruz and Jansen Gomez Closed Out the Absolute Division

Two standout athletes from Checkmats, Elder Cruz and Jansen Gomez, closed out the absolute division by securing first and second place respectively. They displayed remarkable performances throughout the tournament, demonstrating their abilities in both the heavyweight and medium heavyweight divisions. Cruz’s victory in the absolute semi-final was hard-earned, as he outworked his rival Jacob Couch to win by points. On the other hand, Gomez showcased his skills by defeating the much larger super heavyweight Philippe Costa of Six Blades.

Jacob Couch’s Dominant Performance in the Super Heavyweight Division

Although Jacob Couch may have taken the bronze medal in the absolute division, his performance in the super heavyweight division was nothing short of sensational. He demonstrated his dominance by submitting all three of his opponents in a combined time of one minute and 22 seconds. Couch utilized quick heel hooks to secure two victories and finished off his final opponent with an anaconda choke in just 16 seconds. His relentless drive and technical expertise earned him a well-deserved spot on the podium.

Isaac Michel of the B Team Dominated Middleweight

Isaac Michel, representing the newly formed B Team, had an outstanding performance in the middleweight division. He showcased his immense pressure and control in each of his matches, scoring an impressive 52 points in five matches. Michel’s dominant display led him to secure the gold medal, making him the B Team’s very first world champion. His dedication and skill were evident throughout the competition, solidifying his place as a formidable force in the middleweight division.

Akilah Al-Hamid Redeems Herself in Women’s Open Weight Division

In the women’s open weight division, Akilah Al-Hamid showcased her determination and resilience. After facing defeat earlier in the competition, Al-Hamid redeemed herself in the final match by defeating Maria Rafato. Rafato had previously won the heavyweight title, but Al-Hamid’s victory in the open weight division allowed her to earn redemption and showcase her true potential. This win added another remarkable achievement to her jiu jitsu journey.

Alex Henriquez’s Impressive Double Win

Alex Henriquez, a brown belt from Checkmats, had an exceptional performance during the championships. She displayed her skills by securing two impressive submissions in succession – a rear naked choke and a d’arce choke. Henriquez’s double win earned her the title of world champion and emphasized her dedication and growth as a grappler. Her success in both the gi and no-gi divisions this year highlights her versatility and determination in the sport.

Jessie Crane’s Success in the Light Featherweight Division

Jessie Crane, representing Aries, had a standout performance in the light featherweight division. She showcased her technical expertise by submitting both of her opponents with rear naked chokes. Crane’s success in the competition solidified her as a force to be reckoned with in the no-gi grappling world. Her determination and commitment to the sport were evident throughout the matches, and her victory in the light featherweight division was a testament to her hard work.

Eduardo Hockey’s Composure in the Lightweight Division

Eduardo Hockey’s composure and skill were on full display during his matches in the lightweight division. Throughout the tournament, Hockey showcased his experience and ability to remain composed under pressure. His performance in the 36-man bracket was exceptional, as he secured victory in each of his five matches. Hockey’s display of technique and strategy earned him his first major no-gi title, highlighting his growth and potential as a competitor.

Other Winners at Day 2 of Nogi Worlds

The second day of the IBJJF No-Gi World Championships was filled with incredible talent and impressive performances. Other notable winners included Javier Zaruski of Atos, who claimed the ultra heavyweight gold by submitting all three of his opponents without conceding a point. Tamirez Montero of Checkmats secured victory in the middleweight division by submitting Alana Santiago in the final. Brianna St. Marie stood out in the lightweight division, winning the gold medal with a submission in the final match. Damian Balderrama of Atos emerged victorious in the 29-man featherweight division, showcasing his skill and determination.

Conclusion

The second day of the IBJJF No-Gi World Championships proved to be an exciting showcase of talent and skill from the brown belt competitors. Athletes from various teams displayed their determination, dedication, and resilience on the mats. Checkmats Heavyweights dominated the competition, while individuals such as Jacob Couch, Isaac Michel, Akilah Al-Hamid, and Alex Henriquez stood out with their exceptional performances. The winners of each weight division showcased their mastery of technique and their relentless pursuit of victory. As the competition continues, anticipation grows for the black belt divisions, where the future of no-gi grappling will continue to unfold.