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Recap

ONE Fight Night 13 was the second half of ONE’s double-header on Friday and it delivered mad fights and finishes across disciplines. The most notable fight of the night was Marcus Buchecha and Reug Reug proving that neither high level Brazilian jiu jitsu nor Senegalese wrestling mean you can do high level MMA. The grappling ace and the wrestling power house threw down with sloppy arm punches for three rounds and Reug Reug did enough damage to get his hand raised. That gives Buchecha his first ever pro MMA loss.

The main event for the event was Chingiz Allazov defending his ONE lightweight kickboxing championship against Marat Grigorian. He managed that via unanimous decision after a crisp and technical showing. The co-main event had Mikey Musumeci tapping Jarred Brooks with an arm triangle to retain his ONE bantamweight grappling title. After that fight he announced he wanted to fight for ONE’s bantamweight Muay Thai title. Ok.

Other notable results were former UFC fan fav John Lineker winning via TKO with four seconds left and Tawanchai winning after breaking his opponent’s arm with a kick.

You can see full results and some highlights below:

ONE Fight Night 13: Buchecha vs. Reug Reug Fight card

• Chingiz Allazov 🇧🇾 def. Marat Grigorian 🇦🇲 via unanimous decision; ONE lightweight championship (kickboxing)

• Mikey Musumeci 🇺🇸 def. Jarred Brooks 🇺🇸 via submission (triangle armbar), round 1 (7:30); ONE bantamweight championship (grappling)

• Tawanchai PK Saenchai 🇹🇭 def. Davit Kiria 🇬🇪 via TKO (injury, broken arm from kick); Lightweight (kickboxing)

• John Lineker (36-10) 🇧🇷 def. Jae Woong Kim (13-8) 🇰🇷 via TKO (ground strikes), round 3 (4:56); Featherweight

• Anna Jaroonsak 🇹🇭 def. Cristina Morales 🇪🇸 via unanimous decision; Strawweight (kickboxing)

• Reug Reug (6-1) 🇸🇳; def. Marcus Buchecha (4-1) 🇧🇷 via unanimous decision; Heavyweight

• Elias Mahmoudhi 🇩🇿 def. Edgar Jaurez Tabares 🇲🇽 via TKO (knees), round 1 (1:38); Bantamweight (kickboxing)

• Tye Ruotolo 🇺🇸 def. Dagi Arslanaliev 🇹🇷 via submission (rear naked choke), round 1 (2:39); Catchweight (180 lbs) (grappling)

• Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong 🇹🇭 def. Nauzet Trujillo 🇪🇸 via unanimous decision; Lightweight (Muay Thai)

• Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu (10-2) 🇲🇳 def. Jhanlo Mark Sangiao (6-1) 🇵🇭 via submission (kimura), round 2 (2:53); Featherweight

Start time and date

ONE Fight Night 13 takes place on Friday, August 4, 2023 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The main card happens at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets

If you’re lucky enough to be in Bangkok this weekend you can grab tickets for this event at the historic Lumpinee Stadium here.

Live Streams

ONE Fight Night 12 will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. Amazon Prime + Prime Video costs $14.99 a month in the US. Annual subscriptions cost $139 a year. Prime Video is available as a standalone streaming service for $8.99 a month.

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It seems that Mark Zuckerberg’s MMA fandom has hit full on obsession stage. Sure the man once rented out the entire UFC Apex to get a private audience for a UFC fight card, but that seemed—at the time—like more of a brand tie-in announcement for the Metaverse and their partnership with UFC FightPass. Was Zuck really a big UFC dude? Yes, yes apparently he was.

In the time since that event, the Facebook CEO’s interest in combat sports has only become more apparent. He (now somewhat infamously) secretly entered a local BJJ competition, and got into a public spat with fellow billionaire and Twitter CEO Elon Musk—which resulted in both men teasing the idea of a full-on cage fight that will absolutely never ever happen. Although if it does, Zuckerberg certainly seems to have the early edge in preparation.

Mark Zuckerberg teases home Octagon

In a post to his social media (h/t TMZ) Zuckerberg shared a conversation with his wife over the new Octagon he apparently had installed at one of their several homes. Real, just a joke? Who can say, but the man does seem to really love MMA.

“I like Jiu Jitsu, I also really like MMA,” Zuckerberg explained in an interview back in June. “One of the things I think is very nice about these very high turnaround, conditioning sports is that you get feedback very quickly. It’s like, ‘Okay, I don’t counter something correctly, I get punched in the face.”

When someone’s got his kind of money and his kind of obsession, what’s to stop them from putting the ultimate training surface in their own back yard.

Meta creating UFC experience

Perhaps then it’s also no surprise that Meta has more plans for the UFC. The virtual reality platform has already promised immersive Fight Night experiences for users. Now they seem set on delivering a sort of VIP package in which users can not only watch bouts and chat with other users, but also compete in mini games. Here’s a video trailer for the new Meta ‘experience.’

“MMA fans can expect 4K resolution and 180-degree VR capture as they experience live immersive fights with cage-side seats for free in Xtadium,” a press release on the Meta Quest Blog reads. “Enjoy the action alone or with friends and switch camera angles throughout the fight to get the best view of every matchup. And after the fight ends, account holders can log in to UFC FIGHT PASS to access a library of UFC PPV cards plus the best original UFC FIGHT PASS content such as Fightlore, Year of the Fighter, and more.”

“We’ve seen all kinds of communities come together in Worlds, but when we first broadcast live UFC FIGHT PASS events last year, we were blown away by the engagement and passion of this audience,” they Meta Product Marketing Director, Meaghan Fitzgerald, was quoted as saying. “Since then, we’ve been working with UFC and MMA fans to build a virtual clubhouse for this community. We know that MMA fans don’t just like to watch thrilling fights—they also like to be a part of the action.”

“That’s why we’re introducing a new dedicated UFC world, with a recreation of the famous Octagon and new immersive streaming formats that make people feel like they’re closer to the action than ever. It’s not just about exciting fights—it’s about sharing the experience with other fans, discussing MMA techniques, and being a part of the UFC community.”

Zuckerberg gets his blue belt

Alongside the MMA stuff and the Metaverse news, Zuckberg’s BJJ journey took another twist as well. Back in July, the 39-year-old posted an update to his Instagram account, that he had just received his blue belt from noted Guerrilla Jiu JItsu instructor Dave Camarillo. A black belt under Ralph Gracie, Camarillo has worked with a number of high profile fighters and celebrities over the years, including a stint as a TUF coach for Team Koscheck in Season 12 of the Ultimate fighter.

“Congrats @davecamarillo on your 5th degree black belt,” Zuckerberg wrote. “You’re a great coach and I’ve learned so much about fighting and life from training with you. Also honored to be promoted to compete at blue belt for @guerrillajjsanjose team.”

For his part, Camarillo was extremely effusive in his praise for Zuckerberg’s work on the mats as well.

“He’s amazing,” Camarillo told ESPN recently. “He is an extremely hard worker, as everybody knows. But a lot of people have a business and they’re successful and they have that side of their life, and rarely do they dip into the physical side, especially with something like jiu-jitsu and MMA, and have the same amount of success or even go past Day 1 or Month 1. He’s not that kind of guy. I think he has a good balance between what he does with his business and what he does in the physical realm. And he excels. He’s one of the best students I’ve ever had.”

All things considered, Zuckerberg seems to be 100% invested in his MMA and BJJ fandoms. We’re still never going to see that Elon Musk fight though.

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An UFC all-time great will be crossing over for a major BJJ tournament.

Demetrious Johnson, known as the UFC’s all-time great at flyweight, will be switching sports and wearing the gi at the 2023 IBJJF Masters World Championships.

Demetrious Johnson to compete in IBJJF Masters Worlds

The IBJJF Masters World Championships is a prestigious jiujitsu event designed for those that are age 30 and above, and typically has a stacked field of talented competitors. The 2023 iteration will be held on August 31 to September 2, in Las Vegas, and “Mighty Mouse” has already officially signed up.

The 36-year-old Johnson has signed up for his age group, the Masters 2 division (age 35+) at brown belt. He will be representing his long term team in Matt Hume’s AMC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Johnson may have been champion at 125 lbs in the UFC and 135 lbs in ONE, but for this jiujitsu competition, he won’t really be cutting weight and will be competing at 154 lbs. As of this writing, his division already has 37 members registered, which means he will need several wins in order to medal.

It’s worth noting that ONE Championship also hosts grappling matches on their events, but Johnson instead chose to pay to compete in this major BJJ event instead.

Mighty Mouse’s decorated MMA career

Demetrious Johnson is one of the all-time greats in mixed martial arts, and has compiled a 25-4-1 record in the sport. After years competing at 135 lbs, Johnson became the inaugural UFC flyweight champion in 2012 and went on to defend the title a record 11 times.

Late in 2018, he moved to ONE Championship where he now holds the promotion’s title at 135 lbs. Johnson most recently competed last May, where he won the trilogy with Adriano Moraes and defended his belt.

Soon after that last fight, Johnson contemplated retirement, and consulted with fellow decorated UFC champions on a possible decision.

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BJJ stars win big at ONE Fight Night 12

ONE Championship did what they do best at ONE Fight Night 12, delivering an action-packed event with elite competitors from numerous combat sports disciplines. There was plenty to watch for grappling fans too, with one of the first few fights on the main card being a submission grappling match. Tammi Musumeci was back in action against Amanda ‘Tubby’ Alequin and the two women put on a great show, with Musumeci continuing her success by winning a unanimous decision.

Later on in the night another talented grappler stepped into the ring, although this time it was under MMA rules. ADCC veteran Garry Tonon was looking to build his case for a title-shot in the featherweight division after getting back in the win-column at the beginning of the year. He had some difficult moments in his fight with Shamil Gasanov but in the end he hit a slick rolling kneebar entry from standing that forced his opponent to tap and moved his professional record to 8-1.

Full results for the event can be found here.

New champions crowned at IBJJF American Nationals 2023

The IBJJF American National Championship 2023 took place earlier this month, attracting some of the best BJJ black belts from all around the country to compete. Top ATOS competitor Ronaldo Junior put in a great performance in the gi in particular, taking home a bronze medal in the middleweight division before coming back to win gold in the absolute. Elder Cruz did slightly better than that in no gi though, winning both the absolute and the heavyweight division.

Melissa Stricker Cueto came out with the biggest prize in the women’s gi divisions as she won the absolute division, but it was Elisabeth Clay who stood out as the most consistent performer across the whole weekend. She started out by taking a silver medal in the gi middleweight division and a bronze medal in the gi absolute, but she came back with a vengeance on the second day to win gold in both the no gi middleweight division and the no gi absolute.

Full results for the gi divisions can be found here.

Full results for the no gi divisions can be found here.

GSP meets Demian Maia in grappling comeback

Georges St-Pierre recently announced that he would be returning to combat sports, taking on a grappling match at the upcoming UFC Fight Pass Invitational 6 event on December 14th, 2023. Not only is it the first time that GSP has taken on an opponent in any ruleset in over 6 years, but it’s also the first professional grappling match he’s taken since an appearance at ADCC 2005. Originally the promotion kept quiet about who would be welcoming him back, but GSP was not so silent.

GSP evaluated several different opponents almost as soon as the match was announced and he made it clear what type of opponent he’d prefer to face. Now it appears as though UFC Fight Pass Invitational have done some excellent matchmaking, as they’ve managed to book him against none other than Demian Maia. Both men are MMA veterans and although Maia has significantly more grappling experience, it’ll still be interesting to see how they match up stylistically.

Quintet returns for the first time in two years

Quintet practically invented team grappling in the modern era and the promotion remains synonymous with the most popular rule-set used in team grappling matches around the world. Despite the wave of success that Kazushi Sakuraba’s brainchild enjoyed between 2018 and 2021, they went dark after that. Now Quintet has joined forces with K-1 to return for the first time in over two years with Quintet 4, scheduled for September 10th, 2023.

The teams have already been announced for Quintet 4 too, with grapplers representing 10th Planet, New Wave, Polaris, and Sakuraba himself. Not only is this one of the most well-balanced Quintet events in the promotion’s history, but there’s ADCC veterans in every single team. Sakuraba and Haisam Rida will represent Team Sakuraba, Giancarlo Bodoni will lead the New Wave team, PJ Barch and Geo Martinez are on the 10th Planet team, and Eoghan O’Flanagan is among 3 ADCC 2022 competitors on Team Polaris.

Quick Hits

• Facebook founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was promoted to BJJ blue belt by Dave Camarillo at Guerilla Jiu-Jitsu.
• Gordon Ryan revealed his competition plans for 2023 and he’s aiming to get two more matches in at a Who’s Number One and UFC Fight Pass Invitational event by the end of the year.
• Danielle Kelly and Jessa Khan will compete in the promotion’s first ever female submission grappling title-fight at ONE Fight Night 14.
• Top Art of Jiu-Jitsu competitor and young prodigy Cole Abate was just promoted to black belt after winning the IBJJF Asian Championship.

Technique Corner

Fixing a beginner mistake in Butterfly guard

Arm-drag to Single-leg X, to Straight Ankle-lock

Three Armbars from bottom Side control

Meme of the Week

You can stream this tournament via NHK World, both live and on demand. This can be done on their website via your web browser or the NHK World app on Apple and Android products. The live shows happen around 4:10 a.m. ET. Highlights are often shown at 12:30 a.m and are then available on demand.

For just bout replays you can download the official Grand Sumo app on Android and Apple products. That app will have all bouts, without much delay, but it will all be in Japanese and feature unavoidable spoilers.

You can also try your luck on YouTube.

For a preview of this month’s tournament you can check out my Five Reasons to watch post and my breakdown of the Nagoya banzuke (below).

The results below only refer to the makuuchi division. For lower division results, please visit sumo.or.jp.

Please jump in the comments to share your thoughts on the tournament and our coverage of it here on Bloody Elbow.

Day 1

Results

• Hakuoho (M17, 0-1) def. Aoiyama (M17, 0-1) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Endo (M16, 1-0) def. Bushozan (M16, 0-1) via uwatedashinage (pulling over arm throw)
• Takarafuji (M15, 1-0) def. Ryuden (M15, 0-1) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Shonannoumi (M14, 1-0) def. Daishoho (M14, 0-1) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Gonoyama (M13, 1-0) def. Kotoshoho (M13, 0-1) via oshidashi
• Chiyoshoma (M12, 1-0) def. Tsurugisho (M11, 0-1) via yorikiri
• Kotoeko (M11, 1-0) def. Myogiryu (M10, 0-1) via yorikiri*
• Hokutofuji (M9, 1-0) def. Kinbozan (M10, 0-1) via uwatedashinage*
• Nishikifuji (M8, 1-0) def. Takanosho (M9, 0-1) via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)
• Tamawashi (M8, 1-0) def. Sadanoumi (M7, 0-1) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)
• Takayasu (M7, 1-0) def. Oho (M6, 0-1) via uwatenage (over arm throw)
• Hokuseiho (M6, 1-0) def. Onosho (M5, 0-1) via yorikiri
• Hiradoumi (M5, 1-0) def. Ura (M4, 0-1) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)
• Meisei (M3, 1-0) def. Asanoyama (M4, 0-1) via abisetaoshi (backward force down)*
• Kotonowaka (K, 1-0) def. Midorifuji (M3, 0-1) via tsukitaoshi (frontal thrust down)
• Wakamotoharu (S, 1-0) def. Mitakeumi (M3, 0-1) via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)*
• Daieisho (S, 1-0) def. Shodai (M2, 0-1) via oshidashi
• Hoshoryu (S, 1-0) def. Tobizaru (M1, 0-1) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)*
• Nishikigi (M1, 1-0) def. Kirishima (O, 0-1) via fusen (default)
• Terunofuji (Y, 1-0) def. Abi (K, 0-1) via oshidashi

*Must see bouts!

Quick analysis

Well we are off to a bit of a bummer to start the Nagoya basho. Earlier this week we learned that Takakeisho had pulled out of the tournament due to meniscus issues on both knees. And on Day 1 we found out that new ozeki Kirishima was out due to a rib problem (maybe due to his epic wars with Nishikigi and Wakamotoharu during his cross training at their heyas).

Those two not being around provide a big opportunity for Daieisho, Wakamotoharu and Hoshoryu this tournament. Those rikishi need double digit wins to get an ozeki promotion and now they don’t need to worry about two of the most dangerous opponents on the banzuke.

They do need to worry about Terunofuji, though. With Takakeisho and Kirishima out, he might be a shoe-in to win yusho again. He looked up for it on Day 1, dispatching of Abi with zero fuss.

Bout of the day for me is Hoshoryu and Tobizaru. Tobizaru makes everything weird and he didn’t disappoint here. He got Hoshoryu with a henka last tournament and almost fooled him with some trickery here, only the young sekiwake was able to stay off the ground for the split second he needed to get the win.

Our three rookies all got wins in their first ever makuuchi appearances. Super prospect Hakuoho beat Aoiyama (though, it wasn’t a walk in the park) while Gonoyama beat Kotoshoho and Shonannoumi bested Daishoho.

Day 2

Results

• Hakuoho (M17, 2-0) def. Kagayaki (J1, 1-1) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Aoiyama (M17, 1-1) def. Bushozan (M16, 0-2) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)
• Endo (M16, 2-0) def. Ryuden (M15, 0-2) via yorikiri
• Shonannoumi (M14, 2-0) def. Takarafuji (M15, 1-1) via kotenage (arm lock throw)
• Kotoshoho (M13, 1-1) def. Daishoho (M14, 0-2) via yorikiri
• Gonoyama (M13, 2-0) def. Chiyoshoma (M12, 1-1) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Kotoeko (M11, 2-0) def. Tsurugisho (M11, 0-2) via yorikiri*
• Kinbozan (M10, 1-1) def. Myogiryu (M10, 0-2) via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)
• Hokutofuji (M9, 2-0) def. Takanosho (M9, 0-2) via hatakikomi*
• Nishikifuji (M8, 2-0) def. Sadanoumi (M8, 0-2) via tsukiotoshi
• Takayasu (M7, 2-0) def. Tamawashi (M7, 1-1) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Oho (M6, 1-1) def. Hokuseiho (M6, 1-1) via kotenage*
• Asanoyama (M4, 1-1) def. Ura (M4, 0-2) via uwatenage (over arm throw)
• Meisei (M3, 2-0) def. Kotonowaka (K, 1-1) via yorikiri
• Abi (K, 1-1) def. Midorifuji (M3, 0-2) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)
• Hoshoryu (S, 2-0) def. Shodai (M2, 0-2) via yorikiri*
• Wakamotoharu (S, 2-0) def. Tobizaru (M1, 0-2) via yorikiri
• Daieisho (S, 2-0) def. Mitakeumi (M2, 0-2) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
• Nishikigi (M1, 2-0) def. Terunofuji (Y, 1-1) via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)*

*Must see bouts!

Quick analysis

Nishikigi followed up a strong May tournament (9-6) with an amazing kinboshi winning performance against yokozuna Terunofuji on Day 2. Nishikigi lost to Terunofuji in the previous tournament, but was able to challenge the eventual champion more than most did that basho. This time around Nishikigi had Terunofuji’s number.

In their Day 2 bout Terunofuji went for the arm-barring force out move that he used throughout May, however, I think he was a little over-confident in thinking he could move Nishikigi around the same way he did Tobizaru and Hoshoryu. When Nishikigi felt Terunofuji putting so much pressure on his upper body, he engaged his massive thigh muscles, pivoted and was able to send that pressure towards the dirt with a beautiful sukuinage. The win gives Nishikigi his second career kinboshi.

On Day 2, Daieisho, Wakamotoharu and Hoshoryu continued to look in fine form as they chase ozeki promotion. The three rookies (Hakuoho, Shonannoumi and Gonoyama) also improved to 2-0.

Bout of the day has to be Nishikigi’s win over Terunofuji, but honourable mentions go to Oho’s war of attrition versus Hokuseiho, Hokutofuji’s back and forth win over Takanosho and Kotoeko giant-killing of Tsurugisho.

Day 3

Results

• Atamifuji (J1, 2-1) def. Aoiyama (M17, 0-3) via okuritaoshi (rear push down)
• Takarafuji (M15, 1-2) def. Hakuoho (M17, 2-1) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*
• Bushozan (M16, 1-2) def. Ryuden (M15, 0-3) via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)
• Endo (M16, 3-0) def. Shonannoumi (M14, 2-1) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Gonoyama (M13, 3-0) def. Daishoho (M14, 0-3) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Chiyoshoma (M12, 2-1) Kotoshoho (M13, 1-2) via okuridashi (rear push out)*
• Myogiryu (M10, 1-2) def. Tsurugisho (M11, 3-0) via yorikiri
• Kinbozan (M10, 2-1) def. Kotoeko (M11, 2-1) via uwatenage (over arm throw)
• Nishikifuji (M8, 3-0) def Hokutofuji (M9, 2-1) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Sadanoumi (M8, 1-2) def. Takanosho (M9, 0-3) via yorikiri
• Tamawashi (M7, 2-1) def. Oho (M6, 1-2) via hatakikomi
• Takayasu (M7, 3-0) def. Hokuseiho (M6, 1-2) via hikiotoshi*
• Ura (M4, 1-2) def. Onosho (M5, 1-2) via okuridashi*
• Asanoyama (M4, 2-1) def. Hiradoumi (M5, 1-2) via yorikiri*
• Abi (K, 2-1) def. Meisei (M3, 2-1) via hatakikomi*
• Kotonowaka (K, 2-1) Mitakeumi (M2, 0-3) via yorikiri
• Daieisho (S, 3-0) def. Midorifuji (M3, 0-3) via oshidashi
• Nishikigi (M1, 3-0) def. Hoshoryu (S, 2-1) via hatakikomi
• Shodai (M2, 1-2) def. Wakamotoharu (S, 2-1) via oshidashi
• Tobizaru (M1, 1-2) def. Terunofuji (Y, 1-2) via yorikiri*

*Must see bouts!

Quick analysis

Tobizaru was punked by Terunofuji in the last tournament. In May he was walked out of the ring like a toddler by the yokozuna, his face grimacing with pain as both his arms were hyper-extended. That move has been the lasting image of that entire tournament for me. And, from the looks of what happened today, it’s something Tobizaru had a hard time forgetting, too.

Tobi, who is known as one of the more light-hearted rikishi in sumo, showed a level of grit and meanness we’re not accustomed to from him. Off the tachiai Tobizaru immediately tried to stay busy with his hands, to prevent Terunofuji from locking them up in his kimedashi hold.

Terunofuji tried reaching for Tobizaru, by the Flying Monkey did a good job of maintaining range, though it did lead to him being backed all the way up to the straw. He kicked out a leg at Terunofuji’s knee, which gave him enough space to circle away from the boundary. He almost slipped on the clay (which is especially slippery in Nagoya), but was able to maintain his movement and establish a clinch with Terunofuji in the center of the dohyo.

From there Terunofuji established a grip on Tobizaru’s belt and then went for an inside trip. Tobizaru was too mobile, for that, though. He blocked that and then he blocked Terunofuji’s attempts at an underarm throw. At this point Terunofuji had pulled Tobizaru’s mawashi so high up he was wearing it like a bandeau.

Tobizaru kept his feet moving throughout, though, preventing Terunofuji from sitting down and summoning up all his strength. With Terunofuji starting to fade, Tobizaru kicked out Terunofuji’s right leg. That provoked a big reaction from big Teru, who charged forward and took Tobizaru to the edge again, but Tobizaru again slipped away. In slipping away Tobizaru got himself perpendicular to Terunofuji and was able to push him back and over the straw. Terunofuji, who was side-footed (and hurt), was unable to put on the brakes. And thus, the pillows rained down.

Sadly, Terunofuji hobbled out of the ring and you have to fear the worst for the recent tournament winner. That sweep attempt from Tobizaru may have damaged Terunofuji’s recently surgically repaired knee.

I think the fact that Tobizaru targeted Terunofuji’s legs speaks to how much he wanted to win this one and get payback for the embarrassing loss in May. The level of intensity and commitment from both men created one of the greatest bouts I’ve ever seen.

That’s two kinobshi on the career for Tobizaru, both of which have come against Terunofuji.

Other key bouts from this day include Daieisho smashing Midorifuji to go 3-0, Shodai waking up to beat Wakamotoharu and Nishikigi continuing to impress with a crafty win over Hoshoryu. Hakuoho took his first top division loss this day, being outfoxed by former sekiwake Takarafuji.

Day 4

Results

• Aoiyama (M17, 2-2) def. Endo (M16, 3-1) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Hakuoho (M17, 3-1) def. Bushozan (M16, 1-3) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Takarafuji (M15, 3-1) def. Daishoho (M14, 0-4) via yorikiri
• Gonoyama (M13, 4-0) def. Ryuden (M15, 0-4) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
• Shonannoumi (M14, 3-1) def. Kotoshoho (M13, 1-3) via oshidashi
• Kotoeko (M11, 3-1) def. Chiyoshoma (M12, 2-2) via yorikiri*
• Tsurugisho (M11, 1-3) def. Kinbozan (M10) via uwatenage (over arm throw)
• Hokutofuji (M9, 3-1) def. Myogiryu (M10, 1-3) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Takayasu (M7, 4-0) def. Takanosho (M9, 0-4) via hatakikomi
• Tamawashi (M7, 3-1) def. Nishikifuji (M8, 3-1) via yorikiri
• Oho (M6, 2-2) def. Nishikifuji (M8, 3-1) via yorikiri
• Hokuseiho (M6, 2-2) def. Hiradoumi (M5, 1-3) via yorikiri
• Asaonoyama (M4, 3-1) def. Onosho (M5, 1-3) via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)*
• Ura (M4, 2-2) def. Meisei (M3, 2-2) via oshidashi*
• Abi (K, 3-1) def. Tobizaru (M1, 1-3) via oshidashi
• Wakamotoharu (S, 3-1) def. Midorifuji (M3, 0-4) via hatakikomi
• Nishikigi (M1, 4-0) def. Daieisho (S, 3-1) via hikkake (arm grabbing force out)*
• Hoshoryu (S, 3-1) def. Mitakeumi (M2, 0-4) via yorikiri
• Krisihima (O, 1-1-2) def. Kotonowaka (K, 2-2) via okuridashi (rear push out)*
• Shodai (M2, 2-2) def. Terunofuji (1-3) via fusen (default)

*Must see bouts!

Quick analysis

Well, Terunofuji is out. After his damaging loss to Tobizaru, the yokozuna submitted papers to the JSA stating he had a slipped disc and an injury to one of his vertebrae, which was actually sustained in training and not during the bout with Tobizaru. His absence gave Shodai the default win on Day 4.

As Terunofuji exits, Kirishima enters. The new ozeki was expected to be out all tournament nursing a bone bruise on his rib, returned on Day 4 and took on Kotonowaka. I had feared the worse for him, doing up against one of the strongest shovers in the game. But Kirishima showed that, either his injury is not as bad as expected, or he is just ‘him’ and could fight through it without showing any pain. He was able to withstand, turn and then push out Kotonowaka without too much trouble.

Nishikigi might become the story of this tournament. He’s 4-0 after he beat Daieisho (who had looked dominant beforehand). Nishikigi has gotten to 4-0 after facing the hardest four man line-up you can expect to start a tournament. Day 1 he got a lucky fusen win over Kirishima, but then he beat Terunofuji and Hoshoryu. With all those big names out the way already, Nishikigi could finish this tournament with a big number of wins.

In the last two tournaments, Midorifuji and Meisei came blasting out the gates only to fall away later. However, that’s because they were beating up rank-and-filers. Nishikigi is beating up elites and looking like the best version we’ve ever seen of him. He’s fighting the third and final sekiwake Wakamotoharu on Day 5.

Takayasu and Gonoyama are both 4-0, too. Takayasu looks to be healthy. And when he’s healthy he’s better than three quarters of the division. Gonoyama is showing impressive skills against the lowest ranked guys in the division, so it will be interesting what happens when he gets a step up in competition.

For bout of the day, I’m picking something lower on the banzuke. Kotoeko and Chiyoshoma are two of my favourite wrestlers. When they match-up, it’s a fascinating duel of Kotoeko’s upper body attacks versus Chiyoshoma’s lower body attacks. The Mongolian tried a few trips in this one, but Kotoeko was able to evade them and get chest to chest. From there he let his boulder-shoulders go to work and was able to force Chiyoshoma out.

These two have now faced eachother a whopping 21 times, which Kotoeko leading 14-7 in the match-up. The first time they collided was in 2012, in the sandanme division. Check out the video below to see how that went between the skinny 21-year-olds.

Day 5

Results

• Roga (J2, 2-3) def. Bushozan (M16, 1-4) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Endo (M16, 4-1) def. Takarafuji (M15, 3-2) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Ryuden (M15, 1-4) def. Hakuoho (M17, 3-2) via yorikiri
• Shonannoumi (M14, 4-1) def. Aoiyama (M17, 2-3) via oshidashi
• Daishoho (M14, 1-4) def. Chiyoshoma (M12, 2-3) via yorikiri
• Kotoshoho (M13, 2-3) Tsusugisho (M11, 1-4) via oshidashi
• Gonoyama (M13, 5-0) def. Kotoeko (M11, 3-2) via hatakikomi (slap down)*
• Myogriyu (M10, 2-3) def. Takanosho (M9, 0-5) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)
• Kinbozan (M10, 3-2) Nishikifuji (M8, 3-2) via hatakikomi
• Hokutofuji (M9, 3-1) def. Sadanoumi (M8, 1-3) via okuridashi (rear push out)*
• Tamawashi (M7, 4-1) def. Onosho (M5, 1-4) via yoikiri*
• Takayasu (M7, 5-0) def. Hiradoumi (M5, 1-4) via hatakikomi*
• Ura (M4, 3-2) def. Oho (M6, 2-3) via oshidashi*
• Hokuseiho (M6, 3-2) def. Asanoyama (M4, 3-2) via yorikiri
• Midorifuji (M3, 1-4) def. Mitakeumi (M2, 0-5) via tsukiotoshi*
• Kotonowaka (K, 3-2) def. Shodai (M2) via yorikiri*
• Hoshoryu (S, 4-1) def. Abi (K, 3-2) via okuritaoshi (rear push down)*
• Nishikigi (M1, 5-0) def. Wakamotoharu (S, 3-2) via yorikiri*
• Daieisho (S, 4-1) def. Meisei (M3, 2-3) via oshidashi
• Tobizaru (M1, 2-3) def. Kirishima (O, 1-2-2) via yorikiri*

*Must see bouts!

Quick analysis

Call this the tournament of the underdogs.

Nishikigi is now 5-0 after dispatching with Wakamotoharu with a quick yorikiri. With all the sekiwake out the way he will now get to face a decline in competition the rest of the way, with Kotonowaka and Abi the only san’yaku he’s yet to face.

The other wrestler who is 5-0 is another underdog, rookie Gonoyama. In focusing so much on Hakuoho (who had a dissapointing loss to Ryuden this day), we’ve forgettn about the man who has owned Hakuoho in the lower division. Gonoyama got his fifth win with a tremendous victory over Kotoeko. I doubt he can keep this pace up, but it’s fun to watch.

The only other undefeated wrestler is Takayasu, who is looking to be in frightening form. If he can stay healthy, pretty sure he can keep this up. He smashed Hiradoumi on Day 5.

And then we have Tobizaru continuing to surprise us. Fresh off his thrilling win over Terunofuji, the Flying Ape has only gone and beaten Kirishima (who might still be suffering from a rib injury).

All these matches were fantastic, but for my bout of the day I need an Ura fix. On Day 5 Kirby dug his heels in and blasted Oho off the dohyo.

Honourable mention to Midorifuji getting his first win, after a marathon match with Mitakeumi.

Day 6

Results

• Endo (M16, 5-1) def. Mitoryu (J2, 3-3) via kirikaeshi (twisting backward knee trip)
• Takarafuji (M15, 4-2) def. Aoiyama (M17, 2-4) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Daishoho (M14, 2-4) def. Bushozan (M16, 1-5) via yorikiri
• Hakuoho (M17, 4-2) def. Gonoyama (M13, 5-1) via hatakikomi (slap down)*
• Ryuden (M15, 2-4) def. Kotoshoho (M13, 2-4) via yorikiri
• Chiyoshom (M12, 3-3) def. Shonannoumi (M14, 4-2) via yorikiri
• Takanosho (M9, 1-5) def. Tsurugisho (M11, 1-5) via yorikiri
• Hokutofuji (M9, 5-1) def. Kotoeko (M11, 3-3) via okuritaoshi (rear push down)*
• Kinbozan (M10, 4-2) def. Sadanoumi (M8, 1-5) via yorikiri
• Myogiryu (M10, 3-3) def. Nishikifuji (M8, 3-3) via hatakikomi
• Tamawashi (M7, 5-1) def. Hiradoumi (M5, 1-5) via yorikiri*
• Onosho (M5, 2-4) def. Takayasu (M7, 5-1) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Asaonoyama (M4, 4-2) def. Oho (M6, 2-4) via yorikiri
• Ura (M4, 4-2) def. Hokuseiho (M6, 3-3) via okuridashi (rear push out)*
• Tobizaru (M1, 3-3) def. Mitakeumi (M2, 0-6) via okuridashi
• Nishikigi (M1, 6-0) def. Abi (K, 3-3) via oshidashi*
• Kotonowaka (K, 4-2) def. Daieisho (S, 4-2) via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)
• Hoshoryu (S, 5-1) def. Midorifuji (M3, 1-5) via sotogake (outside leg trip)
• Wakamotoharu (S, 4-2) def. Meisei (M3, 2-4) via hatakikomi
• Kirishima (O, 2-2-2) def. Shodai (M2, 2-4) via tsukiotoshi

Must see bouts!

Quick analysis

Nishikigi is now 6-0 with all his wins coming over the san’yaku. On Day 7 he will meet komusubi Kotonowaka (who beat Diaiesho today) to try and complete his clean sweep of the upper rankers and put himself in firm control of this basho. His win today was over Abi and, again, it wasn’t that close. He sustained Abi’s forward tsuppari charge and then pushed him back to the straw, an area Abi likes and is good at escaping from. However, Abi was not able to hop out of the way this time as Nishikigi pushed him out.

Including his strong finish in May, Nishikigi has now won 14 bouts in a row (including a fusen over Kirishima on Day 1). Incredible sumo from the 32-year-old who is competing at the highest rank of his career.

Nishikigi is now the only undefeated rikishi at the tournament. Takayasu took a loss to Onosho and Gonoyama lost his grudge match against Hakuoho.

I’d like to put some spotlight on Tamawashi today, sumo’s iron-man and the oldest person in the division. He beat the young and rising Hiradoumi to go 5-1 today and did it with devastating nodowa (throat strikes). After a couple of down tournaments the Mongolian veteran is looking back to his yusho form of last year.

Bout of the day has to be Ura vs. Hokuseiho. I used Ura for BotD yesterday just because, but there was no doubt he deserved it this day. His bout with Hokuseiho, who is a foot taller than him, was sensational as he attacked the legs of the giant and somehow got behind him. From there Ura was able to shepherd out the confused youngster.

Day 7

Results

• Hakuoho (M17, 5-2) def. Endo (M16, 5-2) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Takarafuji (M15, 5-2) def. Shimazuumi (J3, 3-4) via yorikiri
• Ryuden (M15, 3-4) def. Aoiyama (M17, 2-5) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Kotoshoho (M13, 3-4) def. Bushozan (M16, 1-6) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)
• Shonannoumi (M14, 5-2) def. Gonoyama (M13, 5-2) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Kotoeko (M11, 4-3) def. Daishoho (M14, 2-5) via okuridashi (rear push out)
• Chiyoshoma (M12, 4-3) def. Myogiryu (M10, 3-4) via katasukashi (under shoulder swing down)*
• Hokutofuji (M9, 6-1) def. Tsurugisho (M11, 1-6) via hatakikomi
• Takanosho (M9, 2-5) def. Kinbozan (M10, 4-3) via oshidashi
• Nishikifuji (M8, 4-3) def. Takayasu (M7, 5-2) via tsukiotoshi
• Tamawashi (M7, 6-1) def. Hokuseiho (M6, 3-4) via yorikiri*
• Onosho (M5, 3-4) def. Sadanoumi (M8, 1-6) via hatakikomi
• Hiradoumi (M5, 2-5) def. Oho (M6, 2-5) via yorikiri
• Meisei (M3, 3-4) def. Midorifuji (M3, 1-6) via yorikiri
• Tobizaru (M1, 4-3) def. Shodai (M2, 2-5) via oshidashi*
• Kotonowaka (K, 5-2) def. Nishikigi (M1, 6-1) via yorikiri
• Wakamotoharu (S, 5-2) def. Abi (K, 3-4) via hatakikomi
• Daieisho (S, 5-2) def. Ura (M4, 4-3) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)
• Hoshoryu (S, 6-1) def. Asanoyama (M4, 4-3) via uwatenage (over arm throw)*
• Mitakeuimi (M2, 1-6) def. Kirishima (O, 2-3-2) via oshidashi

*Must see bouts!

Quick analysis

Nishikigi’s attmpted clean sweep of the san’yaku fell at the last hurdle on Day 7 with a quick loss to Kotonowaka, who has amassed a typically quiet 5-2 record thus far.

Day 7 saw all the ozeki chasers win. Daieisho blasted through Ura, Wakamotoharu slapped down Abi and Hoshoryu had my bout of the day versus Asanoyama.

Hoshoryu moved to a tournament tying best mark of 6-1 with his slick win over the former ozeki. This was another bout where Hoshoryu not only showed himself off as the best technician in sumo, but also one of the strongest guys out there (despite his relatively small stature). Asanoyama is massive, and very quick, but Hoshoryu wasn’t moved off the tachiai.

Asanoyama, who has incredible footspeed, was able to puhs Hoshoryu back in the second stage, moving him to the boundary. But the smaller man was able to put on the brakes. He then surged forwards and immediately went for an over arm throw. He almost got it, too. But Asanoyama, being no slouch, defended the position (partly thanks to his tree trunk-like legs).

After defending the throw, he pushed forwards, blocking a sneaky foot sweep attempt from the Golden Boy. He got greedy, though, and tried to go chest-to-chest to push Hoshoryu out. This allowed, Hoshoryu to pivot and get deeper on the overarm throw set-up. This time he pulled the throw off, which he celebrated with a move reminiscent of his famous uncle.

A fantastic win for Hoshoryu, who is quickly closing in on the 13 wins he needs to become an ozeki.

Joining Hoshoryu and Nishikigi at the 6-1 mark are two surprising leaders, Hokutofuji and Tamawashi (who I highlighted yesterday). Hokutofuji rode the attack of Tsurugisho to snatch a win. Tamawashi used his devastating nodowa technique to immediately attack and unsettle Hokuseiho, forcing the youngster to panic and not defend against a quick yorikiri.

Day 8

Results

• Ryuden (M15, 4-4) def. Ichiyamamoto (J3, 0-6-2) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Daishoho (M14, 3-5) def. Aoiyama (M17, 2-6) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Hakuoho (M17, 6-2) def. Shonannoumi (M14, 5-3) via yorikiri
• Eno (M16, 6-2) def. Kotoshoho (M13, 3-5) via tottari (arm bar throw)*
• Takarafuji (M15, 6-2) def. Kotoeko (M11, 4-4) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)
• Tsurugisho (M11, 2-6) def. Bushozan (M16, 1-7) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Chiyoshoma (M12, 5-3) def. Kinbozan (M10, 4-4) via shitatenage (underarm throw)
• Myogiryu (M10, 4-4) def. Gonoyama (M13, 5-3) via oshidashi
• Hokutofuji (M9, 7-1) def. Takayasu (M7, 5-3) via oshidashi*
• Takanosho (M9, 3-5) def. Tamawashi (M7, 6-2) via oshidashi
• Hokuseiho (M6, 4-4) def. Sadanoumi (M8, 1-7) via shitatenage*
• Hiardoumi (M5, 3-5) def. Nishikifuji (M8, 4-4) via oshidashi
• Oho (M6, 3-5) def. Onosho (M5, 3-5) via tsukiotoshi
• Meisei (M3, 4-4) def. Mitakeumi (M2, 1-7) via yorikiri
• Nishikigi (M1, 7-1) def. Tobizaru (M1, 4-4) via oshidashi
• Abi (K, 4-4) def. Shodai (M2, 2-6) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
• Hoshoryu (S, 7-1) def. Ura (M4, 4-4) via hatakikomi
• Wakamotoharu (S, 6-2) def. Kotonowaka (K, 5-3) via yorikiri*
• Daieisho (S, 6-2) def. Asanoyama (M4, 4-4) via fusen (default)
• Midorifuji (M3, 2-6) def. Kirishima (O, 2-4-2) via shitatenage*

*Must see bouts!

Quick analysis

The leading pack was trimmed to three rikishi today with Nishikigi, Hoshoryu and Hokutofuji getting wins to go 7-1. Nishikigi got past the tricky Tobizaru, Hoshoryu easily slapped down Ura and Hokutofuji got through a tough Takayasu.

Bout of the day has to be Midorifuji vs. Kirishima, which saw a very rare pause in the aciton so that the referee, the 41st Inosuke Shikimori or current chief referee, could prevent Kirishima from suffering a wardrobe malfunction. The referee had the two wrestlers pause, mainitaining their grips while he struggled with Kirishima’s mawashi. Eventually a yobidashi came in and helped secure the knot.

After they restarted the action, Midorifuji and Kirishima went back and forth and as Kirishima attempted some throws, Midorifuji was able to move the action closer and closer to the boundary. When blocking the final throw, Midorifuji was able to take away Kirishima’s space and force the ozeki to step out of the ring.

The win is the best of Midorifuji’s career (even if Kirishima was suffered from a rib injury). It’s been an up and down year for Midorifuji, who has looked incredible against rank-and-filers, but undersized and out of his depths against the san’yaku this win over Kirishima could be an important confidence booster for him to get back to winning form.

Day 9

Results

• Bushozan (M16, 2-7) def. Takarafuji (M15, 6-3) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Daishoho (M14, 4-5) def. Hakuoho (M17, 6-3) via oshidashi
• Endo (M16, 7-2) def. Gonoyama (M13, 5-4) via oshidashi
• Aoiyama (M17, 3-6) def. Chiyoshoma (M12, 5-4) via oshidashi
• Ryuden (M15, 5-4) def. Tsurugisho (M11, 2-7) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Shonannoumi (M14, 6-3) def. Kotoeko (M11, 4-5) via hatakikomi (slap down)*
• Myogiryu (M10, 5-4) def. Kotoshoho (M13, 3-6) via hatakikomi
• Kinbozan (M10, 5-4) def. Tamawashi (M7, 6-3) via oshidashi
• Sadanoumi (M8, 2-7) def. Takayasu (M7, 5-4) via yorikiri
• Hokutofuji (M8, 8-1) def. Oho (M6, 3-6) via oshidashi*
• Takanosho (M9, 4-5) def. Hokuseiho (M6, 4-5) via okuridashi (rear push out)
• Onosho (M9, 4-5) def. Nishikifuji (M8, 4-5) via oshidashi
• Shodai (M2, 3-6) def. Midorifuji (M3, 2-7) via yorikiri*
• Nishikigi (M1, 8-1) def. Mitakeumi (M2, 1-8) via yorikiri
• Tobizaru (M1, 5-4) def. Kotonowaka (K, 5-4) via oshidashi*
• Daieisho (S, 7-2) def. Abi (K, 4-5) via oshidashi
• Hoshoryu (S, 8-1) def. Hiradoumi (M5, 3-6) via kakenage (hooking inner thigh throw)*
• Wakamotoharu (S, 7-2) def. Ura (M4, 4-5) via sukuinage (beltless arm through)
• Kirishima (O, 3-4-2) def. Meisei (M3, 4-5) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)

*Must see bouts!

Quick analysis

We have our first kachi-koshi wrestlers with Hoshoryu, Nishikigi and Hokutofuji all getting their eighth wins on Day 9. Hokutofuji dealt with Oho without too much fuss. Nishikigi withstood and pushed out Mitakeumi. And Hoshoryu beat Hiradoumi in my bout of the day.

One thing I love about Hoshoryu is that he combines his craft and guile with straight up power. He often chooses to win a lot of his bouts with slick throws and trips, but he has the straight up strength to go chest-to-chest with most opponents. He also has that mean streak in him, too, which will see him really lay into the tachiai at times.

On Day 9 he met Hiradoumi, who might have the meanest streak in the division. Hoshoryu knows how Hiradoumi starts all his bouts, he puts his head down, smashes into contact and looks to capitalize off the impact. Instead of trying to avoid the contact and use Hiradoumi’s pressure against him, this bout Hoshoryu decided to meet him head on and show he can’t be pushed back.

Off the clash, Hoshoryu then went to his bag of tricks and got deep on a judo throw. However, Hiradoumi grapevined one of his legs. This forced Hoshoryu to show tremendous balance to maintain his posture, while hopping on one leg, and eventually securing the throw along the straw, dumping Hiraduomi on the chief referee’s lap.

Other bouts I enjoyed included Tobizaru beating Kotonowaka in another choatic affair (these two seem to always put on a show) and Midorifuji coming up just short to Shodai.

Day 10

Results

• Shonannoumi (M14, 7-3) def. Bushozan (M16, 2-8) via uwatedashinage (pulling overarm throw)
• Gonoyama (M13, 6-4) def. Takarafuji (M15, 6-4) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Aoiyama (M17, 4-6) def. Kotoshoho (M13, 3-7) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Endo (M16, 8-2) def. Chiyoshoma (M12, 5-5) via oshidashi (frontal force out)
• Hakuoho (M17, 7-3) def. Kotoeko (M11, 4-6) via oshidashi
• Ryuden (M15, 6-4) def. Myogiryu (M10, 5-5) via kotenage (arm lock throw)*
• Takanosho (M9, 5-5) def. Daishoho (M14, 5-5) via yorikiri after torinaoshi (rematch)
• Tsurugisho (M11, 3-7) def. Sadanoumi (M8, 2-7) via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)
• Kinbozan (M10, 6-4) def. Takayasu (M7, 5-5) via oshidashi
• Hokutofuji (M9, 9-1) def. Tamawashi (M7, 6-4) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)
• Nishikifuji (M8. 5-5) def. Oho (M6, 3-7) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)*
• Shodai (M2, 4-6) def. Hokuseiho (M6, 4-6) via yorikiri*
• Nishikigi (M1, 9-1) def. Meisei (M3, 4-6) via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)*
• Midorifuji (M3, 3-7) def. Tobizaru (M1, 5-5) via oshidashi*
• Miakeumi (M2, 2-8) def. Abi (K, 4-6) via yorikiri
• Onosho (M5, 5-5) def. Wakamotoharu (S, 7-3) via oshidashi*
• Daieisho (S, 8-2) def. Hiradoumi (M5, 3-7) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*
• Kotonowaka (K, 6-4) def. Hoshoryu (8-2, S) via oshidashi*
• Kirishima (O, 4-4-2) def. Ura (M4, 4-6) via oshidashi*

*Must see bouts!

Quick analysis

There were some great bouts on Day 10. Daieisho won the battle of the pug-faces versus Hiradoumi, going thrust for thrust and slap for slap with the young man, before cutting an angle and pushing him down. And Kotonowaka got a quality win over Hoshoryu, though Hoshoryu still got to show off his freakish balancing skills (yet again).

But bout of the day for me was Kirishima vs. Ura.

Due to an injury Kirishima has been relegated to a bit-part in this basho, unlike in the past two tournament where he was one of the lead characters. Against Ura, though, he showed how great he is at full strength. He deployed some Hakuho-esque escapes around the boundary and got himself into the position he needed to win. And once he got there he had the strength and energy to push his popular opponent out.

Nishikigi and Hokutofuji won again on Day 10 to reach 9-1. Endo joined the kachi-koshi ranks with a quick win over Chiyoshoma.

Day 11

Results

• Ryuden (M15, 7-4) def. Daishoho (M14, 4-7) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Bushozan (M16, 3-8) def. Chiyoshoma (M12, 5-6) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Aoiyama (M17, 5-6) def. Tsurugisho (M11, 3-8) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Kotoshoho (M13, 4-7) def. Kinbozan (M10, 6-5) via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)
• Kotoeko (M11, 5-6) def. Sadanoumi (M8, 2-9) via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)*
• Hakuoho (M17, 8-3) def. Takayasu (M7, 5-6) via okuridashi (rear push out)*
• Hokuseiho (M6, 5-6) def. Myogiryu (M10, 5-6) via yorikiri
• Onosho (M5, 6-5) def. Gonoyama (M13, 6-5) via sukuinage*
• Takanosho (M9, 6-5) def. Hiradoumi (M5, 3-8) via oshidashi
• Ura (M4, 5-6) def. Nishikifuji (M8, 5-6) via yorikiri
• Oho (M6, 4-7) def. Midorifuji (M3, 3-8) via oshidashi
• Shodai (M2, 5-6) def. Mitakeumi (M2, 2-9) via yorikiri
• Tobizaru (M1, 6-5) def. Meisei (M3, 4-7) via hatakikomi
• Nishikigi (M1, 10-1) def. Endo (M16, 8-3) via yorikiri
• Takarafuji (M15, 7-4) def. Abi (K, 4-7) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*
• Kotonowaka (K, 7-4) def. Shonannoumi (M14, 7-4) via yorikiri
• Hoshoryu (S, 9-2) def. Tamawashi (M7, 6-5) via oshidashi
• Kirishima (O, 5-4-2) def. Daieisho (S, 8-3) via hatakikomi*

*Must see bouts!

Quick analysis

Day 11 is where we started seeing wrestlers matched based on their records and not just their rank. As a result a number of the high performing lower ranked guys got to face off with their stiffest competition of the basho thus far. And there they struggled.

My bout of the day is Hokutofuji, who had been beating up the lower ranks, getting to take on sekiwake Wakamotoharu who is working on his ozeki run. Wakamotoharu needs 12 wins this tournament to qualify, so he could not afford to lose this one.

Check out their bout below. You’ll see both guys match each other for aggressiveness, but Wakamotoharu (who I think might be the most physically strong guy in the sport) tap into an extra level of power to force the very heavy and very strong Hokutofuji out.

Nishikigi vs. Endo was another match-up like this. That saw Endo hit a brick wall before being forced out by the now 10-1 Nishikigi (who is leading the competition on his own now thanks to Hokutofuji’s loss).

Impressive rookie Shonannoumi also got a step up in competition. He took on komusubi Kotonowaka. He almost won, too, taking Kotonowaka into the seats, but being forced out just before.

Other notable matches were Daieisho vs. Kirishima in a match-up of the March tournament playoff. Kirishima continues to show his supremacy over Daieisho, using great footwork to make the shover fall onto his face.

Day 12

Results

• Oshoma (J4, 6-6) def. Daishoho (M14, 4-8) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Aoiyama (M17, 6-6) def. Kinbozan (M10, 6-6) via okuridashi (rear push out)
• Myogiryu (M10, 6-6) def. Takarafuji (M15, 7-5) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Chiyoshoma (M12, 6-6) def. Takanosho (M9, 6-6) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Sadanoumi (M8, 3-9) def. Bushozan (M16, 3-9) via uwatenage (over arm throw)
• Ryuden (M15, 8-4) def. Nishikifuji (M8, 5-7) via oshidashi
• Gonoyama (M13, 7-5) def. Takayasu (M7, 5-7) via oshidashi*
• Kotoeko (M11, 6-6) def. HOkuseiho (M6, 5-7) via uwatenage*
• Oho (M6, 5-7) def. Kotoshoho (M13, 4-8) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)
• Tsurugisho (M11, 4-8) def. Onosho (M5, 6-6) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)
• Hiradoumi (M5, 4-8) def. Midorifuji (M3, 3-9) via yorikiri
• Meisei (M3, 5-7) def. Shodai (M2, 5-7) via sotogake (outside leg trip)
• Ura (M4, 6-6) def. Mitakeumi (M2, 2-10) via tottari (arm bar throw)*
• Shonannoumi (M14, 8-4) def. Nishikigi (M1, 10-2) via kotenage (arm lock throw)
• Asanoyama (M4, 5-4-3) def. Tobizaru (M1, 6-6) via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)*
• Kotonowaka (K, 8-4) def. Endo (M16, 8-4) via sukuinage
• Hakuoho (M17, 9-3) def. Abi (K, 4-8) via oshidashi*
• Tamawashi (M7, 7-5) def. Daieisho (S, 8-4) via hatakikomi*
• Hokutofuji (M9, 10-2) def. Hoshoryu (S, 9-3) via oshidashi*
• Kirishima (O, 6-4-2) def. Wakamotoharu (S, 8-4) via yorikiri*

*Must see bouts!

Quick analysis

What a great day of bouts (and throws!). Nishikigi was pegged back in his race to yusho by a throw from the impressive rookie Shonannoumi. Asanoyama returned despite a bicep injury to throw Tobizaru. Ura got a funky throw on Mitakeumi and Kotoeko tossed out the giant Hokuseiho.

Nishikigi’s loss means he was tied atop the leader board by Hokutofuji, who got a big win over Hoshoryu (the first of his career).

This loss is the kind that pops up for Hoshoryu every now and then. Hokutofuji, one of the most powerful pushers out there, was able to get Hoshoryu back to the boundary and then shove him out the ring. Hoshoryu immediately looked at the dohyo suggesting that the notoriously slippy surface in Nagoya was to blame.

However, on replay you can see that Hoshoryu lost due to (forgive me) a brain fart. When he was being forced back he choose to step towards the straw boundary for leverage. However, in doing so he did not skim his foot across the surface, as wrestlers practice each and every day. Instead he took a big step, which resulted in him stepping out of bounds.

Bout of the day for me is Hakuoho beating Abi. This is the first time the super prospect had ever faced an opponent from the san’yaku. Furthermore, this is the first time he had ever faced anyone like Abi (who is near unique in his aggressive and strike heavy attacking style). Hoshoryu, who is still a teenager, was able to weather the storm of palms to the face and throat, withstand the attempts to slap him down and carefully locate his opponent and the angle he needed to get him out.

The win took him to 9-3, within reach of what would be a stunning and historic championship. However, it looked like he may have hurt his already injured shoulder on the way out. With a winning record secured, now we wait to see whether Hakuoho will be conservative in sitting out the rest of the tournament or whether he will chase history.

Day 13

Results

• Aoiyama (M17, 7-6) def. Tohakuryu (J4, 6-7) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Takarafuji (M15, 8-5) def. Chiyoshoma (M12, 6-7) via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)
• Gonoyama (M13, 8-5) def. Tsusugisho (M11, 4-9) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Kotoeko (M11, 7-6) def. Bushozan (M16, 3-10) via oshidashi
• Ryuden (M15, 9-4) def. Kinbozan (M10, 6-7) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Hokutofuji (M9, 11-2) def. Endo (M16, 8-5) via yorikiri
• Shonannoumi (M14, 9-4) def. Nishikifuji (M8, 5-8) via oshidashi*
• Sadanoumi (M8, 4-9) def. Daishoho (M14, 4-9) via yorikiri
• Tamawashi (M7, 8-5) def. Myogiryu (M10, 6-7) via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)
• Kotoshoho (M13, 5-8) def. Hokuseiho (M6, 5-8) via yorikiri*
• Takanosho (M9, 7-6) def. Onosho (M5, 6-7) via oshidashi
• Meisei (M3, 6-7) def. Oho (M6, 5-8) via oshidashi
• Takayasu (M7, 6-7) def. Midorifuji (M3, 3-10) via hatakikomi
• Hiradoumi (M5, 5-8) def. Mitakeumi (M2, 2-11) via yorikiri
• Asanoyama (M4, 6-4-3) def. Shodai (M2, 5-8) via yorikiri
• Tobizaru (M1, 7-6) def. Ura (M4, 6-7) via shitatenage (underarm throw)*
• Hakuoho (M17, 10-3) def. Nishikigi (M1, 10-3) via uchigake (inside leg trip)*
• Kotonowaka (K, 9-4) def. Abi (K, 4-9) via yorikiri
• Wakamotoharu (S, 9-4) def. Daeiesho (S, 8-5) via hatakikomi*
• Hoshoryu (S, 10-3) def. Kirishima (O, 6-5-2) via yorikiri*

Must see bouts!

Quick analysis

This tournament is an absolute nailbitter. Because of how things went today, and given the match-ups listed for Day 14 (including Hakuoho vs. Hokutofuji) we could head into the final day with four wrestlers tied for first place.

We got here because Hokutofuji, Hakuoho and Hoshoryu all got wins. Hokutofuji powered through Endo without much fuss, Hakuoho won an epic battle with Nishikigi (who is the fourth man who could win the title) and Hoshoryu bested his old judo rival Kirishima in a technical affair.

Hakuoho vs. Nishikigi is my hands-down bout of the day (though you should still watch Ura vs. Tobizaru).

Hakuoho has the strength and speed to come off the line like a pro-bowl linebacker. Nishikigi is a brick wall, though. Off the tachiai Nishikigi immediatelly looked for an inside grip on the left side, but Hakuoho did great in moving his hips and hand fighting to keep him away. In the ensuing scramble Nishikigi got Hakuoho on the straw, but the 19-year-old was able to stay up and in and then drive Nishikigi back into the centre.

The pair then rested with matching grips on each other’s mawashi, with Hakuoho really keeping his waist at a good distance from his opponent. With that distance established, he shucked Nishikigi forwards and then took him down with a deft, and rarely seen, uchigake (inside leg trip).

No matter what happens the rest of the way. I’ve seen enough. Hakuoho is not just the future of sumo. He might be the present, too.

Other bouts of note included Wakamotoharu vs. Daieisho. Wakamotoharu had his ozeki run ruined on Day 13 by Kirishima and he returned the favour this day. He was able to use Daieisho’s momentum in his favour (like all elite opponents do to Daieisho) and slap him down. Daieisho is now unable to get the 11 wins he needed to get an ozeki promotion. This is a massive collapse for the sekiwake who seemed like he had a great chance to finally get that promotion in Nagoya.

Day 14

Results

• Tamashoho (J5, 9-5) def. Bushozan (M16, 3-11) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)
• Kotoshoho (M13, 6-8) def. Takarafuji (M15, 8-6) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Kinbozan (M10, 7-7) def. Shonannoumi (M14, 9-5) via shitatenage (underarm throw)
• Endo (M16, 9-5) def. Myogiryu (M10, 6-8) via yorikiri
• Gonoyama (M13, 9-5) def. Takanosho (M9, 7-7) via tsukiotoshi
• Hakuoho (M17, 11-3) def. Hokutofuji (M9, 11-3) via tsukiotoshi*
• Aoiyama (M17, 8-6) def. Nishikifuji (M8, 5-8) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Daishoho (M14, 5-9) def. Takayasu (M7, 6-8) via yorikiri
• Kotoeko (M11, 8-6) def. Tamawashi (M7, 8-6) via yorikiri*
• Tsurugisho (M11, 5-9) def. Midorifuji (M3, 3-11) via okuridashi (rear push out)
• Meisei (M3, 7-7) def. Hokuseiho (M6, 5-9) via yorikiri
• Shodai (M2, 6-8) def. Oho (M6, 5-9) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Sadanoumi (M8, 5-9) def. Mitakeumi (M2, 2-12) via yorikiri
• Ryuden (M15, 10-4) def. Nishikigi (M1, 10-4) via shitatenage*
• Tobizaru (M1, 8-6) def. Chiyoshoma (M12, 6-8) via okuridashi*
• Kotonowaka (K, 10-4) def. Ura (M4, 6-8) via oshidashi
• Abi (K, 5-9) def. Hiradoumi (M5, 5-9) via hatakikomi
• Hoshoryu (S, 11-3) def. Wakamotoharu (S, 9-5) via kotenage (arm lock throw)*
• Daieisho (S, 9-5) def. Onosho (M5, 6-8) via hatakikomi*
• Asanoyama (M4, 7-4-3) def. Kirishima (O, 6-6-2) via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)*

Must see bouts!

Quick analysis

Another day, another show-stealing performance from Hakuoho. The teenage sensation beat Hokutofuji to tie his record at 11-3. Now Hakuoho gets to go into the final day, of his first ever top division tournament, with a chance to beat Hoshoryu (who beat Wakamotoharu today) to win his first Emperor’s Cup.

The win over Hokutofuji showed off Hakuoho’s combination of speed and power, which is perhaps only matched by former ozeki Asanoyama, as he plowed into Hokutofuji (one of the most powerful pushers in the game) and did not back down. Hakuoho instantly got an inside grip and was able to twist his hips to prevent his opponent from getting a good grip from him, much like his mentor Hakuho was famous for.

After some clinching, Hakuoho went for a throw, but Hokutofuji slipped out. Hokutofuji seized on that moment and tried to force out Hakuoho, but he couldn’t get him over the straw. As Hokutofuji went for an all out shove, Hakuoho deftly pivoted and was able to stay in just long enough to see Hokutofuji crash into the dirt.

Hoshoryu’s win over Wakamotoharu was shorter, but just as dramatic. Wakamotoharu tried to henka his fellow sekiwake (kind of a dirtbag move on a guy who needs the win for his ozeki run after you lost yours). Hoshoryu saw the move, though, and was able to grab Wakamotoharu’s thigh. After the henka didn’t work, Wakamotoharu was stuck upright and Hoshoryu was able to put him down with any move he wanted. After Wakamotoharu hit the ground, Hoshoryu gave him a little ‘how dare you’ stare.

Hoshoryu will now meet Hakuoho on the final day. Before they face off, Hokutofuji will fight Nishikigi (who lost to Ryuden this day to eliminate himself from title contention). If Nishikigi beats Hokutofuji, Hoshoryu and Hakuoho will fighting for the cup. If Hokutofuji wins, he will take on the winner of Hoshoryu vs. Hakuoho in a play-off.

I’m really hoping it’s Hoshoryu vs, Hakuoho for the title. The stakes are so high that the idea of seeing them in that spot makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.

If Hakuoho wins he makes history and gives evidence to the claims that he is a generational talent and an absolute star. If Hoshoryu wins his first ever championship, the 25-year-old shows that all the hype around him has been warranted and that win would also clinch his promotion to ozeki.

To add extra spice to the match-up, Hakuoho vs. Hoshoryu is basically Hakuho vs. Asashoryu. With the legendary GOAT Hakuho being Hakuoho’s mentor and the GOAT’s nemesis (and toughest rival) Asahoryu being Hoshoryu’s uncle.

Final Day

Results

• Daishoho (M14, 6-9) def. Roga (J2, 8-7) via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)
• Takarafuji (M15, 9-6) def. Tsurugisho (M11, 5-10) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Shonannoumi (M14, 10-5) def. Myogiryu (M10, 6-9) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Endo (M16, 10-5) def. Nishikifuji (M8, 5-10) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Aoiyama (M17, 9-6) def. Sadanoumi (M8, 5-10) via hatakikomi
• Gonoyama (M13, 10-5) def. Tamawashi (M7, 8-7) via oshidashi
• Takayasu (M7, 7-8) def. Chiyoshoma (M12, 6-9) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
• Oho (M6, 6-9) def. Bushozan (M16, 3-12) via yorikiri
• Kotoshoho (M13, 7-8) def. Hiradoumi (M5, 5-10) via fusen (default)
• Meisei (M3, 8-7) def. Kinbozan (M10, 7-8) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*
• Midorifuji (M3, 4-11) def. Hokuseiho (M6, 5-10) via shitatenage (underarm throw)*
• Mitakeumi (M2, 3-12) def. Onosho (M5, 6-9) via yorikiri
• Ura (M4, 7-8) def. Shodai (M2, 6-9) via yorikiri
• Tobizaru (M1, 9-6) def. Kotoeko (M11, 8-7) via okuridashi (rear push out)*
• Hokutofuji (M9, 12-3) def. Nishikigi (M1, 10-5) via hikiotoshi*
• Kotonowaka (K, 11-4) def. Ryuden (M15, 10-5) via yorikiri
• Asanoyama (M4, 8-4-3) def. Wakamotoharu (S, 9-5) via yorikiri
• Takanosho (M9, 8-7) def. Daieisho (S, 9-6) via hikiotoshia*
• Hoshory (S, 12-3) def. Hakuoho (M17, 11-4) via uwatenage (over arm throw)*
• Abi (K, 6-8) def. Kirishima (O, 6-7-2) via yorikiri

Play-off

• Hoshoryu def. Hokutofuji via oshidashi*

*Must see bouts!

Quick analysis

Wow. What an incredible tournament we just witnessed. The 2023 Nagoya basho is going to be rememebred for sometime. The most important thing we witnessed was a career defining victory for 24-year-old sekiwake Hoshoryu who won the championship after first defeating Hakuoho and then Hokutofuji in a play-off.

This is Hoshoryu’s first ever yusho. By beating Hakuoho, Hoshoryu also secured his 12 win which will secure his promotion to the rank of ozeki. Just an incredible day for the young Mongolian, who let his trademark stoicism and mean-mug slip when he realized he would hoist his first ever Emperor’s Cup.

To get the play-off, Hoshoryu first had to beat the super prospect Hakuoho who came veyr close to making history as the youngest and quickest rikishi to win a makuuchi title.

Hoshoryu stopped Hakuoho and, and ensured he would be the main character in this basho as we talk about it for years to come, by using his elite reflexes and adjustments (of which Kirishima is the only other wrestler with comparable ability).

The fight was over quickly.

Off the tachiai Hoshoryu immediately got a grip on Hakuoho’s belt. After showing the teenager how strong he is in the clinch, he then wowed us with his speed. In a lightning quick move, Hoshoryu swept out Hakuoho’s left leg and then drove his opponent’s left shoulder to the ground. Hakuoho didn’t see it coming and before he knew it, his palm was touching clay.

The match with Hakuoho showed off Hoshoryu’s grappling, but the play-off with Hokutofuji showed off he can do oshi-zumo as well as anyone. Again, the only other wrestler who cimbines such craft and power is Hoshoryu’s frenemy Kirishima.

In the final bout Hokutofuji predictably charged at Hoshoryu with a pushing attack that has beaten most people this tounrmanet. But Hoshoryu dug his heels in and would not be moved. Instead he got square, but his hands and forehead on Hokutofuji’s chest and drove him out. The tears came shortly after.

With Hoshoryu, Kirishima and Hakuoho we are enterting a new era of sumo. It’s going to be great.

Other notable bouts from a dramatic Day 15 include Midorifuji pulling off an epic giant-killing, by taking Hokuseiho completely off his feet, Kotonowaka quietly getting win number 11 over Ryuden and Gonoyama and Shonannoumi joining Hakuoho with double-digit wins in their first ever tournaments.

Lots of awards were handed out in Nagoya. Here’s who got what.

Shukun-sho (outstanding performance award)

• Nishikigi

Kanto-sho (fighting spirit award)

• Hoshoryu
• Kotonowaka
• Hokutofuji
• Gonoyama
• Shonannoumi
• Hakuoho

Gino-sho (technique prize)

• Hakuoho

Well that’s it for me. As always, I’ve loved keeping you up to date with all the thrills and spills from the dohyo. Thank you so much for stopping by. Next up, I’ll be doing a report card series for my subscribers on Substack.

Take care all! See you in Autumn.

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Table of Contents

Mark Zuckerberg, capo di tutti capo of Meta, has been awarded his blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu by legendary MMA coach Dave Camarillo.

Mark Zuckerberg makes an Instagram announcement

The world’s wealthiest BJJ white belt no longer, Zuckerberg took to Instagram to announce his promotion to blue belt by legendary MMA coach Dave Camarillo. He also congratulated Camarillo on receiving his 5th degree black belt.

Camarillo was the long-time BJJ coach at the American Kickboxing Academy where he trained UFC champs Cain Velasquez and Daniel Cormier among others.

“Congrats @davecamarillo on your 5th degree black belt. You’re a great coach and I’ve learned so much about fighting and life from training with you. Also honored to be promoted to compete at blue belt for @guerrillajjsanjose team.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck)

Zuckerberg’s controversial BJJ competition history

Bloody Elbow’s own Eugene S. Robinson has reported extensively on Zuckerberg’s BJJ competition experience, in particular the controversy over whether or not Zuck got slept. Eugene spoke to Lucas Costa, the ref of Zuckerberg’s first BJJ match.

“There was no argument,” said Costa. “It was in Gi and he got choked out. That was the video you saw. I stopped it and he wanted to check with me about why I stopped it. He didn’t know what was happening, which was one of the reasons I stopped it. But he had started to snore and the rule set says that snoring is a version of a verbal tap.”

Was there a possibility that he was just clearing his throat?

“I was paying a lot of attention,” Costa laughed. “I was paying even more attention because it was Mark. He got caught in an Ezekiel and I waited, but he didn’t fight back. And I was waiting, but on the third snore I had to stop the fight. He was very polite but he wanted to know how the rules work.”

Zuck’s people responded.

“At no point during the competition was Mark knocked unconscious,” Elana Widmann, a spokesperson for Meta, said in an email to The Daily Beast. “That never happened.”

Costa had to speak to Eugene a second time to clear the record.

When asked if Zuckerberg was actually “out” Costa said “yes, for like two seconds. I was looking straight into his eyes. That’s what made me stop. He had a dead look.” So, in an excess of caution, Costa did what good referees do: he called off the competition.

The later contention that Costa “apologized” to Zuckerberg, presumably as the press has been running, for a missed call, was also incorrect. “I told him I was ‘sorry’ that he didn’t know that snoring is a verbal tap.” But in response to the claim that Zuckerberg never went out? “When you go out and you don’t feel it when you do, you say that,” Costa says. “So, of course, how can he know?”

“I wasn’t going to treat him special,” Costa continued. “A white belt who didn’t even try to defend the choke?”

CNN reported the outcome of Zuckerberg’s first tournament.

“The 38-year-old Zuckerberg competed at the BJJ Tour competition in Woodside, California. Zuckerberg won the gold medal in the Nogi Master 1 White Belt Feather Weight Division and the Silver medal in the Gi Master 2 White Belt Feather Weight Division, BJJ Tour confirmed.

“Competed in my first jiu jitsu tournament and won some medals for the Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu team,” Zuckerberg posted on Facebook. The post garnered more than 40,000 comments including from UFC fighter Conor McGregor and jiu-jitsu world champion Bernardo Faria.”

Zuckerberg’s opponents speak

Jeff Ibrahim, the man who beat Zuckerberg at his first tournament spoke to NPR.

“I mean, whatever politics people have regarding Zuckerberg, he came across to me like, he was a cool dude,” Ibrahim said. “I just looked at him like he was just another person who wanted to compete in jiu-jitsu. And the one thing that people don’t understand, the hardest part is stepping on a mat to compete in front of hundreds or thousands of people. And, you know, I have to give him his props. He did that.”

Vijay Hanumantha Raju, a 33-year-old Uber engineer who lost to Zuckerberg spoke to GQ.

GQ: “So the match with Zuckerberg was your first match ever? At what point in the day did you realize it was going to be him?” 

Raju: “When I was looking at the list of competitors before the actual tournament, I tried to figure out it out a few days before and I couldn’t come up with anything. He had used his middle name—he was under ‘Mark Elliot.'”

“It was literally about two, three minutes before the actual match that I realized.”

MMA match with Elon Musk

Mark Zuckerberg’s BJJ training will presumably come in handy should his much-discussed MMA bout with Tesla and Twitter CEO Elon Musk ever come to pass.

As UFC boss Dana White told The New York Times, “I’ve been talking to Zuckerberg now for maybe close to two years now,” Dana told the NYT. “And there’s never like banter or we’re joking and laughing.” He said the Meta chief executive was “dead serious all the time.”

Bloody Elbow excels at covering fight-related nonsense like Mark Zuckerberg vs Elon Musk. We do it for the eyeballs and the ad revenue and to amuse our loyal audience who appreciates that nonsense is a big part of the combat carnival. 

We also do some of the most serious reporting and hard-hitting opinion pieces in the game. We’re independent and answer to you, our readers. Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with the whole range and variety of what we do.

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Hello, boys and girls. It is Thursday once again, which means it’s time for anothed edition of the Brazil Beat. You know, the weekly roundup of all the news in the Brazilian fighting community, all conveniently put together in one place by yours truly.

This week, we’ve got some strong words from the original UFC champion Royce Gracie, as well as a statement from the new flyweight champ Alexandre Pantoja and women’s bantamweight contender Mayra Bueno Silva. That’s still not all, though. So let’s jump right in and get this show on the road.

Royce Gracie wants the essence of martial arts back

Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend and original UFC champion Royce Gracie does not like the way martial arts are being handled these days.

With jiu-jitsu’s rise in popularity in the last decades, Gracie believes current gyms may have become too focused on competitions while forgetting what martial arts are truly supposed to be about: personal defense. In an interview with Combate the BJJ legend explained what he thinks teachers and coaches should be doing with their students.

“Nobody takes up martial arts because they want to compete. Nobody puts their kid in martial arts because they want them to win a championship. Parents want their kids to learn how to defend themselves. A woman will join martial arts because she wants to defend herself.”

“Gyms have forgotten the essence of martial arts. Gyms are the ones who most influence you to join tournaments. Some people say ‘I started training because I saw you win the UFC’. I tell them that’s not true, it wasn’t because of me. It could have been anyone. The technique I displayed is what attracted that person.”

Though Royce Gracie was mostly discussing jiu-jitsu, he does believe the problem goes beyond just the one martial art. To give an example, he mentioned the case of Saudi Arabian karateka Tareg Hamedi, who got disqualified in the finals at the 2020 Olympic Games for using excessive contact in a points match against Iran’s Sajad Ganjzadeh.

“As an Olympic sport, jiu-jitsu would become even bigger, but it would lose that self-defense essence. That’s the martial art. For example, in the last Olympic games, a guy knocked out the other one in karate, but the one who got knocked out won. The one who knocked him out got disqualified for excessive force. How can that be? That’s what karate was invented for, to knock someone out. Then they’re like: ‘No, you’re supposed to score points’. I’m not just talking about jiu-jitsu, but martial arts in general.”

Popo Freitas blames coaches for Whindersson Nunes’ loss

From a BJJ legend in Royce Gracie to a boxing one in Acelino ‘Popo’ Freitas, we’re taking a turn to boxing before we dive into our MMA news of the week.

Last weekend, Brazilian internet sensation Whindersson Nunes was eliminated from the Kingpyn boxing tournament after dropping a unanimous decision to King Kenny in an outing that left Popo wondering if things could have been different for Nunes if he had better guidance.

On his social media (transcribed by Globo Esporte and translated by Bloody Elbow), Freitas blamed Nunes’ coaches for the loss and reminded people that Popo himself had offered to train Nunes free of charge.

“The coachs orient and call the shots. Whindersson is not to blame at all. He did the best he could. I blame his coaches. His coaches should’ve watched some of King Kenny’s fights with Whindersson and without him, too. So they could train separated.”

“There’s no point in having a Cuban coach or anything like that. What helps is having a good coach. I offered myself to be his coach and said I didn’t want any money. I wanted nothing. I just wanted to show and pass on some of my experience so he’d know what he’s capable of. Because he fought me for eight rounds, I knew what he could do. Each fight is different.”

Seems like Popo is taking this way too personally for a celebrity boxing match, right?

Alexandre Pantoja wants to keep flyweight moving

Ok, boxing and jiu-jitsu aside, let’s finally take a look at some mixed martial arts news, yes? Why not start with the newly crowned UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, who has had some time to think about who can be his first challenger after winning the belt at UFC 290.

In an interview with MMA Fighting, Pantoja named an easy solution to define who his next challenged could be. Since top contenders Brandon Royval and Amir Albazi have both been campaigning for a crack at the belt, the ‘Cannibal’ figures that the best move would be to make them face each other, with Pantoja taking on the winner later down the line.

“I think the most reasonable move is them fighting each other,” Pantoja said on a bonus episode of Trocação Franca podcast. “They’re both saying, ‘I’m next, I’m next, I’m next,’ and they’re both fresh, so let them fight and the winner comes [fight me]. It’s only fair to everybody.

“Like I said, the division was stuck for a long time, and I was one of the guys waiting on the doorstep. It would be nice to see the division moving again.”

It is a breath of fresh air seeing the flyweight title picture involve anyone other than Deiveson Figueiredo or Brandon Moreno. Let’s see if Pantoja can keep the ball rolling.

Mayra Bueno has a few words for Julianna Pena

Now that Mayra Bueno is in the title mix at the women’s bantamweight division, it seems she has already captured the attention of other title contenders after her submission win over former champion Holly Holm.

Namely, former champion Julianna Pena was one of those contenders, as the ‘Venezuelan Vixen’ quickly took to her official Twitter account to call out Bueno and Raquel Pennignton at the same time.

At the post-fight press conference, Combate (transcribed by Bloody Elbow) asked Bueno about Pena’s tweet and the Brazilian had quite the answer for the former champion.

“She’s scared. She’s funny. Ok, I love you, Julianna, but I will mess you up. Look at my fight and then look at yours. Who won? Oh, Julianna, shut up. I respect you, but I will mess you up.”

Honestly, I just think it’s amusing how nobody respects Julianna Pena in the UFC, no matter how hard she tries.

Ketlen Vieira has more words for Julianna Pena

Yeah, we’re not done with Julianna Pena just yet.

Though Mayra Bueno only had a short message for the former bantamweight champion, UFC London’s Ketlen Vieira spared no words to get her point across in an interview with Ag Fight (transcribed by Bloody Elbow).

Although it is clear that Vieira is also not a fan of what Pena represents in the sport, most of her feelings seem to stem from the disrespect the Venezuelan Vixen has displayed towards Amanda Nunes when the ‘Lioness’ retired from MMA at UFC 289 just last month.

“I think she was completely disrespectful. She has to respect Amanda Nunes’ history. She will never do 10% of what Amanda Nunes has done in her life. I saw video in which everyone is applauding Amanda Nunes and she’s there making faces. That’s a moment when I’m glad I don’t speak English, just so I don’t have to hear the crap she says. She’s like that, a mediocre person. She can’t wait for her turn and applaud someone else. She’s been disrespectful to Amanda and all Brazilian athletes. She keeps talking crap, saying she wants to fight two in the same night. Making up lies in her head.”

Since Pena is coming off a loss to Nunes when they rematched last year at UFC 277 Vieira does not think the former champion should even be thinking about a title fight before at least winning another match. However, that does not mean the 31-year-old would turn down the offer to take on Pena if the opportunity presented itself.

“I don’t think Julianna deserves to fight for the title. She’s coming off a loss. In my opinion, she’d have to win a fight and be coming off a win to fight for the belt. I hope we can cross paths one day. Not because she talks trash, but because I like facing great athletes. I’ve faced the best strikers and grapplers, but I haven’t faced a woman who, as she says, has one of the best jiu-jitsu games in the division. It would be more for the challenge, but it would have a special taste, for sure.”

Andre Muniz ready to recover from first UFC loss

Losses are difficult to swallow for some fighters. Though they come with the job, they may sometimes come at unfortunate moments and throw a wrench into years of work and sacrifice. However, they are not the end of the world.

That is the lesson that submission specialist Andre Muniz has learned after suffering his first Octagon loss in his last outing, when he got submitted by Brendan Allen and saw a five-fight win streak in the UFC get snapped.

Now that he is paired against another submission ace in Paul Craig, Muniz feels ready to put the disappointing loss behind him and start a new chapter in his career. After a lot of pondering and going through the grieving process, the Brazilian tells Ag Fight (transcribed by Bloody Elbow) how he came to terms with the defeat and that he is ready to get back in the win column.

“It was hard, for sure. Being a jiu-jitsu guy, you never want to get submitted. It happened, it’s a process. You take a few days to process it. You think about it. Then you look at your past and you see everything you had to go through to get here. You understand that it won’t be a single loss that will stop me or change my story in the promotion or in my fighting history. I have to know how to handle it and win again as soon as possible and put on a great performance.”

“Losing is always bad. I’ve lost before in my career and I understand that it’s a process, it’s a part of it. Only a few athletes will retire without a loss. That’s how champions are made. You fall so you can rise stronger. My team and I have watched the fight, we know we made some technical mistakes. We’ve studied it and corrected them. God willing, everything will go well next Saturday and we’ll win again.”

I mean, other than Khabib Nurmagomedov, is there even another fighter who was able to retire undefeated? Best I can think of is Georges St-Pierre, who avenged both of his losses.

A Brazilian Beat

I had a ska awakening when I was around 15 and it changed my life forever. Bands like Streetlight Manifesto, Madness, The Specials, Reel Big Fish and many others opened my eyes to a whole new horizon of music I had no idea existed until then, so of course it didn’t take me longer to look for a Brazilian band that could scratch that same itch but with Portuguese lyrics that I could sing along to more easily.

That’s how I discovered Sapo Banjo back in the mid-2000’s and their mix of both 2-tone and third ska have made me a fan for life. Though they’ve been together for over 20 years and are still releasing new songs to this day, I’d like to share the title track from their 2007 album named “Carro de Som” (Sound Car).

Most ska fans are familiar with the saying ‘ska is the best anti-depressant’, and I think a song like this makes it easy to see why, so please enjoy some Sapo Banjo and I bet it’ll make your day brighter!

That’s it for this week, folks. See you all next time. Stay safe!

Lucas out.

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UFC two-division champion Georges St-Pierre is returning to combat sports after a six-year absence. The 42-year-old Hall of Famer will be part of the UFC Fight Pass Invitational grappling series in December, but he has yet to have an opponent finalized. 

In a recent video, ‘GSP’ ran down a short list of formidable opponents, from OG names to retired former champions and current competitors. He is open to facing all of them, except for one. 

Georges St-Pierre rejects one potential opponent

Out of the list of names thrown at him, St-Pierre immediately said no to one. He didn’t even take a second to think about it. 

“If there is a guy that I would not want to compete against in submission wrestling, it’s Gordon Ryan. Let’s pretend I didn’t see this. So we can leave it out of the final cut, alright?” 

Submission grappling fans in particular are highly familiar with the 28-year-old Ryan’s body of work. Many would deem him as the best no-gi competitor of this era, given his accomplishments: five-time ADCC world-champion, four-time EBI champion, and two-time IBJJF no-gi world champion. 

Ryan, who hasn’t competed since December, holds victories over Felipe Pena, André Galvão, and Craig Jones, to name a few. St-Pierre and Ryan have trained together, which likely explains the former’s apprehension. 

St-Pierre also had this to say about “The King.”

“It’s like grappling with a gorilla. His level is so high. He’s the best guy I’ve ever rolled with.”

Georges St-Pierre names the opponents he’s willing to face

Some of the names thrown Georges St-Pierre’s way were opponents he’d faced in his tenure as the undisputed welterweight champion. First on the list is Nick Diaz. 

“I think in terms of promotion, it would probably be the best opponent,” GSP said of the elder Diaz. “When I fought him, I had a specific strategy. I was working a lot of ground-and-pound. 

“But for a grappling match, it would be very interesting. I know he’s very good in jiu-jitsu, so I think that would be the biggest match that we can make.” 

St-Pierre likewise entertained matchups against Nick’s younger brother Nate, Anderson Silva, Conor McGregor, Carlos Condit, Demian Maia, and Khabib Nurmagomedov, a name that’s been attached to him for years. 

“Khabib, for sure. He’s the legend. Everybody’s wondering what would happen if I would’ve fought him. Grappling is different, but it could be done, 100%.” 

As for the current crop of active fighters, Georges St-Pierre said yes to competing against Gilbert Burns, Bo Nickal, Kevin Holland, and Khamzat Chimaev, whom he feels may have the edge against him. 

“He’s the man now in the UFC. He’s on the rise,” St-Pierre said of Chimaev. “Yeah, it would be a hell of a challenge, you know? I like to take on some challenges that I probably would be the underdog. So I’m up for it.” 

Georges St-Pierre’s reason for returning

Fans haven’t seen Georges St-Pierre in action since 2017, when he returned from a four-year hiatus to face then-middleweight champion Michael Bisping. He ended up winning the title via submission, but had to relinquish it due to health issues. 

St-Pierre officially retired from fighting in 2019, but he says he felt the competition itch that badly needed scratching. 

“I’m 42-years-old and it gives me—because I felt at the end, when I retired, I was training, but I needed some—I like the kick of competition,” St-Pierre said during the UFC 290 media day. 

“I’d like to get it back, and I’d like to feel the adrenaline again. I think it’s also an avenue for fighters who still want to compete and make money and have fun with the fans and the family of the UFC.”

Georges-St-Pierre had two stints as the 170-pound king, with his second run lasting for five years, and included nine successful title defenses. He took a hiatus in 2013 after defeating Johny Hendricks because he felt alone in his fight against performance-enhancing drugs. According to him, the UFC also didn’t want other fighters tested. 

The all-time great in St-Pierre left the sport with the record of 26-2. 

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Grand Sumo’s Nagoya Tournament is almost here and it promises to be an exciting event, with both a number of elite wrestlers looking to make an impact and a class of rookies hoping to prove they belong. There are also some young guns in the middle of the pack who may be primed for a big coming out party.

Here are five things I’ll be looking for as I watch the world’s best rikishi go at it under the sweltering sun of Nagoya (from my air conditioned home in Toronto, of course).

5 reasons to watch sumo this month

The Ozeki race continues

The race to become an ozeki is a marathon and not a sprint. Kirishima won the last leg of this sumo subplot with his phenomenal performances in May. His winning record there was enough to secure his promotion to ozeki, helping complete the banzuke for the first time in almost a year.

Now there are three wrestlers hoping to emulate Kirishima by racking up double-digit wins in Nagoya.

Daieisho, Wakamotoharu and Hoshoryu all had mathematical chances of getting to the 33-win threshold that is considered the base level pre-requisite for an ozeki promotion. However, each of them failed to reach that marker.

Daieisho needed 13 wins, just like Kirishima, but he came unstuck due to his rather one-dimensional game, which fell short against tricky and more technical wrestlers. Wakamotoharu needed 14 wins and he fought like hell to try and get them, but was unable to beat a few of his fellow elites. And Hoshoryu needed to be perfect, but a Tobizaru henka blew that chance early on.

The magic number for Daieisho now stands at 11 wins. Wakamotoharu and Hoshoryu both need 12 wins.

Daieisho has scored 11 or more wins six times in his career, most recently in March (where he was runner up to Kirishima with 12 wins). So it feels like ozeki status is firmly in his grasp, especially if he learns from his mistakes this year and decides to mix up his assault.

12 wins would be career bests for Wakamotoharu and Hoshoryu. both have had 11 wins twice before. And both look as though they have what it takes to pull out something special in Nagoya and reach sumo’s second highest rank.

It’s not going to be easy for either of these guys, though. They will probably trade wins and losses with each other and will all find it tough going against Kirishima, Takakeisho and Terunofuji. Additionally, there is a much improved class of rank-and-filers they have to contend with, who I will discuss next.

Youngsters ready to make some noise

Below the san’yaku for this tournament is a developing core of young wrestlers who are starting to find their footing and are singling themselves out as potential upper rank material.

Those rikishi include Onosho (27), Midorifuji (26), Hiradoumi (23), Oho (23) and Hokusieho (21). I’m also going to throw in the 29-year-old Asanoyama to this group. The former ozeki, whose ranking plummeted thanks to a year-long suspension, is M4 for this tournament and will surely lodge another kachi-koshi as he marches back to where he once was.

Onosho and Midorifuji have both had a taste of what it’s like to be higher up on the banzuke. And against stiffer competition they’ve struggled (especially Midorifuji). But both have looked fantastic in isolated moments this year and both have a lot of ability that can make them a tough out for anyone on a given day. If Onosho can stay healthy and Midorifuji has learned from his tough bouts with the elites earlier this year, both could come out of Nagoya with winning records.

Hiradoumi, Hokuseiho and Oho are all competing at their highest ranks to date in Nagoya. So they will be tested like never before. I’m fascinated to see which of them will sink and which will swim. Personally, I think Hokuseiho’s incredible physical attributes will continue to see him win most his bouts, even at this level. I think Hiradoumi has a lot of potential, but his aggressiveness might see him exposed in bouts with smarter opponents. And Oho is very under-the-radar, he could sneak his way to a good record, but I think he might get a bit of a rude awakening against the san’yaku.

Is Takakeisho healthy?

After his yusho in January, it felt like the stars were alligning for the perennial ozeki to finally get over the hump and make a case for becoming the 74th yokozuna. However, injuries plagued his March tournament. And he was still banged up in May. Despite suffering with a knee injury, Takakeisho was able to save his ozeki skin by mixing up his arsenal and showing a willingness to trick an opponent now and then, instead of always trying to bulldoze through them.

His cautious approach in May likely prevented him from aggravating his injury, but was it enough for him to sufficiently heal during the break between that tournament and this one?

We’ll soon find out. I’ll be watching Takakeisho closely on Day 1 to see whether or not we will be watching a tournament where he tries to hobble his way to eight wins or whether he can put his foot back on the gas and try to steal the spotlight from the 73rd yokozuna and the newest ozeki.

Hakuoho is here

Hakuoho, who we knew as Ochiai in all his previous tournaments (a grand total of three!), has arrived in the makuuchi division. The 19-year-old ‘Monster’ is ranked M17 and will be easy to spot with his slicked back hair which is far from being long enough to form the ginko leaf top-knot that all, bar maybe Kinbozan, will be wearing.

Hakuoho stormed through makushita and then performed very well in his first ever juryo competition. His only losses there were to Ichinojo, Asanoyama, Tamashoho, Atamifuji and Gonoyama.

Ichinojo and Asanoyama were…

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The longest reigning champion in UFC welterweight history is set for something of a comeback. No fans won’t get to see GSP back in the Octagon, and there hasn’t been one word about that potential boxing match with Oscar De La Hoya that Dana White stopped from moving forward. But Georges St-Pierre is returning to combat sports competition this coming December with the UFC’s Fight Pass Invitational grappling series.

To date, the UFC has run four high profile grappling events on their Fight Pass streaming platform. Their most recent card, back on June 29th, featured grappling star Craig Jones taking on Felipe Pena in the main event, alongside former Octagon foes Glover Teixeira vs. Anthony Smith.

Georges St-Pierre announces grappling return at UFC 290

During the UFC 290 media day on Thursday, July 6th, Georges St-Pierre made a surprise appearance with a big announcement. He would be entering his first competitive combat sports event since his second retirement from the UFC back in 2017.

We’ve really gone six whole years without a GSP fight of any sort. But that all ends in December.

“I’m 42-years-old and it gives me—because I felt at the end, when I retired, I was training, but I needed some—I like the kick of competition,” GSP explained to a small crowd of media members and fans. “I’d like to get it back, and I’d like to feel the adrenaline again. I think it’s also an avenue for fighters who still want to compete and make money and have fun with the fans and the family of the UFC.”

Fight Pass Invitational 6

While no opponent has been announced as of yet, St-Pierre is set to return on December 14th at Fight Pass Invitational 6. In fact, as of yet. GSP is the only athlete announced for the grappling card.

‘Rush’ has competed once before in submission grappling competition, when he made a run at the 2005 ADCC tournament. GSP defeated Otto Olson in the opening round of the 77kg bracket, via points, before getting submitted by future Ultimate Fighter Brazil winner Leonardo Silva via flying armbar in the second round.

As for MMA, the now 42-year-old last competed back in 2017, when he returned from four years away from the Octagon to take on then middleweight champion Michael Bisping. GSP defeated Bisping via technical submission in round 3 to secure his second UFC title in his first ever fight up in a new division. Shortly after winning the belt, however, the Canadian superstar vacated the title, citing heath concerns. He officially announced his retirement from MMA in 2019.

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We’ve heard a lot of talk lately about the problems with steroids in competitive jiu jitsu, but it seems like we may have just witnessed a prime case of roid rage on the mats. Either that, or some guy at a Los Angeles grappling tournament is just crazy to the max.

Combat sports analyst Ryan A Wagner turned a bit of competition wildness into a viral video moment, with a clip from the July 1st Jiu Jitsu World League competition in LA (h/t MMAFighting). In the line of matches running up and down the arena floor, two competitors can be seen in one of the center mats. One on top, the other on his back, grappling from guard.

The bottom grappler throws up a triangle choke, gets it over the shoulder and locks his feet behind his opponent’s neck. That’s when the top man decides that he’s not going to take that kind of nonsense sitting down.

BJJ guy lands wicked powerbomb through Spanish announcer’s table

Slams of any sort are banned from Jiu Jitsu World League competitions from the jump, so the moment our righteous protagonist decides to pick his foe up off the mat, he’s already in foul territory, but for a penny, in for a pound, as they say. With the match slipping away from him, he decides he might as well go out with a flourish, lifting his opponent into the air, running him over to a nearby table and dropping him through it. Kevin Nash would be proud.

Check out the video below:

As of yet, the competitors in the video have not been identified. But NXT fans should keep their eyes peeled, because someone might be getting a developmental contract.

Memories of Slampage

Of course, any powerbomb that well executed in the combat sports sphere is going to bring back memories of Rampage Jackson‘s wicked knockout over BJJ ace Ricardo Arona at Pride Critical Countdown 2004. At a point in his career where the future UFC champion was better known for his high octane throws than any other part of his game, Jackson followed Arona into his guard and quickly got himself wrapped up in a triangle.

For most fighters, that would have been a signal to disengage and get out of danger. For Jackson, it was all he needed to create one of the coolest and most singularly memorable KOs in MMA history.

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Two title-fights and more added to Who’s Number One 19

The main event for WNO 19 was confirmed just a few weeks ago as a grudge match between Nicholas Meregali and Kaynan Duarte, but now the rest of the card is starting to fill out with excellent fights too. There will be two titles on the line at the event, with Ffion Davies defending her 125lbs belt against Jasmine Rocha in the co-main event. Further down the card the promotion will crown a new lightweight champion, with the vacant belton the line for the winner of Ethan Crelinsten v Dante Leon.

Two more matches have been confirmed for the main card, and they both feature some of the biggest names in the sport. Former ADCC world champion Felipe Pena will be taking on B-Team’s Haisam Rida in what is set to be an exciting contest. The other big match on the card will feature a rare appearance by one of B-Team’s founders. Nicky Ryan will be stepping back on the mats for the first time since ADCC 2022 to take on one of the top up-and-coming talents to emerge from 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, Rene Sousa.

ADCC makes huge changes to women’s divisions

It’s been a long time coming, but ADCC have just announced that they will be giving more opportunities to female competitors moving forward. It took 7 years for the organization to even offer a women’s division and they started out strong with two weight classes and an absolute division in 2005, before adding another two weight classes in 2007. Since those two events however, female BJJ competitors have been limited to just two divisions at either under or over 60kg.

Now, head organizer Mo Jassim has made a huge change by introducing a third division and adjusting the weight classes to accommodate the new division. There will now be a 55kg division included to allow for lighter competitors to succeed and the next weight class has been shifted up to under 65kg as well. This means that many women who would struggle to make 60kg will now be able to compete on a more level playing field, while the unlimited division has moved to over 65kg as well.

Two BJJ legends hint at returns to competition

It’s a common problem in combat sports that competitors have a tough time staying retired. In MMA or boxing, the results can be disastrous. Champions past their prime return to the ring or cage only to receive more brain damage against the new generation of athletes. That isn’t much of a problem in Jiu-Jitsu though. With no strikes involved, and age divisions to let aging competitors keep a more even playing field the opportunities for longtime BJJ practitioners to keep coming back are a lot kinder.

It’s not uncommon then to see top BJJ world champions return from retirement for one-off matches. Many of the best competitors of all time have done it at some point. Now Rubens ‘Cobrinha’ Charles wants to add his name to that list. He’s openly asked for a no time-limit match in 2024. He isn’t alone either; one of his old rivals might be returning too. Rafael Mendes retired young, but he’s been hinting at making a comeback in 2024 after helping the AOJ competition team train.

B-Team wins big at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4

UFC Fight Pass put together one of the best grappling cards of the year for their fourth invitational event, and the competitors didn’t disappoint when they took to the mats. One of the biggest storylines of the night came from B-Team Jiu-Jitsu, as two of their founders won in the most important matches of the night. The main event saw Craig Jones defeat Felipe Pena in EBI overtime, while Nicky Rodriguez emerged victorious in an 8-man absolute tournament against some tough opposition.

Other notable moments came from Dan Manasoiu, who submitted both his opponents in the tournament before losing in EBI overtime in the final, and Helena Crevar, the teenage prodigy who put on a clinical display against Emily Fernandez. Nicky Rodriguez and Gordon Ryan went back and forth on a potential third matchup after the event too, although a more unusual future match emerged when Olympic gold medalist wrestler Gable Steveson challenged Rodriguez.

Full results for the event can be found here.

Quick Hits

• Baseball legend Barry Bonds has taken up BJJ since his retirement and was just promoted to blue belt by Jay Janero at Evolve Training Center.
• Top UFC middleweight contender Jared Cannonier was promoted to brown belt in BJJ by his coaches at The MMA Lab.
• Heather Grace Gracie worked as the real-life model for Ana Vega, a character just released in the fourth season of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.
• Mackenzie Dern is interested in returning to professional grappling, proposing matches with former UFC world champion Rose Namajunas and reigning ADCC world champion Ffion Davies.

Technique Corner

Armdrag tip for beginners

Omoplata from Closed guard drill

Omoplata Drill: Solo & Partner. #jiujitsuflo #JiuJitsu #bjj #brazilianjiujitsu #grappling #MMA #martialarts #fitness #exercise #workout pic.twitter.com/DeUrBJJeps

— Jiu Jitsu FLO (@AriGoldman8) May 25, 2023

The Punch choke

Meme of the Week

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Nicky Rodriguez was the biggest winner at the talent rich UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4 event, winning a $30,000 eight-man open weight tournament. He also called his shot after, asking to face Gordon Ryan in a USADA tested BJJ match between two former teammates turned rivals.

Ryan previously accused him of doing PEDs, leading to Rodriguez taking (and passing) a random drug test, along with this subsequent call for a match with strict drug testing.

Unsurprisingly, Ryan quickly declined the call out. He also pretty much admitted what has always been an open secret in jiujitsu.

Gordon Ryan declines USADA testing

“First of all, no, because steroids are not illegal in jiujitsu,” Gordon Ryan responded soon after the event. “Number two, I actually have a contract coming to Nicky Rod, for USADA and WADA testing from now until the next ADCC, so interesting to see if he’s gonna sign that.”

Ryan declined a match with additional testing, pretty much admitted he is on steroids, then offered one-sided drug testing for Nicky Rod only. While none of that makes any sense, Ryan says he’s earned it being among the most accomplished BJJ stars today.

“Like I said, I make the rules. I name the time. I name the place. I name the rule set, because I’ve earned that,” Ryan said.

B-Team had a big night during the UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4. And with Craig Jones and Nicky Rod winning, no one was able to cash in on Ryan’s cash bounties against his former teammates. That didn’t stop the still sidelined BJJ star from trying to devalue their victories though.

Gordon Ryan also indirectly trashes teammate, UFC

Interestingly enough, while Ryan was going off and trying to discredit Nicky Rodriguez’s tournament win at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4, he also trashed his teammate and his promoter in the process.

“If you actually follow statistics, he sucks,” Ryan said about former teammate Nicky Rodriguez, who now represents the B-Team. He went on to belittle Rodriguez’s tournament win and opposition, which includes his New Wave teammate Dan Manasoiu.

“Coming off the performance that he had, just doing nothing. Not being able to take down Roberto (Jimenez), not doing anything to Roberto in regulation, barely winning overtime. Not really doing anything of significance to Vagner (Rocha). Having a pretty tightly contested overtime, then getting his arm broken by Dan (Manasoiu), who’s a purple belt,” Ryan said. “That’s just a joke.”

It wasn’t just a one time thing either. On Instagram, Ryan called Manasoiu, a 6-foot-7 pro known for breaking limbs, a “junior member of the squad” and a “junior level purple belt.”

Earlier in the week, Ryan proclaimed that he’s a proud member of the UFC, because he has headlined a UFC Fight Pass Invitational event in the past and plans to continue to do so. Unfortunately, the promotion was also part of the crossfire, when he tried to take shots at his former teammates.

“(Nicky Rodriguez is) trying to make the rules. Like, you’re a brown belt. You won a random tournament. You barely beat Roberto Jimenez, the guy I called my submission (on),” Ryan said.

“I think what happened in ADCC was pretty clear,” Gordon Ryan said. “A lot of the top guys went over there (to the B-Team), and we came home with three golds, a bronze and a silver. They didn’t win a single gold.

“They’re going to win local stuff like this,” Ryan said about UFC Fight Pass Invitational. “And they’ll beat the up and coming guys.”

BJJ star Gordon Ryan needs PR 101

Ryan previously faced off against Rodriguez to headline UFC Fight Pass Invitational 3. Rodriguez, known as the black belt slayer, actually broke his foot, but the injured Ryan impressively found a way to continue and win the match. It was close and so competitive that Ryan got hurt, became dangerously close to being finished, and only won in overtime by having a faster escape time.

Looking at that context, the possibility that he will have to rematch Rodriguez eventually, and how he’ll be the face of future BJJ events organized by the UFC, Ryan should be building both of them up instead of tearing them down.

It’s just not a good look if the “best in the world” had trouble against a talentless “brown belt,” who “sucks” and “doesn’t know any moves.” His previous — and future — victories or headlining spots at the UFC Fight Pass Invitational events also just loses all its luster, if it’s apparently just a “random local event” with weak “up and comers.”

Gordon Ryan has always been brash and controversial, and it has helped his brand up to this point. But he badly needs to brush up on the basics of PR and marketing, especially if he’s trying to break into a wider mainstream audience and outside of the relatively small BJJ scene.

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UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4 happens tonight (Thursday, June 29) and it will have an incredibly stacked card filled with BJJ stars and world champions alike.

As my in-depth preview noted, this event features a mix of UFC stars and elite grapplers, making it not only a good way to get casual viewers introduced to the pro grappling scene, but also something that’s going to whet the appetite of the most avid BJJ fan.

The event will be headlined by Craig Jones vs Felipe Pena, a rematch in grappling between ex-UFC champ Glover Teixeira and Anthony Smith, along with a deep one-night 8-man open weight tournament with a $30,000 prize. It’s also worth noting that Gordon Ryan put up a $500 bounty on his former teammates competing on the card.

Join us starting at 9 p.m. ET, and this post will be updated with live results, along with highlights from the stacked BJJ event.

Recap and results

UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4: Craig Jones vs Felipe Pena – Full results, fight card, highlights

Craig Jones def. Felipe Pena by fastest escape time in overtime

$30,000 absolute tournament finals: Nicky Rodriguez def. Dan Manasoiu rear naked choke in overtime

Glover Teixeira def. Anthony Smith by unanimous decision

Nicholas Meregali def. Roberto Abreu armbar in overtime

Absolute tournament semis: Nicky Rodriguez def. Vagner Rocha RNC in overtime

Absolute tournament semis: Dan Manasoiu def. Fedor Nikolov by knee bar, 0:32

Roman Bravo-Young vs. Alex Perez ends in a draw

Helena Crevar def. Emily Fernandez by rear naked choke 7:26

8-man absolute tournament opening round:

Nicky Rodriguez def. Roberto Jimenez by fastest escape time

Vagner Rocha def. Fellipe Andrew by inside heel hook, 6:18

Fedor Nikolov def. Haisam Rida fastest escape time

Dan Manasoiu def. Gabriel Arges by heel hook, 3:21

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The following is post was originally posted on Sumo Stomp! your source for sumo news, history and analysis. Sign up for free today.

The banzuke for July’s Nagoya tournament dropped on Monday and we have a lot to discuss. One of the biggest stories coming out of this latest ranking sheet is the promotion of Hakuoho (formerly Ochiai). The teenager will become one of the youngest ever rikishi to compete in makuuchi this July.

Here is the 2023 Nagoya banzuke in case you’ve not got around to seeing it yet.

Nagoya 2023 banzuke

Banzuke breakdown

Enter Kirishima

The biggest change to the latest sumo rankings is also the least surprising. Kirishima (formerly Kiribayama) is now an ozeki. A move that was announced swiftly after the Mongolian secured 11 wins at the May tournament. The quick announcement was due to the Japanese Sumo Association wanting to put the ozeki crisis behind them as soon as possible.

Kirishma’s promotion means the banzuke can again have two ozeki, one for the east and one for the west. The banzuke had been lacking this important component ever since November 2022 (before Shodai was demoted).

With balance restored to the banzuke now we can watch to see whether both Kirishima and Takakeisho can keep their status as whether or not they will be able to use it as a launchpad to becoming the next yokozuna. My money is on ‘Misty Island’.

The Monster is here

After just three tournaments in Grand Sumo, the 19-year-old ‘Monster from Tottori’ has reached the makuuchi. And he has a new name. The record breaking teenager Ochiai Tetsuya comes into the top division with a brand new shikona: Hakuoho. The name was designed by his stablemaster (and sumo GOAT) Hakuho.

Hakuoho is the one of the youngest wrestlers to ever reach makuuchi. In the juryo and makushita he dominated older wrestlers. But now we get to see if he can win against older and more experienced wrestlers who are also very very good.

The Monster Killer is here, too

Sorry Gonoyama, you matter, too. I know I lead with Hakuoho, but we must also recognize that Gonoyama has also reached the makuuchi. The 25-year-old has reached the top division after 14 basho in the lower divisions. He is coming off a juryo championship win in May, where he defeated Hakuoho twice including in a playoff to win the title.

That win gave Gonoyama a 3-0 record against Hakuoho. It will be fascinating to now see them lock horns in the makuuchi.

Big rise for Asanoyama

Asanoyama was one of the few wrestlers who gave Terunofuji a run for his money in May. He finished with a 12-3 record, only dropping bouts to Hokuseiho, Daieisho and the yokozuna himself. He’s been rewarded with a promotion which takes him 11 rungs up the maegashira ladder. In May he was able to build a 7-0 start thanks to being overmatched against the lower half of the rank-and-filers. At M4 he’s going to be tested from the jump, though.

This is Asanoyama’s highest placement in the rankings since May 2021, when he was tanked ozeki. His demotion from there (and the makuuchi) was because of a lengthy suspension for violating COVID-19 protocols (and then trying to cover them up).

He won his way back into the top division, though, and you wouldn’t bet against him pulling off another winning record from this position.

Youngsters move up the pack

Three wrestlers who were all born this century received their highest ever rankings in this banzuke. They are Hiradoumi (born 2000), Hokusieho (born 2000) and Oho (born 2001).

All had fantastic tournaments in May, with Oho racking up a quiet 11-4 record.

All of these guys are going to face each other in this tournament so it will be interesting to see if all three can keep advancing towards the san’yaku.

Endo and Aoiyama on the bubble

Endo and Aoiyama are two rikishi with long records in makuuchi who desperately need a kachi-koshi in Nagoya.

Endo, who had a Hakuoho type ascendancy to the top division, has been in the makuuchi for every tournament, but one, since November 2013. A single drop down to juryo came in 2016 off an an injury affected tournament.

Endo went 0-6 in May before sitting out the rest of the tournament.

The 37-year-old Aoiyama, who saw his stablemate Tochinoshin retire last month, finds himself M17 after a 5-10 record in May. He was first promoted to makuuchi in 2011 and has stayed there except for a single tournament in juryo in 2018.

Juryo notes

Wrestlers demoted to juryo this month are Kagayaki, Mitoryu and Ichiyamamoto. To get back up to makuuchi they will need to get through the impressive Roga, Atamifuji and Tamashoho all of whom will be looking to get promoted to makuuchi for the first time in their careers.

Notable newbies in juryo include the Ukranian wrestler Shishi and Miyagino-product Kiho (formerly Kawazoe).

Sadly the uber-popular Enho was demoted from juryo after an injury hit May.

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Gordon Ryan put out a $500 bounty on his former teammates, but no one was able to cash in.

UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4 ended up as a big night for the B-Team, as the two former DDS grapplers Nicky Rodriguez and Craig Jones both picked up quality wins at the talent stacked BJJ event. “Nicky Rod” was the biggest winner on Thursday night, as he won the $30,000 8-man absolute tournament.

Rodriguez won three matches, and capped it off with a really entertaining overtime victory over New Wave’s Dan Manasoiu in the finals to become the open-weight tournament champion. Shortly after taking the win, Rodriguez called out Manasoiu’s teammate in Gordon Ryan, who was in attendance at the UFC Apex Center.

Full results: Nicky Rodriguez wins $30K BJJ tourney – UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4 results, video highlights

Nicky Rodriguez calls out Gordon Ryan after tournament win

“You see this physique right? You’ve got this guy called Gordon Ryan, who keeps accusing me of being on steroids, right? So let’s do this. All the accusations, let’s do a match, 10-minute match, EBI overtime, but with a catch!” Rodriguez said.

“Let’s both pass USADA tests before and after competition. Pretty fair right? He’s accusing, I’m showing up and competing!” Rodriguez exclaimed. “Let’s get it done.”

Gordon Ryan accused him of PEDs, Nicky Rod got tested

As Rodriguez mentioned, Ryan repeatedly accused him of PED use and greasing in the past in a back and forth that got pretty ugly. As all this talk was happening, Rodriguez was asked to take a random drug test, and he promptly accepted.

Long story short, even if the test was impromptu and relatively close to his match with Ryan, the results seemed to show that Rodriguez was clean and showed no signs of PED use within a pretty reasonable time frame.

Rodriguez previously faced off against Ryan at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 3. Rodriguez actually broke his foot, but the injured Ryan found a way to continue and win the match.

Ryan, whose PED use is pretty much an open secret at this point, is obviously unlikely to accept the terms to this proposed match. Rodriguez probably knows this as well, but he is making a point to highlight the flawed logic behind those accusations.

Either way, the back and forth between these two teammates are just likely to continue.

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UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4, as the name already implies, is probably the best BJJ card for MMA fans to watch if they’re interested or starting to get into the sport.

Below are five reasons to tune in to Thursday’s excellent grappling event. I also detail what to tune in for, and how to watched the stacked event designed for both new viewers from MMA and the hardcore grappling fans.

Five reasons MMA fans should watch this BJJ card

5. It has UFC stars

With this being organized by the people behind UFC Fight Pass, it’s unsurprising that these BJJ events are catered to try and draw from that core fan (and subscriber) base they have. This has been their formula from the previous three iterations that saw UFC stars like Miesha Tate, Song Yadong and Roxy Modafferi compete in no gi, and it’s the same for this one as well.

Fight Pass Invitational 4 has three UFC fighters to watch.

Glover Teixeira may have retired from MMA earlier this year, but fans can still watch the well-loved former UFC champ compete — without the brain trauma — on Thursday night. The 43-year-old faces former opponent, Anthony Smith, who is still active and ranked #7 in the UFC rankings. Teixeira won by TKO in 2020, and now Smith has a chance to get a win — and not lose his teeth this time — while Glover gets to showcase his 2nd degree BJJ black belt.

The third UFC fighter on the card is #7 ranked flyweight Alex Perez, who will face a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champ Roman Bravo-Young. It’ll be the wrestling prodigy’s submission grappling debut, which should make for an interesting clash of styles, much like how Bo Nickal also competed in the earlier Fight Pass Invitationals before his UFC stint.

4. It’s an incredibly stacked BJJ card

While those two matches I mentioned were booked to draw in MMA fans, the rest of the card is actually pretty damn stacked with BJJ stars and elite talent. Fight Pass Invitational 3 had the sport’s biggest star in Gordon Ryan, but this fourth iteration is clearly the promotion’s best card by far.

This makes for an event that is not only a good way to get casual viewers introduced to the pro grappling scene, but something that’s also going to whet the appetite of the most avid BJJ fan.

3. Nicholas Meregali’s return to no gi

The event will also feature a superstar in the gi and another John Danaher product in Nicholas Meregali, taking on a 7-time no gi world champion in Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu. It should be an interesting clash as Cyborg is by far more experienced in this ruleset, but Meregali is much younger and still in his prime as he makes his first return to no gi in 2023.

Meregali is a three-time world champion and routinely proclaims himself as the world’s best gi athlete today. Despite his lack of competition experience without the jacket, he impressed enough as he dove into the highest levels of no gi last year, getting silver and bronze at the 2022 ADCC event.

2. Felipe Peña vs Craig Jones

Headlining the card is two of the sport’s elite in Felipe Peña vs Craig Jones.

Peña is a decorated ADCC, IBJJF, and no gi world champ, while Jones has torn through the pro circuit, while being known as the world’s most famous silver medalist. He placed second in two ADCC events, and has leaned into that branding as he now heads “the B-Team,” after their group famously split with John Danaher and Gordon Ryan’s DDS team.

1. 8-man, $30,000 absolute tournament

Honestly, those BJJ super-fights alone already make for a good card, but UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4 will also have a really stacked open-weight tournament filled with some real killers on the mat.

The eight men in the absolute tournament are all BJJ stars and staples in the pro grappling scene from different divisions.

The most famous athletes on the line up include two-time ADCC silver medalist Nicky Rodriguez, who broke Gordon Ryan’s ankle in the last Fight Pass invitational, reigning 2023 IBJJF world champ and arguable favorite Fellipe Andrew, Polaris champ and BJJ prodigy Roberto Jimenez, along with UFC vet and long time BJJ star Vagner Rocha.

Also on the 8-man roster is IBJJF world champ Gabriel Arges, New Wave’s Dan Manasoiu, Fedor Nikolov, and B-Team’s Haisam Rida, who recently went viral for absolutely mangling an alleged car thief’s leg.

The eight men are competing for $30,000. Considering it’s jiujitsu, where typically even champions pay to compete in IBJJF, that’s a pretty massive prize.

Bonus: Gordon Ryan is giving $500 bounties on former teammates

Another sign this is a great card, is that the biggest star in the sport is trying to insert himself and grab some headlines. Think of it as the BJJ equivalent of Conor McGregor and Jon Jones’ tweet-and-delete sprees from the sidelines during big UFC PPVs. (I guess it worked, because I’m also mentioning it here.)

As Ryan has been out all year dealing with his health issues—and shrinking physique—the always controversial BJJ star decided to continue putting up bounties against his former teammates. Long after DDS has split into New Wave and B-Team, Ryan again took to Instagram to offer $500 to those who can win against Craig Jones and Nicky Rodriguez.

It’s worth noting that if Jones indeed loses, it’ll be funny how Ryan will have to send $500 to his bigger longterm rival in Felipe Peña.

How to watch, live stream details

UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4, as the name suggests, will be streamed live only on UFC Fight Pass. The event happens on June 29, Thursday night at 9 p.m. ET.

The event will happen at the UFC Apex center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Full fight card for UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4

Felipe Peña vs. Craig Jones

Anthony Smith vs. Glover Teixeira

Nicholas Meregali vs. Roberto Abreu

Roman Bravo-Young vs. Alex Perez

Helena Crevar vs. Emily Fernandez

8-man absolute tournament:

Fellipe Andrew

Nicky Rodriguez

Roberto Jimenez

Vagner Rocha

Gabriel Arges

Haisam Rida

Dan Manasoiu

Fedor Nikolov.

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Sumo’s rising popularity

Recently I shared video of former Worlds Strongest Man Eddie Hall having a blast in a sumo gym. This time around we have HasanAbi getting in on the fun.

Sumo’s popularity outside of Japan is flourishing. Amateur sumo clubs dot the United States and Sumo+Sushi events are selling out venues in major cities on the east coast. Alongside this rising popularity is more and more social media stars getting in on the act and opting to explore the unique world of sumo.

HasanAbi live streamed his experience

HasanAbi (born Hasan Piker) is a Twitch streamer and political commentator who can boast one of the largest followings on the internet. He has over 2.5 million subscribers on Twitch (which puts him in the top 20 of all streamers on the platform) and 1.5 million subscribers on YouTube. He also 1.4 million followers on Twitter and just under a million followers on Instagram.

HasanAbi has been creating content in Japan lately and, while there, he visited a restaurant that offered a special sumo experience.

Check out a video of his stream below where he and his friends can be seen learning about sumo exercises, rules and strategy. Then, while eating some delicious looking tonkatsu, they watch the wrestlers/educators have a trio of bouts.

Piker and his crew then get to don the mawashi and take on the rikishi themselves.

These guys are legit

The wrestlers who took part in this experience are Jokoryu Takayuki (who was wearing the white mawashi) and Kotootori Yoshifumi (who wore the black mawashi).

Both are retired wrestlers who competed in Grand Sumo. Kotootori competed from 1999 to 2019 and reached the Makushita (sumo’s third division). He is a veteran of 788 bout across 119 tournaments.

Jokoryu had a far more impressive career. His white mawashi symbolizes that he is a former sekitori – a wrestler who competed in the top two divisions of the sport (the only divisions that earn a salary).

As a top division wrestler Jokoryu once achieved the prestigious rank of komusubi (three below yokozuna). He competed from 2011 to 2022 and had 695 bouts across 68 tournaments.

Jokoryu won a second and third division championship during his career and is the owner of a kinboshi (a gold star awarded for defeating a yokozuna while ranked outside the upper-rankings). Jokoryu earned his gold star with a win over Harumafuji in 2015.

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The July banzuke was released this morning, so I am sneaking in the last of my natso basho content while it still feels relevant. This is the final report card in my series, where I grade all the participants of the May tournament.

I’ve only got two guys to grade in this piece, so I’ve gone into deeper detail when analyzing the tournaments of ozeki Takakeisho and yokozuna Terunofuji. Hope you enjoy it!

Report card: Ozeki and Yokozuna

Takakeisho

Rank: Ozeki
Record: 8-7
Grade: B

Takakeisho’s 2023 is yet another example of how quickly things can change in sumo.

In the January tournament he torched the competition for a 12-3 yusho. That win, which came after a second place finish in November, had many thinking a yokozuna promotion was around the corner for the lone ozeki. March’s tournament, in Keisho’s backyard of Osaka, felt like it could have been a coronation tournament for the rotund wrestler.

However, Raiden-sama had different ideas. On the first day of the haru basho Takakeisho was slapped down by Tobizaru. Then, after blasting through Tamawashi and Shodai, he was slapped down again — this time by Abi.

After that second loss, Takakeisho hobbled off of the dohyo in obvious pain. He toughed it out with wins over Ryuden and Mitakeumi, but then had to sit out the rest of the tournament due to a knee injury.

This resulted in a 3-4-8 record, blowing his chance of becoming the 74th yokozuna (at least for now).

He came into May with kadoban status (meaning if he didn’t get a winning record in the tournament he would lose his ozeki rank).

I was scared for Takakeisho. I honestly thought he would be 2023’s main character in sumo after his January win. And there were rumblings that he hadn’t looked well or particularly impressive in the exhibitions, tours and open workouts between tournaments.

His Day 1 opponent was Abi, who may have caused or aggravated the injury that took Takakeisho out of the March tournament. Takakeisho won the bout, smartly, deciding to be cautious with the aggressive and crafty Abi. After pushing out Abi, Takakeisho gingerly hobbled off the dohyo again (just like in March).

On Day 2 he met Kotonowaka, with heavy strapping on his knee. He couldn’t have been matched against a worse person and was he looked completely inable to drive forwards off his banged up knee. This resulted in a rather dainty yorikiri loss.

On Day 3 he powered through the smaller Midorifuji and on Day 4 he scored a quick henka win off of Endo. It was clear at this point that Takakeisho was looking to get to eight wins as soon as possible without doing further damage to his knee.

On Day 5, Takakeisho met Tobizaru and looked as though he had recovered a little, as he drove with power at the Flying Monkey. However, Tobizaru did what he does best, rode out the adversity and pulled a rabbit out the hat at the last second. This manifested in both men flying towards the dirt, but with Tobizaru able to hang for a second longer and take the win, dropping the ozeki to 3-2.

He looked great in his next three bouts, charging out Nishikifuji, Ura and Shodai in a style we have been accustomed to. He may have paid for those bursts of power, though, since he lost to Nishikigi (who had fantastic tournament) by yorikiri and then Kinbozan via oshidaski (in a bout in which he looked especially wounded).

On Day 11 Takakeisho stopped the slide with a crafty hikiotoshi win against fellow pusher-shover Daieisho.

He entered Day 12 with seven wins and was matched with Kiribayama for his first shot at getting kachi-koshi and saving his ozeki skin. Kiribayama wasn’t going to do him any favours, though.

The sekiwake (who would make ozeki after his performance in this tournament) got off the blocks quickly in the bout and perhaps surprised Takakeisho. Against other big pushers, Kiribayama has been known to play more of a matador role (like in his championship winning performances over Daieisho in March).

After locking up on Takakeisho’s belt, Kiribayama put his head in the middle of his opponent’s chest and drove him back with force.

Takakeisho’s next chance at eight wins came against Meisei, who was slumping after his stunning win over Terunofuji on Day 9. This time around, Takakeisho was able to come out on top.

Meisei, having seen what Kiribayama did the previous day, opted to test the ozeki’s base with a powerful push off the tachiai, no doubt betting on himself to to rush the banged up Takakeisho out of the ring. I think Takakeisho predicted this, too, though. In response he gave the aggressive Meisei a henka.

Notice the difference in the starting positions in the gifs above. Against Meisei, Takakeisho gets down early, as if challenging his opponent to blast off into him. Takakeisho did the same thing against Endo.

A healthy non-kadoban Takakeisho would probably turn his nose up at the technique, but in his position he did what he needed to do. And, thanks to that spirit of perseverance, he got his winning record.

Takakeisho finished the tournament off by losing a violent brawl with Wakamotoharuand then getting forced out by Terunofuji. Against Wakamotoharu, he fought as though the sekiwake had stolen his girl. They beat the heck out of each other in a fight that looked personal. We’ll keep an eye on that one in Nagoya.

Against the yokozuna Takakeisho looked as though he pushed through the pain to honour his opponent with his best effort.

Takakeisho gets a solid B from me, despite his ho-hum 8-7 record. I was rooting for him throughout the tournament, while cursing the state of sumo that means so many of the sports’ best athletes are forced to compete at far below their maximum capacities.

Takakeisho showed incredible grit to get through this tournament, as you’d expect from any product of the brutal sumo system where fighting hurt is the default. But he also fought with guile. He adapted his style, something many thought was impossible prior to his injury, so he could score wins without having to go full tilt with his pushing/shoving. His two henka victories were integral to him piecing together a tournament that kept him as an ozeki and kept him in the hunt to become the 74th yokozuna.

I criticized Daieisho in the last report card for not finding another gear or adding a layer to his game, so I have to praise Takakeisho for doing just. He really impressed me in May and I hope he carries forward some of that deftness and unpredictability in future tournaments.

Terunofuji

Rank: Yokozuna
Record: 14-1 (yusho)
Grade: A

My grade is pretty obvious here, the only thing stopping me from doing A+ is that Terunofuji wasn’t completely perfect. He was as close to that as possible, losing just once (on Day 9 to Meisei).

We had been waiting for this tournament with bated breath ever since it was confirmed that Terunofuji, sumo’s only current yokozuna, would be returning to action. The big man had been out for a year recovering from double-knee surgery.

In 2022, despite being sidelined by injuries and fighting while especially hurt, Terunofuji was still able to win a championship (his third since becoming yokozuna less than a year prior).

With the severity of his injuries, we were left wondering if Terunofuji would be able to return and dominate like he did prior to his surgeries (and prior to turning 30 years-old).

Well, he did just that.

Terunofuji’s 14-1 yusho in May was a Thanos level destruction of a very tough field of opponents. I think we can all forgive him for

his slip in concentration that saw Meisei land an incredible opening blow against him off the tachiai, which culiminated in his only defeat of the tournament.

In every other match, Terunofuji was literally awesome.

On Day 1 he met Shodai. The former ozeki’s powerful push got Terunofuji all the way back to the straw. However, like he did so often this tournament, Terunofuji just turned on the brakes. As soon as he engaged his repaired (and heavily strapped knees) and sat down on them he proved to be an immoveable object. Against Shodai, that meant he was able to twist his hips and sling his opponent out with a sukuinage.

Next up, he met Abi and this time he didn’t wait to be pushed back to prove he is an absolute unit. Abi came out the gates for this fight, as he often does, spamming harite. The strikes all landed on Terunofuji, but they didn’t force him backwards. Instead, they forced Abi’s own feet backwards, leading to a rather cartoonish finish…

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Hey everyone,

I’m back with another instalment of my sumo report card series. I’m really enjoying writing these and I hope you’re digging them, too. This time around I am discussing the komusubi and sekiwake ranks, which includes Shodai, Wakatakakage, Kotonowaka, Daieisho, Wakamotoharu, Kiribayama/Kirishima and Hoshoryu.

We had some stunning performances from this cohort in May and a couple of disappointing ones, too. Let’s get to it.

Natsu Basho Report Card: Komusubi and Sekiwake

Shodai

Rank: Komusubi 2 East
Record: 6-9
Grade: D+

After going 10-5 in May, as a member of the maegashira ranks, I had bought into the Shodai Renaissance narrative that had been floating around online. It seemed clear that he had struggled to perform under the position of ozeki (he said as much during an appearance on Sumo Prime Time) and that we were going to see his best sumo once those extra obligations and pressures had been lifted.

After being promoted back up to komusubi we witnessed another disappointing tournament. I don’t know if this was because of the added pressure of being an upper-ranked wrestler or whether it’s just indicative of Shodai being left behind by the current crop of elites. He’s still relatively young (31) and has been relatively injury free in his top division career, so it’s hard to argue that age or health are much of a factor here.

Instead, Shodai just might be a guy who can’t maintain the level of performance (or intensity) that many others in this cohort bring each basho. This is frustrating because when he’s on, it really feels like he has all the physical tools you’d need to dominate the dohyo. Shodai’s inconsistency meant that he was able to score some quality wins in May (against Kotonowaka and Kiribayama), but finished the tournament on a three bout losing streak against lower ranked opponents (should note that one of those was Asanoyama, though).

At this point it feels like we know the story for Shodai and it’s one that will keep repeating; a good showing in one tournament and then a streak of losing records punctuated by losses to opponents he should be overpowering. Here he is in that Asanoyama loss:

Shodai is famed for his power off the tachiai, but here he barely gets out the blocks before his fellow former ozeki is on him and going for the kill. The lack of intensity and grit from Shodai felt like a running theme through a lot of his May tournament. It’s a shame and it will be interesting to see how he performs in Nagoya after he is bounced out of the san’yaku again.

Wakatakakage

Rank: Komusubi 1 West
Record: 0-0-15
Grade: Ungraded

This was the first tournament former sekiwake Wakatakakage has had to sit out due to the catastrophic knee injury he suffered versus Kotonowaka in March. This will force him out of the upper-ranks for the first time since he gained promotion in March, 2022. The 28-year-old has been videoed doing some light training. I just hope he doesn’t come back too soon. Watchers of other sports know that a serious knee injury should really take an entire year to recover from. Despite Wakatakakage not being at this basho, his stable (and family) were well represented — more on that later.

Kotonowaka

Rank: Komusubi 1 East
Record: 8-7
Grade: C+

Kotonowaka feels like a less dramatic version of Shodai to me. He’s inconsistent like Shodai, but his highs and lows are rarely as extreme. This leads to him teetering back and forth between razor thin kachi-koshi and make-koshi. This tournament he came away with a winning record, just, beating Meisei on the final day to score his eighth win. This tournament he put his back against the wall thanks to a stretch where he lost five bouts in a row (versus his fellow komusubi and all the sekiwake).

His other two losses were to Terunofuji (no shame in that) and the over-performing Nishikigi. Kotonowaka looked great against most the rank-and-filers and was able to get a win over Takekeisho on Day 2 (though, Takakeisho looked pretty banged up in that bout, coming off tweaking his knee against Abi on Day 1).

Two of the bouts that stand out to me from the past tournament are his losses to Terunofuji and Daieisho. Both of those bouts saw Kotonowaka against opponents who he matched up well against from a size and strength perspective. And in both those bouts he was able to push his opponent all the way back to the straw bales.

However, in both those bouts he was unable to get those heavy, and very good wrestlers, out of the ring. Instead, both Terunofuji and Daieisho were capable of halting Kotonowaka’s forward progress before summoning up the strength needed to turn the tide on the tired Kotonowaka and score push/force out victories.

Those bouts feel like metaphors for Kotonowaka’s entire game right now. He’s got enough about him to push right up to the limit of being special, but can he get all the way there? I don’t think so.

Daieisho

Rank: Sekiwake 2 East
Record: 10-5
Grade: B-

Despite securing a very good 10-5 record this tournament, Daieisho disappointed me. He was my pick to win in March, and he almost did win, but for the incredible performances of Kiribayama. However, how that tournament ended left me struggling to fully appreciating Daieisho’s game and I think that has carried over into this tournament.

He’s an excellent pusher-shower who can generate a tremendous amount of speed and power, both off the tachiai and during the second and third phases of a bout. That’s enough to beat most guys, but it’s not enough to beat them all.

On Day 15 in March he was matched against Kiribayama. A win would have given him the championship and a loss would have meant a playoff for he and Kiribayama.

Daieisho came forwards like a steamroller in that bout, just as Kiribayama expected. Kiribayama dodged the charge and used Daieisho’s momentum against him to score the tsukiotoshi win. Losing like this to Kirbayama is nothing to be ashamed of, he is probably the best rikishi out there when it comes to reacting to an opponent and identifying the move needed to score a win.

However, in the play-off bout the exact same thing happened. Instead of trying something different, Daieisho put his head down and charged forwards. This time he was put out with more ease, costing him the Emperor’s Cup.

In interviews immediately after the tournament he signalled his intent to analyze his sumo and add new layers to his game. I didn’t see any evidence of that in May.

He continued to do what he was great at, yes, but he also continued to lose against wrestlers who could slip past his charge and not be bullied so easily. See below at how lost Daieisho can look when he meets someone too sturdy to push over and too fleet of foot to stay in one place.

He came up short five times in the tournament, which was enough to kill his chance of getting an ozeki promotion. He’ll need 11 wins to Nagoya next month to earn consideration for that promotion.

Wakamotoharu

Rank: Sekiwake 2 West
Record: 10-5
Grade: B+

Wakamotoharu looked like a man on a mission in May. His brother Wakatakakage was working on an ozeki run before being hobbled in March. While Wakamotoharu’s own performance in March set him up for sekiwake status and an ozeki run of his own. He needed 13 wins in this tournament to get that promotion, but fell short by 3 wins.

He looked very aggressive throughout this tournament, which I think was a bit of a double-edged sword for him. Few rikishi seemed as amped up as he was during the basho, which materialized in some thrilling brawls and a couple of cold stare downs after the fact.

That aggressive style overwhelmed many, like Tobizaru below.

This meaner side of Wakamotoharu was complimented by his athleticism. He might be the most athletic wrestler in the division, evidenced by his incredible pivoting throw outs of Shodai and Hokuseiho. Both those wins took extreme amounts of cardio, raw power, excellent fight IQ and perfect timing.

At times Wakamotoharu’s aggressiveness manifested in over-committing, though. Against Kiribayama you can see him trying to lock down on his opponent’s arms and not notice the shift in the hips that sets up Kiribayama’s escape and a rather insulting kick out of the ring.

That little kick wasn’t the only sign that Wakamotoharu’s intensity was rubbing other wrestlers the wrong way. Against Takakeisho (who isn’t called the Angry Hamster for nothing), Wakamotoharu lead with a forearm smash that seemed to activate the most aggro version of the ozeki. They then engaged in a fierce slapping exchange, with both men seemingly focused on hurting the other with strikes over using them to set up a separate technique. Wakamotoharu won that exchange after shoving Takakeisho out along the edge of the straw.

Along with a 10-5 record, Wakamotoharu also earned a Technique Prize (his first ever). He’ll need 12 wins in Nagoya to be considered for ozeki promotion.

Kiribayama

Rank: Sekiwake 1 East
Record: 11-4
Grade: A

Kiribayama, whose shikona has since changed to Kirishima, showed it all at this basho. He had power, grace, intelligence and creativity in spades. He also showed a bit of a mean streak with his win over Wakamotoharu.

He made it to Day 14 with an 11-2 record (thanks to slip ups to Abi and Shodai). On Day 13 he met Terunofuji with a chance to force himself into a final day play-off situation. He attacked Terunofuji’s belt and tried his whole bag of tricks to get the big man off balance.

It didn’t work, though. The yokozuna rode it all out and was able to horse Kiribayama out when he had a chance (which gave Terunofuji a 10-0 record over Kirbayama all-time). A final day loss to arch rival Hoshoryu followed, with Hoshoryu getting revenge for the last time they faced off — outfoxing Kiribayama with a high shoulder attack when he was defending against a trip. These two are tied in their head-to-head stats now (though one of Kiribayama’s wins came via fusen). This rivalry is only getting started, though.

Day 13 was the most important day of the tournament for Kiribayama, that’s when he was able to defeat Hokusieho to secure his 11th win, which he needed to secure ozeki promotion. In that bout he was able to hang with the giant sophomore and withstand having to carry his weight, while he waited for an opening to pull off this trip.

Kiribayama had plenty of crafty wins over the tournament, which earned him his third Technique Prize. He also showed a great deal of power, too, as seen by his yorikiri of Takakeisho below.

All-in-all, despite a couple of losses he’d love to have back, it was a fantastic showing for the Mongolian. At 27-years-old the new ozeki is right in his prime. I wouldn’t bet against him being the next wrestler to achieve the hallowed rank of yokozuna.

Hoshoryu

Rank: Sekiwake 1 West
Record: 11-4
Grade: A-

First off, let me say that Hoshoryu had a wonderful tournament. That being said, his 11-4 record (which gave him a sniff of getting the championship in the final days) was a little inflated…

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There’s a lot of misconceptions about sumo. Many who don’t follow the sport don’t think rikishi are actual athletes (they are). And many think these rikishi don’t actually fight (they do).

The violence of sumo often needs seeing to be believing. The following video should do the trick.

This came up on r/SumoMemes recently, courtesy of user ShogunSumo. It’s a video of 90s wrestler Kyokudozan uploaded by YouTuber Jab Cross Hook Uppercut.

Enjoy!

Video: One hit KO in sumo

Yes, sumo has striking

Bloody noses and split lips are common occurrences on the dohyo. The rules of sumo forbid punches with closed fists, but palm strikes (harite) are A-OK. There are a variety of striking techniques used in the sport.

Active wrestlers Tamawashi and Abi are masters of the nodowa and tsuppari styles, respectively. The nodawa is a straight thrust to the throat that is intended to snap back the head of an opponent and put them off balance so they can be forced backwards and out.

Tsuppari, made famous by E. Honda of Street Fighter, is the rapid attack of palm strikes aimed at the shoulders, chest, neck and face – designed to both force an opponent back and prevent that opponent from initiating a clinch.

Many other sumo wrestlers utilize a thrusting and shoving arsenal known as tsuki/oshi which involves launching yourself like a cannonball at your opponent and showing and thrusting them as hard as possible to try and elicit a quick victory.

The most successful pusher-thruster in the game right now is Takakeisho, who won the January tournament and is ranked just below yokozuna. He uses straight thrusts and hefty slaps to force his opponent backwards and create openings for a shove out of the ring.

Takakeisho had an epic striking brawl on Day 14 of the May Tournament when he took on sekiwake Wakamotoharu. Against Wakamotoharu his slaps looked particularly venomous, leading me to think there might be some history between the two.

Wakamotoharu took the slaps and fired back with his own, mixing in a thrust to the throat to score the win. At the beginning of the clip you can also see Wakamotoharu land a forearm smash to Takakeisho’s face off the opening clash. That’s a move made famous by the recently retired Hakuho (the sport’s GOAT).

You can see one of Hakuho’s instant forearm KOs in this compilation clip below.

Hakuho’s roughness off these opening clashes, his occasionally extra shove to put an opponent three rows deep in the stands and his exuberant celebrations, were often critiqued by sumo bigwigs, who preferred a more ‘dignified’ and ‘stoic’ performance. However, that criticism levelled against the Mongolian yokozuna was rarely given out to generations of Japanese rikishi who did the same thing.

Kyokudozan the giant killer

Don’t let the clip fool you, Kyokudozan did not spend his career scoring wins off of smacks to the face. Like all other smaller men in the sport, he had to rely on grappling to stay competitive against giants who were sometimes 300 lbs heavier than him.

Kyokudozan wrestled from 1980 to 1996. He was promoted to the top division in 1989 and, at around 220 lbs, remains one of the lightest wrestlers to ever make it that far in the sport.

He never won a top division championship. However, staying in makuuchi for seven years and being ranked as high as komusubi is an incredible accomplishment for such a ‘small’ wrestler.

Over his career he earned two Fighting Spirit prizes and two Outstanding Performances. He also holds a gold star (given when A lower ranked wrestlers who defeats a yokozuna) for his win over Akebono (who weighed over 500 lbs) in 1993’s March tournament.

Whether you’re a veteran watcher of the sport or someone who wants to learn more about it, please check out my Substack Sumo Stomp! so you can be notified of sumo content here on Bloody Elbow. My Substack also hosts exclusive premium content where I dive deeper into the sport.

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Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tour 2023/24 season kicks off

The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tour has just begun again, with the traditional opening tournament in Rio de Janeiro. As always, top BJJ competitors from around the world traveled to compete in the event and get themselves off to a good start for the season. Yatan Bueno continued his phenomenal form on the circuit by winning the super-heavyweight division in style, as did the exciting young competitor Uanderson Ferreira in the middleweight division.

The women’s middleweight division was equally exciting, and Ingridd Alves came home with a gold medal from it. The most stacked women’s division was likely at lightweight though, where Vitoria Vieira defeated Maria Delahaye in the final of the bracket. There was a huge upset in the women’s roosterweight division too, as Eliana Carauni put on one of the best performances of her career. She defeated Brenda Larissa, Isadora Maggioni, Diana Teixeira, and Nathalie Touson in one day to win gold at that weight.

Full results from the event can be found here.

Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu Tour kicks off in Rio de Janeiro https://t.co/3riw4r6Swe pic.twitter.com/ckS7j5ySiV

— News | أخبار (@EmiratesNews) June 10, 2023

Lachlan Giles reveals results of Australian grapplers’ PEDs tests

Lachlan Giles is one of the most successful BJJ competitors to ever emerge from Australia and he’s recently been given a huge opportunity to develop the sport there. An anonymous donor gave him $100,000 USD to help build the sport in his home-country, and gave him free reign over deciding how to distribute the funds. He quickly decided to allocate the money to top competitors for them to do with as they wish; whether that be training, competing, or even just living as a full-time athlete.

Giles set out a few different criteria to determine who would qualify for the funding and one of the most important was that they be a clean athlete willing to pass a drug test. He conducted the tests within 2 weeks and every athlete who submitted to testing actually passed, for 10 total recipients. They range from ADCC veterans like Jeremy Skinner and Nikki Lloyd-Griffiths all the way to top prospects like Nicholas Maglicic and Nadia Frankland.

Nicholas Meregali vs Kaynan Duarte announced for WNO

The 19th Who’s Number One event has now been scheduled for September 30th, 2023 and the promotion has already announced a fantastic main event for the card. Nicholas Meregali has been booked to compete against Kaynan Duarte in the fifth match between them, with both men looking to gain the upper hand in their series. Despite the amount of times they’ve met before, this will actually be the first no gi match between the two competitors.

Their previous matches have all been in the gi and the current record between them sits at 2-2, with Meregali being the only one to register a submission finish. This happened in their second match together, with all three of the others being close matches that went to either points or a decision. There’s no news yet on who else will be competing on the card, but if past WNO events are anything to go by then it’ll be stacked with top talent.

The main event has been set for Tezos WNO (Who’s Number One).

Nicholas Meregali will take on Kaynan Duarte on @FloGrappling 🥋 pic.twitter.com/KjQdH67NFj

— Combat Sports Today 📰 (@CSTodayNews) June 15, 2023

Great lineup confirmed for Main Character Jiu-Jitsu 1

Main Character Jiu-Jitsu is a brand new grappling promotion based in Austin, Texas and they’ve put together a great card for their first event on July 1st, 2023. The main event will see IBJJF purple and brown belt no gi world champion Andrew Tackett taking on top 10th Planet competitor Derek Rayfield. If that alone isn’t enough, another 10th Planet veteran Ben Eddy will be competing against Steve Wojcik and Lauren Sears will be facing Ana Garcia.

The main attraction is undoubtedly the women’s 145lbs grand prix though, and there’s several top talents competing in the lineup. Trinity Pun has been a top prospect for quite some time and has shown signs of breaking into the highest level, while Nora Schultz is one of the best female competitors to come out of Australia. They have some tough opposition in the form of Submission Underground absolute champion Amanda Loewen and Medusa veteran Kiaya Jackson, among several others.

cowboys and aliens 🤠👽

been a little banged up these last few weeks, but july 1st i’ll be back on the mat taking on a high-level black belt on the inaugural Main Character Jiu-Jitsu show down in austin.

very excited for this one. ppv info coming soon. pic.twitter.com/L6KxEgCP9j

— chris wojcik (@chrismwojcik) May 22, 2023

BJJ Quick Hits

• BJJ legend Marcelo Garcia shared an update on his cancer treatment with fans, and he’s been given great news on his progress.
• Marvel star and WWE legend Dave Bautista, often referred to as Batista, has just been promoted to brown belt in BJJ.
• FloGrappling has just announced their first ever ‘Submission Week’ which will see a series of different highlights released between June 19th to 25th.
• Top 10th Planet competitor Nathan Orchard was just promoted to third degree black belt by Eddie Bravo.

Technique Corner

Triangle Choke from the back

“Straitjacket Triangle”

Would you hit this in tournament? #bjj #jiujitsu #bjjtechnique #grappling pic.twitter.com/Ossh57I3yF

— Jake Watson (@jakewatsonmedia) June 8, 2023

Duck-under from Underhook control

How to do a DUCK 🦆 UNDER with an UNDERHOOK #bjj #jiujitsu #grappling #bjjtwitter #brazilianjiujitsu #bjjtakedowns pic.twitter.com/Y7cTbJ6NCI

— Old Man BJJ Black Belt (@BjjTip) June 16, 2023

Leg-lasso to Armbar

ラッソーからの腕十字 pic.twitter.com/K3LntJtLcT

— Jiu Jitsu NERD (@Jiu_Jitsu_NERD) June 16, 2023

Meme of the Week

Even got the hair right 😅#bjj #bjjtwitter #bjjmemes pic.twitter.com/LF4FcXlfUU

— Continuous Flow BJJ (@cflowbjj) May 29, 2023

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Hey everyone,

I’m back with the second part of my report card for sumo’s 2023 natsu basho. Took a little longer than I would have hoped, but things have been very busy lately. I went back to college this summer, working towards a shift of careers from journalism to social work. Last week I finished up my first course so I was able to find time this week to indulge in what has become my favourite activity (writing for you folks).

Last time around I graded the bottom half of the rank-and-filers. That was an entirely free post, but this time around I will be adding a pay-wall. I don’t take this decision lightly, but the fact is, if I’m going to make time to write this newsletter (and take time away from paid work and studying), I need to at least create the opportunity to be compensated. Hope you all understand.

I’ll leave a big portion of this post free, though. With that, let’s get to the grades.

Report Card

Sadanoumi

Rank: East Maegashira 8
Record: 7-8
Grade: C-

Sadanoumi got off to a decent start this basho, but a four day losing streak scuppered his month. Losses to Tsururgisho, Oho, Koteoko, and then Chiyoshima on Day 13 meant a make-koshi (his third in a row). At 36, we are likely witnessing the slow decline of a very workman-like rikishi who, even in his prime, was never able to get over the hump and join the upper-ranks. That said, he’s probably the best measuring stick in the makuuchi. Six of the eight wrestlers who defeated him finished with winning records. All but one of his wins were against wrestlers who finished with losing records (like this smart hatakikomi against Takanosho).

Takanosho

Rank: West Maegashira 8
Record: 7-8
Grade: C-

Takanosho’s tournament looked a lot like Sadanoumi. His efforts were largely forgettable and, like Sadanoumi, he served as a bit of a gatekeeper among the middle of the pack. However, for a 28-year-old former sekiwake he should be doing better. In a lot of his bouts he simply put his head down and tried to win off the tachiai. This lead to some brutal opening clashes (the one against Hiradoumi was especially violent).

With his 7-8 record Takanosho continues to be consistently inconsistent. This year he has floated around that mark each tournament. He’s been inconsistent much of his career, though. However, in years past he’s been able bookend 7-8 and 8-7 records with a fantastic result. That’s yet to happen in 2023 (and I doubt it will).

Hokutofuji

Rank: East Maegashira 7
Record: 6-9
Grade: D

It was a tournament to forget for Hokutofuji. His record is worse when you consider half of his six wins came against rikishi who were dreadful this tournament (Kotoshoho, Ryuden and Mitoryu). Hokutofuji seemed out of steam and out of ideas for much of his contests. His powerful pushes only worked a fraction of the time and many of his foes were able to withstand them and use that momentum against him.

This was Hokutofuji’s fourth make-kochi. That’s a career worst for the former komusubi.

Tamawashi

Rank: West Maegashira 7
Record: 6-9
Grade: C-

Tamawashi rebounded, somewhat, after a terrible March tournament (where he went 3-12). In March Tamawashi’s sumo looked utterly uninspired as he over-relied on his thrust to the throat and appeared to give up whenever he was pushed to the edge.

This time around, he still took plenty of losses, but he looked a lot more energetic and keen, striving for ways to win even when his heels were firmly up against the straw. He was on the winning and losing ends of a number of razor thin finishes, like the loss to Takanosho below.

Though not as bad as what happened in March, Tamawashi still looks a long way removed from his yusho form from last November. However, at least in this tournament the oldest man in the division (38) showed he might have a little bit of fight still in him.

Meisei

Rank: East Maegashira 6
Record: 8-7 (shukun-sho)
Grade: B

Meisei finished with a pretty average record, but if you’re just looking at that you’re missing out on the exciting first half of the tournament he had, which climaxed with his win over Terunofuji. That win gave him his first career kinboshi and remained the only blemish on Big Teru’s dominating championship performance in his first basho since returning from a long injury lay-off.

Meisei did what nobody else could do this tournament, get Terunofuji on his bike. He did this with an incredible tachiai, launching himself at the yokozuna with perfect timing and a tremendous amount of menace. The impact both pushed Terunofuji back and prevented him from locking onto either Meisei’s mawashi or his arms (which could have lead to an extremely painful put-out, like he did to Tobizaru and Hoshoryu).

After the initial clash, Terunofuji tried to go for a grip again, but Meisei circled and then, as Terunofuji tried to keep up, he hit him again and established an inside grip of his own with his right hand. By moving his feet and pulling on the mawashi it looked as though Meisei may have gotten close on a hikiotoshi or katasukashi. Terunofuji noticed this and pulled his arm out of the danger zone. When he did this, though, Meisei closed the distance and was able to trap Terunofuji while he was completely upright. From that position, Meisei was able to drive him out for the statement victory.

It was an exhausting win to Meisei and, given the fact he went 0-6 to finish the tournament, you wonder how much of an adrenaline dump he experienced from the ecstasy of beating such an awesome yokozuna. The strength of schedule didn’t help his second half either. After beating Terunofuji he went up against Takakeisho, Daieisho, Kotonowaka, Abi, Asanoyama and Hokuseiho.

Despite that disappointing finish, and so-so record, he gets a B for that incredible bout with Terunofuji (and how pugnacious and strong he looked in his early bouts). Meisei also picked up the first shukun-sho (Outstanding Performance prize) to go along with his first career kinboshi.

Mitakeumi

Rank: West Maegashira 6
Record: 9-6
Grade: B

Despite going 9-6, I felt this was kind of a ho-hum tournament for Mitakeumi. His best win was his Day 13 yoritaoshi win over Daieisho, which killed Daieisho’s chance at getting ozeki status. In that bout he withstood Daieisho’s all-out pushing and shoving attack and was inches from being pushed out before he locked up a pair of underhooks and then drove the sekiwake back and over.

Mitakeumi’s winning record was the product of a pretty one-dimensional arsenal for the former ozeki. His push and save offence was enough to run over and force out most the opponents he faced. However, he did get exposed a couple of times by creative wrestlers who were able to maximize on his top-heavy physique and toss him down.

The 9-6 record will get him a place or two higher on the banzuke, but that will also open him up to much better opposition in the next tournament. He’s still only 30, and just a year removed from a championship, so there’s chance he might be able to hang with the san’yaku in Nagoya.

Kinbozan

Rank: East Maegashira 5
Record: 4-11
Grade: C-

It’s tough at the top. Kinbozan learned that in May in only his second tournament in the makuuchi. His debut in the top division was sensational, with the Kazakh earning an 11-4 record and the Fighting Spirit prize.

After being promoted to M5 Kinbozan saw his record flipped this tournament, as he was fed a steady diet of very good opponents. This tournament he faced (and lost) to the following wrestlers for the first time in his career: Meisei, Shodai, Kotonowaka, Midorifuji, Nishikigi, and Terunofuji.

He scored a banner win over Takakeisho on Day 10. Takakeisho’s nagging knee injury seemed to play a role in that win, but it’s still a good achievement for the 25-year-old (who would have picked up a hefty sponsorship bonus, too).

I could have graded him harsher for the 4-11, but given who he faced (for the first time ever), I think he deserves a little leniency here.

Kotoshoho

Rank: West Maegashira 5
Record: 2-10-3
Grade: F

This was rough to watch. In January Kotoshoho stumbled his way to an 11-4 record and a second place finish to his old high school classmate Takakeisho. In March he declined, sharply. His hectic and flustered style got lucky in January, but in March it resulted in, more often than not, face-plants or being thrown off the dohyo. It was more of the same in May. After beating Kinbozan on Day 1 he went on an nine bout losing streak, the ninth being a fusen. He sat out for three days and returned with a win over fellow struggler Takarafuji. On Day 15 he was beaten by Takayasu.

Expect a plummet in the rankings for Kotoshoho in the next banzuke.

Ura

Rank: East Maegashira 4
Record: 7-8
Grade: C+

Ura was must see TV, again, this tournament. That turned his C for a narrow losing record to a C+ in my books. He had some of the bouts of the tournament in May and added a few more highlight reel wins (and losses) to his extensive collection.

This bout against Tobizaru (a fellow chaos agent) is an entire highlight in itself.

In a battle to see who could out bamboozle the other, it was Ura who was able to outfox Tobizaru after multiple mad scrambles across the dohyo. This bout typified Ura’s entire basho showing that despite entering his thirties, and his long injury history, he is still capable of moments that make sumo worth watching. Additionally, this tournament showed he can give us those wild highlights, while also staying close to a winning record.

Nishikigi

Rank: West Maegashira 4
Record: 9-6
Grade: B

This was a very nice tournament for Nishikigi. After a rough 1-6 beginning to the basho he knuckled under and won eight straight. After losses to Terunofuji and Daiesho, Nishikigi broke out on Day 8 with a sukuinage win over the excellent Wakamotoharu. He followed that up by making short work of Takakeisho. Other wins in that kachi-koshi clinching streak came against Kotonowaka, Shodai and Abi (below).

Here you can see what a load Nishikigi can be. After Abi over-commits and ends up perpendicular to his opponent, Nishikigi explodes with a push that completely takes Abi out of the fight. In the gif you can see how much of that push is down to the incredible musculature Nishikigi posses in his lower body. However, execution of a move like this also speaks a lot about his timing and intelligence.

Nishikigi’s performance this tournament will have him creep up the maegashira ranks and see him knocking on the door of a san’yaku promotion next time out. If he could get promoted to the upper ranks that would be a first for the 32-year-old.

Tobizaru

Rank: East Maegashira 3
Record: 8-7
Grade: B

Tobizaru did a lot of what I’ve praised Ura for in his entry. Like his pink-clad rival, Tobizaru brings the chaos to every bout he enters. Both men seem committed to entertaining and aren’t afraid to…

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Continuing his martial arts arc, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg put in some rounds against one of the best grapplers on the planet. Five-time BJJ world champ Mikey Musumeci was filmed lightly rolling with the billionaire, before both men threw on the gloves for some light sparring. The video was posted to Zuckerberg’s Instagram page, gaining over 91k likes as of publishing.

“Great learning from jiu jitsu legend @mikeymusumeci… and starting to prepare for our MMA debuts 😉,” Mark Zuckerberg captioned.

Mark Zuckerberg’s game

Since first putting out martial arts content in 2022, We’ve seen Mark Zuckerberg collaborate with UFC stars on Metaverse projects and even win gold at a small BJJ tournament. Though obviously not full speed, we see the same armbar setup in the above video that he used in his grappling debut last month.

Zuckerberg is coached through a single leg, then moves to side control and isolates Musumeci’s left arm with his legs. Collecting the right arm, he spins up and falls back into the finish. We then see a guard pull into a triangle from Zuckerberg, a good series for white belts to learn. We also see Musumeci on the offense, countering a single leg with a sweep into a mounted guillotine, as well as a berimbolo into a back take.

Though he had less luck defending Musumeci’s attacks, the two were clearly happy with Zuckerberg’s performance.

“That was perfect,” Musumeci said after the armbar.

The two then traded light combos on the feet, also taking turns on a heavy bag.

Pros react to Mark Zuckerberg’s training video

Like every Zuckerberg BJJ post, the pros came out to offer praise and takes on his technique.

“Learning from THE BEST ✊🏾✊🏾” commented UFC welterweight Gilbert Burns.

ONE FC CEO Chatri Sityodtong also chimed in, writing, “looking sharp, mark! 🔥🔥🔥”

Other BJJ legends offered compliments to the social media giant, like ADCC Champs Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida, Augusto Tanquinho and Felipe Pena.

“Thats amazing, great [technique] 👏🏼” Pena wrote.

Billionaire MMA Superfan

Unlike other BJJ hobbyists, Zuckerberg has the ability to inject himself deeply into the sport’s zeitgeist. From private UFC cards at the Apex Center to private training sessions with the best combatants alive, Zuckerberg seems determined to take his fandom to every extreme he can. And because of his power, each foray is met with near universal acclaim from pro fighters and grapplers hoping to rub shoulders with the world’s richest white belt.

With Musumeci’s planned eventual switch to MMA, will we see Zuckerberg in his corner?

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Looking at the wide array of fantasy and sci-fi content on offer, you see a variety of martial arts represented well. From Legolas arrow sniping forty orcs in LOTR to the incredible sword choreography of Star Wars, weapons are treated as sacrosanct in the world of fiction. Unfortunately, hand-to-hand combat has struggled with faithful representation in these popular genres (we’re looking at you, Iron Fist). For one author, this gap in the MMA market helped inspire his debut fantasy series, The Combat Codes.

The Combat Codes

In 2016, Bostonian black belt Alexander Darwin released the first installment of the then-new book series. Set in a dystopian science-fantasy world, international conflict has traded armies and bombs for proxy-gladiatorial battle. Martial artists are trained from a young age in grappling and striking to represent their region in physical combat against other countries, the winner securing profitable trade deals, fuel and more. These fighters, called Grievars, are governed by a series of moral ideals revealed to the reader across the first book.

We fight neither to inflict pain nor to prolong suffering. We
fight neither to mollify anger nor to satisfy vendetta. We fight
neither to accumulate wealth nor to promote social standing.
We fight so the rest shall not have to.

First Precept of the Combat Codes

An orphan fighting prodigy named Cego is introduced early, confined to the lower class “Slave Circles” where unknown fighters are developed. His mentor, an ex-Grievar named Murray, sees potential in the young man and journeys with him to the famed fighting school, the Lyceum. The two delve deeper into the art of fighting, the relationships with fellow martial arts students and the hidden darkness within the world they live in.

“One of my big inspirations was, ‘How cool would it be if instead of college, you could go to this massive fight-palace and learn all you could?'” Darwin said in an interview with Bloody Elbow.

Since self publishing the book in 2016, Darwin has partnered with Orbit Books to re-release an updated edition of his series. Besides cleaning up the text with editors, Darwin also aimed to make the book more accessible to non-martial arts readers. “I wrote the book, especially the newer version, for people who’ve never done BJJ before,” he said. But despite the care for newcomers, fighting faithful will still find a treasure trove of references just for them.

A book MMA wants

As martial arts gained mainstream popularity, we see more and more attempts to refine the fighting in popular media. But for every train scene in Shang-Chi, we get the “wrestling” in Jessica Jones. Beyond the inaccurate portrayals, we still see a priority given to fight scenes with guns and other weapons.

The Combat Codes immediately lets you know it’s not about lip service. The first fight gives us a heavy description of different grappling scenarios going from takedown, ground scramble for position and a satisfying submission. Using the underappreciated parts of the sport, the book revels in the slow shifts in weight, the retention of guard and hand position as if it were an epic sword duel. Each action has clear ramifications, what giving up that grip means, what holding a submission a bit too long without success does to your gas tank, and gives inexperienced readers the same sense of anxiety through it’s prose.

Darwin isn’t blinded by grappling love. Several characters introduced favor a heavy striking style, and utilize grappling defense to keep things on the feet. Like many of us, we see Cego and other students forced to incorporate new techniques into their toolkit on their quest as Greivars. The comradery built between students at the Lyceum harkens to other fantasy books like Percy Jackson’s “Camp Half-Blood” or Hogwarts from that book I can’t remember.

The changes they undergo, the growth they experience as martial artists, comes directly from Darwin’s own life as a BJJ student and later teacher.

“Part of creating this environment came from my own real-world experience in jiu-jitsu schools,” Darwin explained. For readers who put time on the mat, these scenes of growth can be incredibly relatable and cathartic. You see Cego struggle with new techniques the same way you probably can’t berimbolo, and how different aspects of martial arts can come easier or harder for different students.”

(It’s me. I can’t Berimbolo)

The Lyceum itself becomes a secondary character thanks to these lived experiences. Real people’s own MMA or BJJ gyms and teams are reflected in the shared lives of the book’s characters, the lead up to a tournament, promotion day and the intersectional aspects of daily practice. Despite the far-out circumstances and setting, the authenticity of gym culture is represented both as a positive and negative. Injuries, performance anxiety and devotion to the team are portrayed realistically alongside the problems athletic obsession comes with.

“I wanted to portray the moral component that comes with fighting” Darwin said. “Both the modern day cultural tie-ins to martial arts, as well as an older sense of honor, like with the Samurai code of Bushido.”

The Combat Codes is available now

If you’re interested in hopping on before book two’s scheduled release this December, The Combat Codes is available now for order in the US and UK with the link here.

Keep up to date with Alex and the series’ development at his Instagram here.

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Earlier this month, we reported on B-Team Jiu-Jitsu black belt Haisam Rida’s street altercation with an alleged would-be car thief. In the original clip posted to B-Team coach Craig Jones’ Instagram page, the IBJJF American National champion is seen conversing with police post-fight while the suspect is attended to. Yesterday, BJJ Twitter user @JiujitsuOtter posted an extended clip featuring more of the fight, aftermath and a short interview with Rida describing the event.

Haisam Rida runs to the scene

Flanked by fellow B-team star Nicky Ryan, Haisam Rida is again seen describing the altercation to gathered officers. Now with the benefit of audio, the original clip being dubbed with “Bad Boys Reply” by Inner Circle, moans of excruciating pain can be heard from the suspect as he’s loaded into the gurney.

Mid training at B-Team HQ in Austin, TX, Rida was alerted by Ryan that the break-in was occuring. “We checked the [security] camera, I saw that and took off,” Rida explained. After confronting the suspect, Rida saw he’d taken numerous valuables from his vehicle. “This guy had my Supreme fanny pack with my passport, debit card[…]” said Rida.

Security footage shows Rida footsweeping the suspect, the later continuing to resist after being grounded. “He kept trying to escape, so I rear-naked choke him from behind. When the cops got there, I told them my story.”

The officers are then seen confirming that the suspect sustained no serious injuries, and that Rida acted within his rights to defend his property.

Another BJJ PR Story

Far from the first, Rida’s situation is the latest in a long line of high-profile self-defense situations featuring BJJ. UFC vet Ryan Hall used the mount to subdue a drunk restaurant patron in 2011, with former UFC champ Matt Sera experiencing a remarkably similar situation in 2018. More recently, Former UFC title challenger Anthony “Lionheart” Smith utilized grappling during a harrowing home invasion he endured in 2020, and UFC welterweight Kevin Holland even used BJJ to help disarm a gunman In March of 2022.

Has BJJ helped you keep yourself safe in dangerous situations? Tell your story in the comments below!

We are aiming to offer the best grappling and technique writing of any MMA news site. If you want to see more of this kind of work, please subscribe to the Bloody Elbow newsletter and learn how you can support the site.

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Months ago, BJJ icon and gym owner Marcelo Garcia let the world know he’d been diagnosed with stomach cancer. Though optimistic, the four-time ADCC champ’s news hit the grappling world like a bullet to the gut. Garcia enjoys acclaim as a figurehead in BJJ, and his affable demeanor has endeared him to the community as much as his countless world titles. Last week, we received an important update on his condition post-surgery.

Marcelo Garcia’s doctor is optimistic

Garcia underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tissue on May 23. Letting his followers know the day before, he sounded optimistic due to positive feedback from his doctor during his pre-surgery exams. This past Friday, he gave an update to his Instagram page stating that the surgery went well and that the tissue was dead when removed.

“Saw the doctor today and had the best possible news, it was all dead when they removed, also it hadn’t spread to any of the lymph nodes and the chances of recurring are very slim,” Marcelo Garcia wrote.

Though an incredible step in the right direction, Garcia still has four more rounds of chemotherapy left in his treatment. Despite that, the former champ wasted no time thanking his supporters and discussing a return to the sport he loves.

“It will be a little longer till I can be on the mats but I’ll be back. Thank you everyone for all the support!” he wrote.

Pros react, give well wishes to the BJJ legend

First announcing his diagnosis last January, Marcelo Garcia has documented different stages of his health and chemo treatments via social media. The best of the best from both MMA and BJJ have poured into each comment section, offering kind words of support for Garcia and his family.

“We will win this fight champ!” multiple time ADCC champ Andre Galvao wrote on an March 24 post from Garcia’s third round of chemo. Former UFC women’s bantamweight champ Joanna Jedrzejczyk chimed in after Garcia’s first round of chemo, commenting, “May God bless you Master.” Garcia has even elicited well wishes from more controversial figures like former UFC double-champ Conor McGregor.

“Prayers up Marcelo 🙏☘️” the Irishman wrote on Garcia’s cancer announcement post.

Naturally, the good news has been warmly received by the pros. IBJJF Worlds and Pans champ Bernardo Faria, Gracie Barra legend Romulo Barral and Tenth Planet founder Eddie Bravo were among the many famed voices congratulating Garcia.

“🔥We wish you the quickest recovery Legend 🙏🏽❤️” commented the Ruotolo Brothers.

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Full card confirmed for UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4

The fourth UFC Fight Pass Invitational event is booked for July 29th and the promotion has stepped up their BJJ game even further. The first three events were all fantastic and they’d already confirmed that the main event would be an epic match between Craig Jones and Felipe Pena, along with a co-main event battle between Glover Teixeira and Anthony Smith. Shortly after that, they added flyweight veteran Alex Perez as an opponent for three-time NCAA champion Roman Bravo-Young in his BJJ debut.

Along with a final superfight between Nicholas Meregali and Roberto ‘Cyborg’ Abreu, UFC Fight Pass also announced a $30,000 absolute tournament for the event. Several fan-favorite grapplers like Nicky Rodriguez and Vagner Rocha are competing alongside IBJJF world champions like Fellipe Andrew and Gabriel Arges. Rounding out the stacked lineup is Dan Manasoiu, Haisam Rida, Pedro Rocha, and Fedor Nikolov; all of whom will be giving it everything they’ve got to leave with the grand prize.

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Kade Ruotolo retains title at ONE Fight Night 11

Kade Ruotolo was set to make his second title-defense at ONE Fight Night 11, despite only winning the inaugural belt at the beginning of the year. He had a tough match, as Tommy Langaker is an equally impressive grappler who has also become known for his exciting style of Jiu-Jitsu. The majority of the match saw Ruotolo taking top position and working frantically to pass while Langaker threatened with multiple submission attempts off his back.

The most notable moment came pretty early on in the match, when Langaker managed to get a deep bite on a heel hook that really put Ruotolo in danger. He had a few more attempts after that, but nothing that came as close. Ruotolo on the other hand cranked hard on an ankle-lock later on but without control of Langaker’s legs he wasn’t able to put him in enough danger to tap. In the end, Ruotolo was declared the winner by decision and retained the lightweight title.

Full results for the event can be found here.

The IBJJF World Championship 2023 comes to an end

A whole new generation of world champions were crowned at the IBJJF world championship 2023 and there were a number of interesting storylines that emerged from the event. Several top brown belt competitors were promoted to black belt and are no doubt eager to join the highest level next year, but most of the attention was on the black belt divisions. One unbelievable record was set when Wellington ‘Megaton’ Dias stepped on the mats, as he became the first coral belt to ever compete at the event.

Jansen Gomes made headlines when he won the middleweight division, because he beat the reigning lightweight champion Tye Ruotolo in the semi-final and the undefeated IBJJF middleweight king Tainan Dalpra in the final. Gabrieli Pessanha achieved the highest level of success at the event though, as she won both the super-heavyweight and absolute division in order to secure her second consecutive Double Grand Slam of 8 gold medals across all 4 major IBJJF events of the year.

Full results for the event can be found here.

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Nicholas Meregali vs Victor Hugo rematch in the works

After Nicholas Meregali put in a fantastic performance at Who’s Number One 18 a few weeks ago, he issued a public $20,000 challenge to the winner of the absolute division at the IBJJF world championship. Now that the tournament has finished and Victor Hugo has been crowned the champion, Meregali’s challenge finally had a target. Hugo was asked about the potential match immediately after leaving the mats and he didn’t hesitate to accept.

The two men have met several times before over the last few years, starting in 2019 when Meregali beat Hugo on points at a BJJ Stars event. Hugo evened the score the next year by winning on points on one of the earliest Who’s Number One cards. They crossed paths twice more at the 2021 IBJJF world championship with Meregali winning both matches by advantages. The score between them is currently 3-1 to Meregali, but every match so far has been won by the thinnest of margins.

“Very happy to have my challenge accepted by Victor Hugo right after his incredible performance this past weekend,” Meregali wrote in a post on Instagram. “We don’t have a date for the fight, but I’m already trying to find a way to do it as soon as possible. It will be great to beat the current Champion and reaffirm once again to everyone that my level of Gi Jiu Jitsu is way ahead of the second best in the world 🫡 More information about the fight coming soon.”

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Quick Hits

• Two-time ADCC world champion JT Torres was promoted to fourth degree BJJ black belt by his coach, Andre Galvao.
• A local amateur MMA fighter and BJJ purple belt in Jacksonville, Florida wrestled a 10-foot alligator in the parking lot of an elementary school.
• Judo Olympic gold medallist and MMA veteran Satoshi Ishii announced that he had signed a new professional contract to return to PFL.
• ADCC veteran and the newest B-Team Jiu-Jitsu competitor Haisam Rida got into an altercation with a man allegedly trying to steal his belongings from his car.

Technique Corner

Lasso guard to Omoplata, to Omoplata crucifix

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Three pressure-passing tips

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A post shared by Dominique Bell (@dubious_dom)

Body-triangle escape

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A post shared by Ashley Williams (@awilliamsbjj)

Meme of the Week

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A post shared by BJJ Hobbyist | Jiu Jitsu Memes (@bjj_hobbyist)

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New footage of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s now-infamous BJJ match shows the moment he allegedly went unconscious. The controversial billionaire made waves with his gold and silver medal finishes at a bay area BJJ tournament under grappling coach Dave Camarillo earlier last month. Though successful in other divisions, Zuckerberg lost via verbal tap in the final round of a gi bracket.

He’s since denied the claims that he went unconscious during the match, and was later called out by match referee Jose Lucas Costa da Silva in an interview on Bloody Elbow.

Mark Zuckerberg Match Breakdown

Reviewing the footage, taken by the wife of his opponent, the Facebook mogul ends the early grip exchange by pulling guard and shooting for an arm bar. His opponent, Jeff Ibrahim, slips out and manages to pass to mount.

Zuckerberg fights his way back to closed guard, and Ibrahim looks to have an Ezekiel choke locked in form the top. Though a low-percentage finish from his position, the inexperience on both sides gives Ibrahim time to sink it in deeper as his opponent fails to defend.  Keeping a clear line of sight on both men, Costa allowed the choke to persist for almost a minute before stepping in to end the match. When questioned by Zuckerberg, Costa explained that he heard him snoring three times during the choke which constitutes a verbal tap under IBJJF rules.

“I wasn’t going to let go of it until one, he tapped out, or two, the referees stopped me,” Ibrahim said in an interview with Futurism.com. “And I felt that he never tapped out. I couldn’t tell if he was making any noises or anything… I was just in the zone.”

Ibrahim later claimed that the tech giant wasn’t a diva in defeat. After having the situation explained to him, he congratulated Ibrahim on his performance.

Facebook’s response

Along with Zuckerberg’s and Camarillo’s statements to the New York Times, Meta itself has joined in defense of the boss’ wakefulness during the match. A Meta spokesperson told Insider last Saturday that, “At no point during the competition was Mark knocked unconsious. That never happened.”

Neither the company and Zuckerberg’s BJJ entorauge have commented on the issue further. Zuckerberg’s most recent athletic outing appears to be a CrossFit Murph challenge he completed last week, posting pictures to his Instagram page.

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Hello, everyone! It’s Thursday once again, so that means it’s time for yet another rendition of the Brazil Beat. You know, the weekly roundup Brazilian fighting news conveniently put together into one post by yours truly.

This week, we’ve got former UFC contender having something to prove ahead of his fight at PFL 4, UFC Vegas 74’s Elizeu Zaleski and Phillipe Lins talking about the future, Octagon veteran turned Brazilian celebrity Antonio Carlos Junior trying to make the move to celebrity boxing and much more!

So let’s dive right in.

Marlon Moraes needs a win at PFL 4

Former UFC bantamweight contender Marlon Moraes is in dire need of a win ahead of his match at PFL 4 tonight. Once the champion when the Professional Fighters League was known as World Series of Fighting, ‘Magic’ has yet to score a victory since his return to the promotion, having lost two in a row so far.

To make matters worse, Moraes was already on a four-fight skid before, while still in the UFC. That makes it six losses in a row, all of them by KO. In an interview with Combate, the 35-year-old was fully aware of his difficult situation, but believes he can still turn his career around.

“It sure is an important fight for my career. I’m not going through an easy moment. It’s a really hard moment. Ever since I left the UFC, I had two results that didn’t go my way. I need this win not just as an athlete, but for my career. I don’t want to leave the game like that. I want to win. I want to win well and prove to everyone that I’m still in this game. I see real chances and I’m really well-prepared. I hope I can achieve my goal.”

Paired up against Gabriel Braga in the second round of the 2023 featherweight tournament, Moraes wants to put on an impressive, but smart performance at PFL 4. Though Magic would be even happier if he could score a finish, the main objective is to break the long sequence of losses.

“I want to win, I want to qualify, but I respect the game. A fight takes two people, two opponents. We have to be smart. In this game, when you really want to kill, you end up dying. Of course my goal is to win, but with intelligence. If it’s by decision, I’ll be very happy. If it’s a knockout, I’ll be even more.”

Moraes last win dates back to December 2019, when he scored a split decision over former featherweight champion Jose Aldo. After that, the 35-year-old was finished by Cory Sandhagen, Rob Font, Merab Dvalishvili, Song Yadong, Sheymon Moraes and most recently Brendan Loughnane.

Elizeu Zaleski wants Magny or Nelson

Moving on from PFL 4 to last weekend’s UFC Vegas 74, welterweight Elizeu Zaleski was happy to score a win after coming back from a one-year suspension. Though the Brazilian did not score a signature knockout finish, Capoeira was glad to return with a positive result against Abubakar Nurmagomedov, whom the 36-year-old bested via split decision.

Now that Zaleski is back, he is eager to make up for the time lost. In an interview with Ag Fight, Capoeira wanted to let the UFC know he is ready to go again, all the promotion has to do is give him a call. In fact, to make the mathmakers’ job even easier, the Brazilian provided two names he would like to take on next: Neil Magny and Gunnar Nelson.

“I was able to land the best strikes. I wanted it more and that made all the difference. I was convinced. I could feel it in my heart that I was going to win. Thank God everything worked out. I’m really happy with this win and looking forward to fighting again. As soon as they call me, I’ll be ready. Nelson or Magny, I’m ready for our fight. I think the clash of styles makes it all the better. The better the opponent, the better my camp is going to be. That’s what makes me improve and tougher. I’ve never felt as good as now. I’ve still got a lot left in me.”

Phillipe Lins has no time to waste

On the same note as Zaleski, there’s another Brazilian who fought at UFC Vegas 74 who feels he has no time to waste. Having defeated Maxim Grisihn via unanimous decision in the first fight of the night, light heavyweight Phillipe Lins is looking for a step-up in competition.

Now that he’s on a three-fight win streak, Lins feels like he has earned a ranked opponent for his next outing. In fact, ‘Monstro’ even has a name in mind: former light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith.

The reason behind the callout is apparently quite simple in Lins’ opinion. In an interview with Ag Fight, the former PFL champ revealed that at 37-years-of-age, he knows he does not have much time left to make it to the top of his division. At this point, Monstro is looking for a pairing that matches his lofty ambitions.

“I promised a knockout, but that didn’t come. The most important is that I won, though. That’s my third straight win in the UFC. I think it was another good victory. Now I want a fight that makes sense when it comes to my goals in the promotion. A ranked guy would be perfect. I heard there’s a card going down in Brazil in November. I’d really like to fight there, in front of my people. I’d like to fight (Anthony) Smith. What do you say, my friend? Let’s do it in Brazil? I think it would be a good fight. He likes to strike. I think a fight against any top 10 guy would be perfect.”

ONE’s Guto Inocente eyes title shot, match against BJJ star

Moving on from America to Asia, there’s a Brazilian kickboxer who’s hungry for a belt at this Friday’s ONE card. As he makes the final preparations for his rematch against Rade Opacic, heavyweight Guto Inocente wants to make his intentions clear for his upcoming bouts. Much like Zalekis and Lins, the 37-year-old wants to stay active.

Having already knocked out Opacic in their first encounter, back in June 2022, Inocente seemed confident he could do it again in an interview with Combate. As a matter of fact, the former UFC fighter even plans to ask the promotion for a title shot should he managed to defeat his opponent one more time.

However, his plans don’t stop there. Once a UFC and Strikeforce veteran, Inocente is not done with MMA. Though he’s shifted his focus to kickboxing in the last couple of years, the heavyweight revealed to be interested in a clash of styles against BJJ star Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida, who transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2021 and is currently part of the ONE roster.

“Let me be honest. In my mind, I will beat Rade. Then I’ll ask for the kickboxing belt. Next year, I’ll call out (BJJ champion) Marcus Buchecha right at the beginning of the year to a MMA fight. I want to work. I’ve been asking them for work. I’ve just turned 37, but I feel really young. I’m not thinking about retirement. I see myself working for about 10 more years. I feel good. I fight because I like it. That’s what I have in mind.”

Shoeface wants in on celebrity boxing

Former UFC middleweight and the PFL 2022 heavyweight champion Antonio Carlos Junior is looking to cash in on the fighting world’s hottest trend at the moment: celebrity boxing.

Having been a cast member of Big Brother Brazil 23, ‘Shoeface’ saw his popularity skyrocket due to the exposure he got from the show. Even though Junior was expelled from the competition due to sexual harassment allegations, the BJJ blackbelt still has many fans.

At the moment, the fighter has 2,4 million followers on Instagram, a phenomenon Junior owes entirely to the reality show.

Willing to take advantage of his popularity, Shoeface found an opportunity to call out another celebrity who has recently turned to boxing: comedian Whindersson Nunes—one of Brazil’s most popular entertainers, with 59,2 million followers on Instagram and 44 million subscribers on his YouTube channel.

Most recently, Nunes started his boxing career by facing champion Acelino Freitas (yes, the one who is now fighting that Vin Diesel look alike) in an exhibition match that ended without a result since no fighter scored a knockout. However, the 28-year-old did score a TKO win when he faced fellow YouTuber Filipek in a tournament of influencers on April 2023.

Carlos Jr. wants a shot at Nunes, claiming it was always a dream of his to do a boxing fight, too. In a conversation with Caras magazine (transcribed by Ag Fight), Junior praised the comedian’s dedication while making a rather corteous callout.

“I would really like to do a boxing fight. I’ve seen Whindersson doing it. I would love to fight Whindersson, in fact. I’m inviting him. He’s a guy that I really admire, because he overcame depression and all that. He has found a way in boxing. I see that he’s really dedicating himself. It’s not his world, but he simply said ‘No, I’m doing it.’. And he’s doing it really well, masterfully.”

Mackenzie Dern’s dad continues to make history

Moving one from one Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion to another, we’ve got a milestone for coralbelt Wellington Dias. Better known as ‘Megaton’ the 55-year-old is a four-time Pan-American gold medalist. It also just so happens that he’s the father of another accomplished practitioner, UFC strawweight Mackenzie Dern.

Most recently, though, Megaton made history by becoming the first coralbelt to compete at the Internation Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation World Championship. The Brazilian made a post on his official Instagram account to celebrate the accomplishment.

“One more accomplishment in my career.” the 7th degree coralbelt wrote.

In the comments, Dias’ master Royler Gracie was among the ones who praised the feat. Other BJJ practitioners such as Rafael Lovato also left a message for Megaton.

“Incredible”, Lovato wrote, while Gracie just left a couple of clapping hands emojis.

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Uma publicação partilhada por Megaton Dias 🇧🇷🇺🇸 (@megatondias)
 

Boxer with a soft heart

Moving on from one dad to another, Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceicao may be known as ‘Brabo’ (Angry in Brazilian) Portuguese, but that is only true when the 34-year-old is in the ring.

Having won the gold medal at the 2016 Olympic games in Brazil, the super-featherweight is preparing to begin a run for a new boxing title after coming up short in his attempts against champions Shakur Stevenson and Oscar Valdez. Brabo’s next stop is a June 10 match against Nicolas Polanco, scheduled to take place in New York City.

However, not all is business for the boxer. As he is also a father, Conceicao shows his softer side on social media alongside his young daughter Sophia in a dancing routine.

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ver esta publicação no Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Uma publicação partilhada por Robson O BRABO Conceição (@robson60)
 

In an interview with Combate, Conceicao gave some insight into the relationship with his daughter, social media and his fighting persona.

“She’s always talking about TikTok. ‘Daddy, let’s dance’. Every once in a while you have to be silly with your daughter. Who would say that the Angry one would be doing little dances? In front of my daughters, it can’t go wrong. I’m only the Angry one when I’m on the ring. Other than that, forget about it.”

A Brazilian Beat

There’s this singer from the state of Maranhao, in Brazil, who I discovered by accident when I was in Paris a few years ago. I was taking a taxi ride with a couple of friends when all of a sudden I hear Portuguese lyrics on the radio from a beautiful Brazilian voice.

I remember enjoying the instrumental that mixed Caribbean rhythms with reggae, so I instantly used Shazam to find out who the artist was before the song was over. Turns out that was the title track from a great album called ‘DNA’ by Flavia Coelho, who actually lives in France as I later found out, then it all made sense.

Coelho’s influences vary from bossa nova, reggae, Brazilian northeastern rhythms such as forro and baiao and still much more. She’s a delight to listen to and probably my favorite artist that I discovered by accident.

So here’s the song from that cab ride in Paris. I hope you can enjoy this one as much I did!

That’s all for this week, folks! See you next time and stay safe!

Lucas out.

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