Jiu-jitsu Panams…
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Jiu-Jitsu PanAms… By Elton Sasaki The 7th Pan-American tournament of Jiu-Jitsu took place in Kissimmee, Florida, on April 7-8. In Alexandre Ribeiro’s first tournament as a black belt, he won the Absolute Black Belt Division and got 3rd in the Middle-heavyweight. He earned the black belt last month from his brother, Saulo Ribeiro, when he won the Arnold World Gracie Championships after beating Cacareco in the finals by several points. Fernando "Margarida" Pontes won the Heavyweight Division by tapping all his opponents. In the finals he submitted Fabio Gurgel with a choke. Margarida is the first person to ever submit Gurgel in a tournament. Garth Taylor, brown belt jiu-jitsu world champion–now as a black belt–took 2nd in the final against Jorge Patino "Macaco" in a close difference of points. Complete coverage of the results will be in the next issue of FCFighter. |
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From the event’s promoter: Rusk, Lawler Shine At Extreme Trials THE NEW BEGINNING DAVENPORT, Iowa — For years, Steve Rusk has been hidden in the shadows at the Miletich Martial Arts Center. The former collegiate wrestling star plays a major role in preparing other fighters for MMA success, but has not sought exposure in the ring himself. On Saturday, he got to show his hometown fans that he also has the skills to compete at a high level like his Miletich teammates. Rusk defeated NHB veteran Dennis Reed in the main event of the Extreme Challenge Trials at Stars & Stripes nightclub. Reed, who has more than 50 pro bouts and is a former JUCO National wrestling champ, tapped from punches at 3:39 of the first round. Rusk won three state wrestling titles and went on to be a national runnerup at Augustana College in Div. III before competing his final three years for the University of Illinois. The other pro bout featured Robbie Lawler, a 19-year-old making his pro debut after winning the U.S. MMA National Championship earlier this year. Lawler, an accomplished wrestler with heavy hands, defeated John Reed by TKO at 2:14 of the opening round. The amateur portion of the event determined berths to the 2001 MMA Nationals. Winners in each division qualified for the Nationals, which will be held in Springfield, Ill., at the end of the year. The results: 150-under 170-under 190-under 210-under Heavyweight Professional bouts Steve Rusk def. Dennis Reed, 3:39 tap from punches. |
