Bruno Bastos absolute champ at Houston International Open

Packed gymnasium in Houston

Nova União teacher Bruno Bastos was the big name at the Houston Open, winning the absolute division this Saturday. After going past Stephen Hall (Alliance) in the semifinal and Ben Baxter (Lovatos) in the final, Bruno confirmed the favoritism in the open weight division. With the ultra heavyweight title, Bruno was the big winner at the maiden IBJJF in Texas.

Signed up for the Houston Open absolute division, Bill “The Grill” Cooper decided not to fight after taking the middleweight title, in the Clear Brook High School gymnasium. Other aces from the tournament opted not to sign up for the open weight group.

Among the standouts, Brasa’s Jonatas Novaes won at lightweight, with Chris Westfall (Nova União) in second. William Cooper (Paragon) won the middleweight division. Marcelo Azevedo, of Gracie Barra, took top honors at medium heavyweight, with Ben Baxter (Lovatos BJJ) in second. At superheavyweight, Gustavo Pires (Gracie Barra) secured gold, followed by Rafael Lovato (Lovatos BJJ). Bruno Bastos (Nova União) won the ultra heavyweight category, with Stephen Hall (Alliance) as runner-up.

Another to see action on the mat in Houston was veteran Jorge Patino, also known as Macaco. The black belt got the submission in his only match in the master category.

Check out the complete results by clicking here.