Mayssa with EBI’s first women’s GP belt. Photo: Blanca Marisa Garcia

Held in Austin, Texas, the Eddie Bravo Invitational’s 18th edition featured its first women’s GP, where 16 strawweight athletes competed in no-gi BJJ last Sunday.

After four duels that ended in submissions, black-belt Mayssa Bastos of GFTeam had won EBI’s first women’s belt.

First she had to use every weapon from her guard to outplay Fabiana Jorge — a win that came in overtime through a rear naked choke. Then she subbed Fiona Watson with  heel hook on her way to the semifinal that would be the highlight of the event.

On the other side, facing Mayssa, was Rikako Yuasa, a four-time IBJJF roosterweight world champion (2015, 2016, 2017 e 2018) and one of the favorites. Mayssa was undaunted, taking the back and finishing Rikako with a rear naked choke.

In the final, another rear naked choke for good measure, this time against Patrícia Fontes. Mayssa’s triumphant run earned her 10,000 dollars, and she came really close to getting a 10,000-dollar bonus had she submitted all opponents without overtime.

Mayssa com o cinturão do primeiro GP feminino do EBI. Foto: Blanca Marisa Garcia

Realizado em Austin, no Texas, o Eddie Bravo Invitational em sua 18° edição trouxe seu primeiro GP feminino, no qual 16 atletas em peso-palha (52kg) se enfrentaram sem kimono no último domingo, dia 9 de dezembro.

Depois de quatro duelos terminados em finalização, a faixa-preta Mayssa Bastos, da GFTeam, conseguiu a façanha de conquistar o primeiro cinturão feminino do EBI, e o caminho até o título não foi nada fácil.

Primeiro, Mayssa teve que usar todas as armas da sua arisca guarda para superar Fabiana Jorge, em vitória que veio no tempo extra com um mata-leão. Depois, Mayssa finalizou Fiona Watson na chave de calcanhar, rumo à semifinal que seria destaque no evento.

Do outro lado, para enfrentar Mayssa, estava Rikako Yuasa, tetracampeã no Mundial da IBJJF no peso-galo (2015, 2016, 2017 e 2018) e uma das favoritas ao título. Sem recuar, Mayssa foi para cima, pegou as costas e finalizou Rikako no mata-leão, ainda no tempo regulamentar.

Na final, para fechar com chave de ouro, mais um mata-leão, desta vez sobre Patrícia Fontes. Com o sucesso no GP, Mayssa ficou com 10 mil dólares, que seriam 20 mil caso a brasileira tivesse finalizado todas as lutas no tempo regulamentar.

First Najmi subbed Bill Cooper via D’arce choke. Then he fought Marcelo Mafra, who had beat Mansher Khera. Najmi attempted several neck attacks but couldn’t break through. At the end of the six-minute match, Najmi was awarded the unanimous win.

Finally, Najmi fought John Combs, who had beat Brian Morizzi and Sean Roberts. Najmi quickly attacked Combs’ foot and finished on an Estima lock, named after Victor Estima.

five grappling welterweight champ –> felt amazing yesterday against 3 tough opponents. thanks everyone for the constant support in my first year at black belt, next year is the take over. // thanks @romulobarral @gabrielarges @jhuntbjj @gbnorthridge @sportsacademyhq @stormkimonos @gallerrapp @digitsuonline @dotfit // #NAJMISTYLE

A photo posted by Edwin Najmi (@edwinnajmi) on Dec 4, 2016 at 2:32pm PST

Geo Martinez. Photo by Blanca Marisa Garcia

Geovanny Martinez was the big winner of the Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI), whose 10th edition went down December 2nd in Mexico City. The 16-man roosterweight tournament saw Martinez beat four opponents to retain his belt. First he subbed Kristian Woodmansee via D’arce choke. Then he heel-hooked Marcelo Cohen into submission. In a semifinal he defeated Ricky Lule via hand triangle.

In the final, Geo fought Danaher Death Squad member Eddie Cummings, EBI’s featherweight champion. Cummings had beat Alessandro Costa, Alexis Alducin and Baret Yoshida, all via heel hook.

Cummings wasted no time before attempting heel attacks, but Geo defended well against each one. The match went into overtime, and geo sank a dangerous armbar. Cummings took the back, but it wasn’t enough, and Geo “Freakazoid” Martinez retained his title.

And Still the EBI Bantamweight Champion @freakahzoidtfs ! Watch the EBI 10 Replay available now at UFCFIGHTPASS @eddiebravo10 @victordavilaufc @victorybjj @ufcfightpass photo credit @pasandoguardia

A photo posted by EDDIE BRAVO INVITATIONAL (@ebiofficial) on Dec 3, 2016 at 4:22pm PST

Then he beat four opponents and conquered his third EBI belt. The “Danaher Death Squad” member was already a lightweight and middleweight champion.

First he used the heel hook on Jimmy Friedrich. In a quarterfinal, Adam Sachnoff was forced to tap out to an inside heel hook. A semifinal saw Tonon beat Daniel O’Brien in overtime. The final pitted Tonon against ADCC champion Vinny Magalhães, whose kimura had taken care of Matt Kirchwehm in a semifinal — he had beat Elliot Kelly in a quarterfinal and Tom Breese in his first fight.

The final was a tense affair, with two overtimes required for Tonon to finally come out on top — again.

Impressive performance by the Lion Killer @garrytonon , watch his matches now at UFC FIGHTPASS @eddiebravo10 @victordavilaufc @ufcfightpass #EBI9 photo credit @banejitsu

A photo posted by EDDIE BRAVO INVITATIONAL (@ebiofficial) on Nov 7, 2016 at 8:20am PST

Tonon foi campeão do torneio após finalizar seus quatro duelos. O primeiro confronto rumo ao tricampeonato da competição, (2013-2014 e 20015) foi contra Stephen Martinez.

O duelo foi bastante movimentado e culminou num estrangulamento pelas costas similar a um mata-leão. Confira no vídeo abaixo e comente conosco!