The “Road To ONE” is coming to a close at RUF Nation‘s next event on Saturday, May 14, from the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona.
3 Things To Know About Terrance Jean-Jacques
The heavyweight tournament had many obstacles, thanks in part to the COVID-19 global pandemic, but Terrance Jean-Jacques and Tra’Von Butler made their way to the final. The winner of the main event will secure a six-figure contract with ONE Championship and be the next member of the heavyweight roster.
Before the bell rings, here are three things to know about one-half of the tournament final, Terrance Jean-Jacques.
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Is A Former Division-1 Wrestler
The Pennsylvania native is a former Iowa Hawkeye. The wrestling program is one of the most decorated in the sport of wrestling and has produced countless champions.
He came to the program after a state title in Pennsylvania, one of the most talent-rich wrestling states in the country. In his freshman season, Jean-Jacques went 22-6 with eight pins.
Although he did not finish out his career at Iowa, his performance as a freshman showed his abilities. Following his amateur career, Jean-Jacques briefly joined the WWE Performance Center in the same class as top superstars Bianca Belair and Nikki Cross.
In 2017, the grappler began his transition into mixed martial arts and has been putting the additional pieces to his game ever since.
His Son Is His Motivation
The driving force behind Jean-Jacques’s career is his son, Raiden.
“We’re always together. He does MMA kids classes and jiu-jitsu. His mom is also a kickboxer. He definitely shows interest, and I can tell how he looks up to me. I want to be able to give him everything he wants and lead by example,” said Jean-Jacques.
With the world opening back up, Raiden will get a chance to see his father perform for the first time in his most important battle to date.
“He’ll actually be out at the fight. It’ll be the first fight that he can actually understand what’s happening. It’ll be exciting to have him there.”
Predicts A Finish To Win “Road To ONE” Tournament
Against Butler, another grappler, Jean-Jacques feels he has a decided advantage. And that is why he is predicting a finish to the “Road To ONE” heavyweight tournament final.
“I’d say ends early with ground and pound or a submission. I think I could end it either way,” said Jean-Jacques.
“I don’t see it going to the judges. I see me ending it by TKO or submission, maybe even in round two.”
A finish of “Wildman,” who has a 75% finishing rate, would cement his victory and be an announcement to the ONE heavyweight division that a newcomer is ready to make waves on the global stage.
RUF 47 takes place on Saturday, May 14, in Phoenix, Arizona. Tickets can be purchased via etix.com, and it will stream live via pay-per-view on RUFNation.com.
