Every corner of the US has its top grappling promotion. The west coast has EBI. The southwest has WNO. And the east coast has Rise Invitational. Tonight at 6:30 pm in Long Island, some of the top grapplers and future competitors to keep an eye on will compete at Rise Invitational 9.
$10,000 Openweight Tournament
Eights of the best grapplers and BJJ competitors from the east coast will compete in a one-night tournament for $10,000. The bracket includes such names as Jason Rau from Serra Jiu-Jitsu/Vanguard Academy, Rene Sousa from 10th Planet Bethlehem, & Devhonte Johnson from Unity Jiu-Jitsu. There are many stylistic and interesting match outcomes in this tournament and it will be one not to miss.
Light Heavyweight Championship Match
While $10,000 might be important, you aren’t the top dog if you don’t hold the belt. In a battle of New York black belts, Serra BJJ’s Joe Mugnai will defend the 205lb title against The Ronin Ludus’ Thomas Doyle. This will be Mugnai’s first defense since winning the belt at Rise 8. Doyle brings into this match an extensive competitive background in not only grappling but also MMA. Doyle won the 2014 gold medal at ADCC New York. Mugnai is currently undefeated in Rise and is a big, strong competitor. His strength is taking an opponent’s back quicker than you can say BJJ. Expect a strong competitive match between these two.
In addition to the main card matches, the undercard will feature an astronomical 29 matches, including one match with former Invicta FC atomweight champion Alesha Zappitella.
Rise Invitational 9 Results:
Main Card: (Flograppling)
Tournament Quarterfinals:
Jason Rau def. Luis Cabrera via heel hook
Mateo Martinez def. Adam Collarile via shoulder lock
Devhonte Johnson def. Albruce Touaev via keylock
Rene Sousa def Enrique Galarza via fastest escape time in EBI overtime
AJ Discianni vs Dan Pizzo went to draw
Fatima Kline def. Sophia Cassella via fastest escape time in EBI overtime
Tournament Semifinals:
Jason Rau def. Mateo Martinez via fastest escape time in EBI overtime
Devhonte Johnson def Rene Sousa via armbar
Rey DeLeon def Mateo Maldonado via fastest escape in EBI overtime
Rene Sousa def. Mateo Martinez via fastest escape time in EBI overtime
Joe Mugnai (c) def Thomas Doyle to retain the Rise 205lb championship via triangle choke
Devhonte Johnson def Jason Rau in the finals of the openweight tournament via arm triangle choke
