Tonight, the Eddie Bravo Invitational returns to host EBI 19 live in Cancun, Mexico, and will be broadcasted on UFC Fight Pass starting at 6pm ET/3pm PT. MMA Sucka brings live coverage of this event and many more.
EBI 19 hosts a 16-man tournament packed with several of the world’s best welterweight Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. The card features the likes of Oliver Taza, Nate Orchard, Vinicius DeJesus, and Alan Sanchez. Tenured MMA veteran and world-class Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Gesias Cavalcante, was scheduled to make his EBI debut tonight however, he was forced out due to several family illnesses. With that being said, Oscar De Los Santos will have a new opponent for tonight’s card.
In the first battle of the evening, Canadian Oliver Taza takes on California’s Mikey Gonzalez. Taza steps on the mat having learned from some of the most notable names in the game in Firas Zahabi, John Danaher, and several members of the Gracie family. The Texas resident is coming off a 1st place finish at the Dallas International open last week and almost regularly gets work in with the likes of Garry Tonon, Gordon Ryan, and Georges St-Pierre.
Gonzalez, representing Caio Terra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association, looks to take down one of the stages bigger names. He showed patience and resilience in his match a couple of weeks ago at EBI 19: Open Qualifier and earned himself a spot in the tournament. Gonzalez is a solid talent and someone you shouldn’t rule out of this bout. This is a highly anticipated bout to kick off the card.
Another bout that will be action-packed from start to finish is Vinicius DeJesus vs. David Garmo. Michigan’s Garmo is a co-owner of the gym he represents, Assembly Jiu-Jitsu. Despite sharing the mat with fellow EBI 19 competitor Oliver Taza twice over the last two years, he has been extremely active, competing over 35 times in that duration. The 33-year-old is a black belt under Danny Agemy and is known for his fan-favorite style. This is a battle fans do not want to miss.
Current Bellator welterweight and former CES welterweight champion, DeJesus, has shared the cage with the likes of Austin Vanderford, Jaleel Willis, and Joaquin Buckley in his reign with Bellator. He also shared the canvas with EBI 19 competitors, Gesias Cavalcante and Mikey Gonzalez at Combat Jiu-Jitsu worlds last June. The 32-year-old is a strong, athletic artist who excels at attacking the arms and legs.
Some other notable matchups are Nick Ronan vs. Omer Emanoely, Alan Sanchez vs. Danny Stolfi, and Nate Orchard vs. Pablo Lavaselli.
EBI 19 Results
Finals
Alan Sanchez def. Oliver Taza via Escape Time in overtime.
Special Match
Chase Hannah def. Adrian Madrid via Submission (Rear-naked Choke) in overtime.
Semifinals
Oliver Taza def. Nick Ronan via Escape Time in overtime.
Alan Sanchez def. Pablo Lavaselli via Submission (Rear-naked Choke) in overtime.
Quarterfinals
Oliver Taza def. David Garmo via Submission (Leg Lock) :57 into regulation.
Nick Ronan def. Oscar De Los Santos via Submission (Heel Hook) :51 into regulation.
Pablo Lavaselli def. Aaron Harris via Submission (Rear-naked Choke) 3:09 into regulation.
Alan Sanchez def. John Combs via Submission (Dead Orchard) 4:37 into regulation.
