The inaugural Combat Sports Report Invitational Tournaments in #PhoenixAZ were truly something spectacular! Drawing talent from 7 states and 2 countries, the event featured match ups all night long that could have easily been the finals of any ADCC Open. Here are the 5 biggest takeaways!
5.) Arizona loves a good scrap!
Fight of the Night honors went to Diallo Braithwaite of the Lab Martial Arts and Andrew Gutterud of Gracie Humaita Beaumont who had the crowd on their feet! A true underdog, Gutterud showed heart and tenacity going to a decision with the brown belt Braithwaite. Although Braithwaite remained in the drivers seat for most of the match, it was not without quite the argument from Gutterud who fought out of countless submission attempts. With neither Grappler from #Arizona, and the crowd reacting from bell to bell it's safe to say that #Phoenix loves the action!
4.) Go Big or Go Home!
Performance of the Night honors went to Nolan Field of Gracie Barra Arcadia for his cartwheel pass on #AlexMaki and his slide by back take on Lightweight Champion #StevenRamos. Field promised to put on a show and he did just that! Erupting the crowd with his high flying antics, Field set the bar high for future Performance of the Night contenders looking to make the CS/R highlight reel!
5 takeaways from the CS/R Phoenix Invitational: Who can dethrone the Champions?
3.) Diallo Braithwaite is a PROBLEM!
After an impressive showing at #ADCCTrials Diallo Bratihwaite entered both the CS/R Lightweight and Welterweight divisions just 7 days later. Showing unimaginable cardio and endurance, Braithwaite managed to fight his way to the finals of both brackets going 6-2 on the day. With high level performances at the ready, the #Virginia grappler is destined for greatness!
2.) CS/R Phoenix Invitational Lightweight Champion Steven Ramos looks to defend.
The first ever Combat Sports Report Tournament Champion Steven Ramos embraces all challenges. A full time student, professor of Jiu Jitsu, and active an competitor himself, Ramos looks to defend his title as Lightweight Champion after settling into a new camp in the Tucson area. There is no doubt, whichever academy Ramos decides to take his talents to will benefit greatly from the experience the #JTTorres Black Belt brings.
1.) Caleb Crump returns!
After an impressive performance defeating #SamVanDong, #JoeyWerner, #KevinBeuhring, & #DialloBraithwaite Caleb Crump looks to compete in the CS/R Phoenix Invitational II Middleweight Division (189lb Limit). Crump explained to Combat Sports Report officials that he actually had to cut weight to make the 179.9lb Welterweight limit and feels that Middleweight is a better fit for him. On Saturday June 8th the Peaceful Warrior returns to Phoenix at 189lbs and looks to take the $1000 Cash Prize!
Click here to sign up for June 8th: https://smoothcomp.com/en/event/15830