Issue 063
June 2010
While some fans love a good, knock-down, drag ‘em-out brawl, some prefer the technical brilliance that takes place on the mat and often refer to it as ‘human chess’. Check out some of the grand masters of submissions as we present seven of the sport’s top grapplers.
Roger Gracie, Heavyweight
IN BRIEF: Lanky heavyweight grappler and up-and-coming MMA fighter.
GRAPPLING CREDENTIALS: Submitted all eight opponents to win the 2005 ADCC 98kg and openweight categories. Six-time world BJJ champion.
KNOWN FOR: Having one of the most effective, yet simple, games around. No tricks. Gracie uses only basics.
MUST-SEE SUBMISSION: His debut MMA fight saw him armbar the heavily muscled and powerful Ron Waterman.
WHAT NEXT? After courting multiple offers Gracie has signed with Strikeforce and will fight in May.
Rousimar Palhares, Middleweight
IN BRIEF: Nicknamed ‘Toquinho’ (tree stump), the Brazilian Top Team fighter is establishing himself in the UFC.
GRAPPLING CREDENTIALS: Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under former UFC champion Murilo Bustamante.
KNOWN FOR: A master of leg locks – some of the best heel hooks and kneebars in the business.
MUST-SEE SUBMISSION: In his first fight outside Brazil, ‘Toquinho’ made a huge statement, defeating Ivan Salaverry by way of armbar.
WHAT NEXT? Since losing to Dan Henderson, he has steadily climbed the ladder in the UFC middleweight division.
Dustin Hazelett, Welterweight
IN BRIEF: Bearded nerd who took up martial arts to beat the bullies and turned it into a career. Three-time UFC ‘submission of the night’ winner.
GRAPPLING CREDENTIALS: Black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Jorge Gurgel.
KNOWN FOR: Hazelett’s long legs help him to be a master of the rubber guard.
MUST-SEE SUBMISSION: ‘McLovin’ topped off his Octagon BJJ bravura against Josh Burkman with a flying armbar finish.
WHAT NEXT? A torn anterior cruciate ligament and the fists of Paul Daley have stalled Hazelett’s progress, but more sub of the night bonuses await him in the future.
Jake Shields, Middleweight
IN BRIEF: Former Elite XC welterweight champion; Strikeforce middleweight title holder.
GRAPPLING CREDENTIALS: Cesar Gracie black belt, Pan-Am jiu-jitsu champ, placed 3rd at the 2005 ADCC. Developed his own ‘American jiu-jitsu’: a hybrid of wrestling and jiu-jitsu.
KNOWN FOR: Dominating opponents with his forceful wrestling game then setting up inescapable subs.
MUST-SEE SUBMISSION: The guillotine that forced a tap from Nick Thompson after 63 seconds of the first round.
WHAT NEXT? He’s long stated he’d love to have a go at some of the UFC’s top fighters.
Ronaldo Souza, Middleweight
IN BRIEF: ‘Jacaré’ (Portuguese for alligator) was snapped up by Strikeforce after building a reputation with Dream.
GRAPPLING CREDENTIALS: Openweight world jiu-jitsu champion in 2004 and 2005. Winner of the 2005 ADCC 87kg division.
KNOWN FOR: All action, aggressive jiu-jitsu. Jacaré’s relentless drive for submissions means opponents are never given a second to think.
MUST-SEE SUBMISSION: Impressive Strikeforce debut saw him take apart the veteran Matt Lindland then side-choke him into submission.
WHAT NEXT? Being groomed for a run at the Strikeforce middleweight belt.
Shinya Aoki, Lightweight
IN BRIEF: Dream champion. Second only to BJ Penn in most lightweight rankings.
GRAPPLING CREDENTIALS: Jiu-jitsu and judo black belt. Winner of a number of national grappling titles.
KNOWN FOR: Flying subs, flexibility, bad-boy antics and amazing technicolor tights.
MUST-SEE SUBMISSION: The sub he pulled off against Katsuhiko Nagata at Dream 4 was dubbed the Aokiplata by some fans.
WHAT NEXT? Sure to remain a superstar in Japan but more fights in the USA possibly beckon.
Fabricio Werdum, Heavyweight
IN BRIEF: Pride and UFC veteran, now operating in the Strikeforce heavyweight division.
GRAPPLING CREDENTIALS: Two-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion. Two-time ADCC world heavyweight champion. Black Belts in BJJ and judo.
KNOWN FOR: Has an unfortunate knack of being in dull fights.
MUST-SEE SUBMISSION: The kimura that defeated Alistair Overeem at Pride Total Elimination Absolute.
WHAT NEXT? Somewhere along the line, a rematch with Strikeforce champ Overeem will happen.
