The Eddie Bravo Invitational was back with the first ever middleweight division. The event featured a host of elite black belts along with some interesting lower ranks looking to shake things up. Gordon Ryan came into the night as the favorite, and the current EBI Absolute champion didn’t disappoint as he dominated his way through the tournament to take home another belt and $15,000.
Ryan leaned on his leg locks and back takes to see his way through the competition. Matt Arroyo was the first opponent to fall victim to a quick heel hook in the opening round as did Mike Hillebrand in round two. In the semifinals Ryan faced off against Josh Hayden, a competitor that owns a win over Ryan. He wouldn’t be able to repeat the magic as Ryan submitted in him overtime via a rear naked choke. In the finals, Ryan defeated Kyle Griffin by heel hook in mere minutes to lock up the division and walk out of the Orpheum Theatre with the title.
Griffin, a brown belt, put on a surprise run to the finals. He was in a dangerous position against Quentin Rosenzweig in the first round but snagged a straight ankle lock to advance. He also put forth the most dramatic moments of the competition to get to the finals when Felipe Fogolin had an armbar completely extended by Griffin fought through the pain to escape and stay alive.
The special matchup of the night featured a rematch between UFC competitor Liz Carmouche and Maria Henderson. Carmouche won the fight with a tight heel hook, forcing Henderson to submit.
Complete Results
Round One
Gordon Ryan subs Matt Arroyo via heel hook
Mike Hillebrand subs Aaron Johnson via heel hook
Josh Hayden subs Kyle Chambers via heel hook
Devhonte Johnson subs Lucas Rocha in overtime via RNC
Eduardo Telles def. Matt Secor by escape time in OT
Kyle Griffin subs Quentin Rosenzweig via straight ankle lock
Joe Baize subs Ezra Lenon via heel hook
Felipe Fogolin subs Rob Greenidge via belly down knee bar
Quarter Finals
Ryan subs Hillebrand via RNC
Hayden subs Johnson via kneebar
Griffin subs Telles via heel hook
Fogolin subs Baize via RNC
Semi-Finals
Ryan subs Hayden via rear naked choke in OT
Griffin subs Fogolin via armbar in OT
Finals
Ryan subs Griffin via heel hook
Special Match
Liz Carmouche subs Maria Henderson via heel hook.