The Eddie Bravo Invitational is back as EBI 11 is set to go on Sunday, March 5 from the Florentine Gardens in El Monte, California. As with EBI showcases in the past, this promotion brings together some of the best competitive grapplers with experience on mats across the world and some MMA cages. This event is to crown a new welterweight title and without current title holder Garry Tonon in the field, a new champion will take home the mantle.
Gordon Ryan is perhaps the favorite heading into this event. The Danaher Death Squad member is looking to claim his third EBI title; back with the promotion where he burst onto the scene, taking a title as a late replacement in the Absolute EBI tournament. Since then, Ryan has put together a number of big wins across many different promotions, but he’s seen his most success on the EBI stage.
Ryan will not be the only DDS member to step on the mat on Sunday. Oliver Taza is attempting to make a name for himself on the professional grappling circuit and is a dark horse in this edition of the tournament. He’s put on some great matches in recent memory, including a win over UFC competitor Caio Magalhaes. Expect Taza to put on a show to let everyone know he may be the new face to watch.
10th Planet will be well featured in the event as both Nathan Orchard and Richie Martinez are ready to represent the team. Orchard has a wealth of experience across the field, including competing at Polaris and the Onnit Invitational. He will be joined by former EBI competitor, Martinez, the brother of current EBI champion Geo Martinez. It will be interesting to see how their wealth of knowledge benefits them on the stage this Sunday.
Kyle Griffin, Jean Paul Lebosnoyani, Sergio Ardila-Ibarra, Vagner Rocha, Chris McKarski, Jose Llanas, Marcel Goncalves, Craig Jones, Dan Borovic, Darragh O’Conaill, Dustin Akbari, and Joe Baize round out the tournament field.
However, this isn’t the only reason to watch EBI 11. This event will also be the debut of the Combat Jiu Jitsu format with a four-man bantamweight tournament. This rule set allows for open palm strikes to the body and the head once a competitor is on the ground. No strikes are allowed during the overtime sessions. All other EBI rules apply in what will be an interesting twist of what is already high level grappling competition. The four men facing off are Nick Oistein, Chad George, Jim Holland and Sheridan Moran.
EBI 11 starts at 9PM EST and is available on UFC Fight Pass.
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