This weekend was very busy for the competitive grappling industry. IBJJF hosted the New York Open, Fight to Win Pro 40 brought action to Philadelphia and FIVE Super League crowned it’s first lightweight champion. Gianni Grippo stole the show to take home the title while Keenan Cornelius defeated Matheus Diniz in the featured super fight main event.
Grippo continued to show the world why he’s one of the best American competitors in the sport. Grippo implemented his patented game, forcing opponents into the 50/50 guard before getting on top and passing. He defeated Wallace Santos in the first round, and had a razor close split decision victory over Leo Saggioro in the second round.
For the finals, Grippo would face an up and coming black belt in Jamil Hill-Taylor, a competitor that defeated him recently at Pan Ams. Grippo forced the action against Hill-Taylor, playing 50/50 while attempting to attack the back and reaching for toe holds. Hill-Taylor had his own moments of offense, but Grippo’s pressure won the day as the took home a referee’s decision and the championship title.
Cornelius and Diniz met in the main event of the evening that featured two of the best black belts in the sport today. Diniz attempted to remain aggressive in the match, but Cornelius used his worm guard to keep Diniz at bay. Using that technique he found a way to attack multiple omoplata attempts and nearly took his opponent’s back. While he never had a submission locked in, he did enough to walk out with a unanimous decision victory in the bout.
FIVE Super League continues to build itself as a premier organization in the competitive grappling space. This lightweight tournament was yet another successful event as it brings more matches and cards that fans want to see.
FIVE Super League: The Lightweights – Tournament Results
Leo Saggioro defeated Brandon Walensky by way of Lapel (cachecol) choke
Gianni Grippo defeated Wallace Santos by referee decision
Yago Espindola defeated Lucas Pinheiro by referee decision
Jamil Hill-Taylor defeated Francisco “Sinistro” Iturralde by referee decision
Semi-Finals:
Gianni Grippo defeated Leo Saggioro by referee decision
Jamil Hill-Taylor defeated Yago Espindola by referee decision
3rd Place Match:
Leo Saggioro defeated Yago Espindola by referee decision
Final:
Gianni Grippo defeated Jamil Hill-Taylor by referee decision
Super Fights
Talita Alencar def Arae Alexander via decision
Johnny Tama submits Yan Pica Pau via submission
Jessica Flowers def Tara White via decision
Horland Monteiro def Nick Schrock via submission
Keenan Cornelius def Matheus Diniz via decision
Preliminary Bouts
Tye Ruotolo def William Reda via submission
Enrique Guerrero def Ian Felicitas by decision
Marco Martinez def Neville Mckendall via submission
Sam Sherrrill def Ricardo Rea via submission
Richard Arreola def Chris Richey decision
Kendall Reusing def Danielle Martinez via decision
Zimitro Perez def Camille clement via decision
Roberto Ramizero def Miguel Hernandez decision
Paulo Gabriel def Chris Hargett decision
Mike Krider def Marcus Porter by submission
Tim Pablo def Greg Mcintyre by decision
Ricardo Feliciano def Matt Palupelelei by decision
Paul Silva def Albert Aguirre submission
Louis Villarreal def Wes Eiz via decision
Marcelo Mafra defeats Richie Martinez via decision