Chael Sonnen set out to change the way we view competitive grappling, and Submission Underground 7 is a step in that direction. The event scheduled for Sunday, April 15 in Portland, Oregon comes with a number of super fights and an eight-man brown belt tournament, but it’s the inclusion of tag-team grappling that has majority of the industry public intrigued.
Be forewarned, this is nothing like what occurs in the WWE. We will not see any superplexes, doomsday devices or anything of the like. Instead, this is a strategic play to bring together grapplers in competition in an exciting fashion.
The rules are pretty straight forward. The combined weight for all competitors must be less than 350 pounds. The matches are set for eight minutes long and the team with the most submissions at the end of the time limit is deemed the winner. If there’s a draw, then it’s up to the crowd to decide via applause.
What happens when a tag is made, you ask? Well, the person tagging out has three seconds to remove themselves from the position while the person tagging in can actually advance the position as they replace their teammate. That creates situations in which one athlete can set up the submission to quickly tag out for their partner to secure the finish. Ten teams are scheduled to appear for the tag team matches in what will surely create some compelling scrambles and add a new dynamic to competitive grappling.
That’s not all that’s on the table for Submission Underground 7. An eight-man brown belt tournament is also featured. These eight athletes are competing for a $1,000 cash prize. This tournament consists of athletes that have competed at organizations such as Fight to Win Pro and more “traditional” grappling spaces such as IBJJF tournaments. The eight men scheduled to compete are Eddie Ziegler, Howie Mole, Alex Larmey, Journey Newson, Shawn Weisenburgh, Matt Kwan, Bryan Brown and Chase Davis.
The main card consists of four super fights that feature some names familiar to those who are fans of grappling and mixed martial arts.
Multiple-time ADCC medalist and champion, Jeff Monson, faces off against long-time veteran, Fabiano Scherner. TUF: Redemption winner Jesse Taylor, will compete against Ben Egli, who comes in with a wealth of MMA experience under his own belt. Gustavo Pires and Carlos Sievert are set for a gi match, while Joe Baize faces off against Mike Dewitt.
Submission Underground 7 offers a new wrinkle to the competitive grappling space that should capture the attention of fans that follow the sport closely.