Third Coast Grappling has been a mainstay of the professional jiu-jitsu circuit since its inaugural show on January, 12, 2019. The Houston, Texas based promotion is currently preparing for its 8th event, this time moving the show from its roots in Texas over to Phoenix, Arizona. Previous 3CG events have been a mix of super fights, tournaments, and special rules matches. This event, however, will have a much different format.
3GC 8: The Underdogs will take place on Saturday October 23rd and will feature a 180 lb. tournament combining eight of the sport’s top grapplers with eight of the best local grapplers from Phoenix. Third Coast President Ryan McGuire plans to bring this format all across the U.S. in 2022, with an event every month in a different city.
So far there are seven elite competitors confirmed. UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns was originally slated to compete but has since dropped out. Bloody Elbow has confirmed that his replacement will be former UFC title challenger Jake Shields. The other elite competitors that are confirmed include Andy Varela, Bruno Matias, Renato Canuto, Jeferson Guaresi, Oliver Taza, and Pat Downey. Collectively, these elite competitors have won titles in MMA, NCAA wrestling, ADDC, the IBJJF, Kasai, and other professional promotions. The difference in styles between these competitors will definitely lead to interesting and action packed match ups.
The “Underdogs” include Aaron Wilson, Thiago Aso, Eric Alequin, Geno Morelli, Kemoy Anderson, and Erik Anderson.
With the change in format will also come a change in branding, as the Third Coast name was created based on the event’s Houston, Texas location. Coast to Coast Grappling will be the new umbrella company under which East Coast Grappling, West Coast Grappling, and Third Coast Grappling will now reside. In mid-July, Fight to Win CEO Seth Daniels announced that Third Coast President Ryan McGuire would be the new Fight to Win matchmaker. The partnership has led to more Third Coast Grappling events and better production.
Look for Third Coast to come to a city near you in 2022. You can watch 3GC 8: The Underdogs live on Fite.tv on Saturday October 23rd.
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