Fight to Win – Starting the year off strong in T.X. and C.O.

Fight to Win, a regional grappling and MMA event promotion based out of Colorado and run by long time combat-sport enthusiast, Seth Daniels, has kicked off the year with two amazing grappling events.  Fight to Win has quickly launched itself into being one of the top grappling circuits in the U.S. and often showcases some of the most talented fighters being produced by Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and various surrounding areas in the Midwest.

The first grappling event to take place this year was “Fight to Win – Tournament of Champions VII” in Dallas, Texas on 1/22/11. Boasting roughly 380 competitors and a handful of competitive standouts from the Texas scene, the tournament was bound to have some exciting fights and definitely delivered. The children’s and teen’s tournament started early and ended early, allowing for the adult divisions to start on time. The coordination of the staff and professionalism displayed by the referees only helped the tournament run more smoothly. By 4:00pm, the tournament was wrapped up, new absolute champions crowned, and a lot of grapplers were happy to have tested their skills amongst the best Texas had to offer.

Team Champion:

Team Trinity – Brandon Quick’s Team (Nova Uniao / Bruno Bastos affiliate)

Men’s No-Gi Absolute Champion:

Jason Sampson – Mohlher BJJ Brown Belt (Alliance) [Click Here for Fight Video]

Men’s BJJ Absolute Champion: 

Hayward Charles – Genesis BJJ Purple Belt [Click Here for Fight Video]

[Click here for full results] [Click here for event pictures] [Click here for event videos]

Two weeks later, “Fight to Win – Tournament of Champions VIII” took place at the Magnus Arena in Denver, Colorado on 2/5/11. This event hosted nearly 500 competitors and the $500 dollar cash prize for the Gi and No-Gi absolutes drew out fierce competitors from both Colorado and surrounding states. As usual, the tournament started on time and the mats were constantly being utilized to ensure the chronogram was adhered to. The purple belt and blue belt divisions ran deep and showcased a variety of technical abilities and varying styles, a testament to the different BJJ lineages seen throughout the area. Though the competition was intense, everyone was in good spirits and happy to see how far along things have been coming with BJJ in the region.

Team Champion:

Easton Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Amal Easton’s Team (Renzo Gracie affiliate)

Men’s No-Gi Absolute Champion:

Matt Jubera – Dark Horse BJJ (Saulo Ribiero Black Belt) [Click Here for Fight Video]

Men’s Gi Absolute Champion:

Quinn Mulhern – Gracie Barra New Mexico Brown Belt

Women’s Absolute Champion:

Elizabeth Tran – Easton BJJ Purple Belt [Click Here for Fight Video]

[Click here for full results] [Click here for event pictures]