Gregard Mousasi
Some More Big Names Enter 2009 ADCC Championship
From ADCombat.com:
In the ever expanding “quest for the best” ADCC Championships is proud to announce that two of the World’s top fighters have agreed to compete in the 2009 ADCC event. ADCC is proud to announce that Pride and Affliciton Champion Fedor Emelianenko, widely considered the World’s best fighter and 2008 Dream Middleweight Champion Gregard Mousassi are set to compete in ADCC 2009.
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Fedor Emelianenko, after conquering the World of MMA, wants to show the World he is also the best Submission Grappler in the World. Fedor want to make history and expand on the pioneer spirit of what Mark Kerr did in the late 90's when he was the Champion of Pride and became the weight and Absolute Champion of ADCC and went on to defend his title in the Superfights for 2 editions.
Mousassi, the winner of the 2008 Dream Middleweight Grand Prix where he defeated former World ABJJ Absolute and ADCC middleweight Champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza in the final, also wants to test his ground skills against the top names in Submission Grappling. This sets up some humongous possible match-ups such as a re-match with “Jahttp://fightticker.com/node/add/blogcare” or facing current ADCC Middleweight Champion and rising U.F.C. star Demian Maia.
If you're interested in the history of the ADCC, check out the link.
I wish they televised the whole event, because there are always some legendary matches and great grappling all around. A number of other big name MMA fighters have competed in the tournament, and winning it has always been a source of pride among grapplers.
I'll be interested to see what Fedor can do without striking. He obviously has submission skills, and I'm sure his sambo background will come in handy. I'll also be interested to see who competes in the absolute (open weight) competition, and what kind of crazy matches that produces. As ridiculous as it may sound, imagine a Fedor vs. Maia match. Clearly, Fedor would have the size and strength advantage, but Maia is a ridiculous grappler. And with an absolute class, it's a possibility.
-PreView
