Tonon Wins Big At Eddie Bravo Invitational 9!
Posted by Corey Kuropas on
This past weekend was a big one for professional Jiu Jitsu fans. Besides the No Gi Worlds happening in California, the Eddie Bravo Invitational was also holding its ninth event in Los Angeles. The ninth edition of Eddie Bravo’s fast paced, submission only tournament did not disappoint. As of normal, there were fantastic finishes and memorable matches between some of the world’s best no gi competitors in this modified submission only tournament. This tournament had Vinny Magalhaes, Daniel Strauss, Jacen Flynn and late replacement, Garry Tonon.
While there were some excellent performances by all competitors, the huge story of the night was EBI welterweight and lightweight champion, Garry Tonon coming in and winning every match of the night to win the EBI light heavyweight title. Tonon, who was a late replacement for teammate, Gordon Ryan is a natural welterweight so many people were curious yet somewhat doubtful for a Tonon championship win at such a high weight. But being a two time Eddie Bravo Invitational champion, he stepped up.
Garry first took on Jimmy Friedrich in the opening round match. While Tonon was giving up a lot of weight (as he would in every match), he was able to do exactly what he has in past EBI matches. And that is get to his opponent’s legs and do some damage. Tonon was able to submit Friedrich relatively easy with a heel hook. It was a good start to his night.
In the quarter finals, Garry met Adam Sachnoff, who was able to take out his opponent by overtime submission in the first round. Sachnoff, who is a black belt under Denny Prokopos was out to show his 10th Planet mastery. He unfortunately would not get that chance. Garry took out Sachnoff, with an inside heel hook, slaying another giant in the process. His momentum had now started to pick up with speed.
In the semi finals, Tonon met the lesser known Daniel O’Brian. Brian had looked very good that night, as he was able to Guybson Sa by heel hook in his first match, and Kyle Bohem by overtime sub in the quarter finals. And he looked great against Tonon in the semi’s. Garry and Daniel ended up going to the overtime rounds, with Tonon winning by fastest escape.
Then it was time for the championship match. Garry Tonon met the well documented and highly decorated Vinny Magalhaes. Magalhaes who is a former UFC vet and a three time ADCC bronze medalist was one of the favorites to win the tournament. Magalhaes looked great positional wise, but he could never come close to actually finishing Tonon. As with his previous match against O’Brian, the match went into the overtime rounds. And it was there where he would prove his experience with the EBI rules. He once again won the match by fastest escape and took home the EBI light heavyweight title.
Garry showed great heart by fighting up so high in weight. He never once showed quit, and showed his nonstop attacking style that he has made famous in the submission only arena of Jiu Jitsu. If you missed it, do yourself a favor and get UFC Fight Pass and watch it. The Eddie Bravo Invitational is proving to be a major force in pro BJJ. The Tom DeBlass black belt, Garry Tonon continues to prove the value of leg attacks in BJJ, especially in the no gi scene. Don’t get left in the dust when it comes to leg locks. Check out this incredible leg lock DVD.
Dean Lister’s leg lock 4 piece DVD set for only $77!
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