The AIGA Champions League brought together top-level grapplers this weekend in the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan. After an intense Saturday, marked by the dominance of Mo Jassim’s Modolfo team, the athletes returned to action today to decide the finalists of the tournament.
In the most anticipated match of the day, Modolfo were beaten 4-3 by Universal Fighters, but retained their top spot and advanced to the final of the AIGA. Mo Jassim’s team ended this phase of the competition with two wins and one loss. Universal Fighters secured second place. The ADCC representatives took the lead because they won more fights by submission and were awarded $10,000.
Team Modolfo and Universal Fighters put on fierce fights, with emotion from start to finish. The score was tied at 3-3 when Fabricio Andrey and Russia’s Gairbek Ibraginov started their final duel. The fighters put on a balanced and electrifying fight, and the Russian came out on top in the judges’ decision.
Giancarlo Bodoni, Cole Abate and Dante Leon were the highlights of the Modolfo team. The black belts won all their fights by submission and led the way for Mo Jassim’s team.
The ADCC organizer’s team will have a new member from the next edition of the AIGA, in December, in Kazakhstan. This is black belt Felipinho Machado, an athlete from Pirâmide Grappling. Felipinho will compete in the -60kg division. He has an exciting style and is a specialist in the footlock.