Polaris Pro Grappling

Polaris Pro Grappling is Europe's longest running large-scale professional grappling event.[1] As of November 2019 Polaris has organized 12 events featuring both Gi and Nogi matches all of which have been held in the UK. Polaris has attracted some of the biggest names from Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Grappling and Mixed Martial Arts including Keenan Cornelius, Michelle Nicolini, Brad Pickett, Rousimar Palhares, Dean Lister, Masakazu Imanari, Ikuhisa Minowa, Vítor Ribeiro, Fernando Terere, Caol Uno, former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields and former UFC Lightweight Champion and WEC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson. Former UFC Welterweight competitor. Dan Hardy and UFC referee Marc Goddard are listed as event judges.[1]

Polaris Pro Grappling
TypePrivate
IndustryGrappling promotion Tournament Competition
Founded2015 (2015)
FoundersMatthew Benyon, Ben Tong, Gareth Dummer, Lee Jones
Headquarters,
Key people
Matthew Benyon, Ben Tong, Gareth Dummer, Lee Jones, Sophie Hudson, Michael Steven
Websitepolarisprograppling.com

Polaris have received positive feedback in the Jiu-Jitsu press for the high quality of their events and the talent they have been able to attract to compete.[2] They have also been praised for their treatment of the athletes competing as well as the diversity of styles and match ups they have been able to put together.[3] This culminated in Polaris winning the title of "Promotion of the year" at the Jitsmagazine BJJ Awards 2020, beating out stiff competition.[4]

Polaris main bouts are 15 minutes in duration with preliminary bouts lasting 10 minutes. Matches are not points based with competitors able to win either via submission or judges decision.[5]

Current Polaris Title Holders

Division Champion
Ladies Under 55 KG (121) Ffion Davies
Featherweight (145) Nicky Ryan
Lightweight (155) Ashley Williams
Welterweight (170) Mansher Khera
Middleweight (185) Craig Jones
Light Heavyweight (205) Craig Jones

Polaris 1

Polaris 1
Information
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateJanuary 10, 2015
VenueIce Arena Wales
City Cardiff, Wales

Polaris 1 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on January 10, 2015 at the Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff, Wales.

Results

Main Card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
Absolute Keenan Cornelius def. Dean Lister Submission (reverse triangle)
77kg Garry Tonon def. Marcin Held Submission (heel hook)
90kg Pablo Popovitch draw. Eduardo Rios
82kg Eduardo Telles draw. Mike Fowler
79kg AJ Agazarm def. Oliver Geddes Submission (triangle choke)
68kg Michelle Nicolini def. Angelica Galvao Submission (toe hold)
90kg Kit Dale draw. Victor Silverio
90kg Darragh O'Conaill draw. Max Campos

[6]

Polaris 2

Polaris 2
Information
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateSeptember 12, 2015
VenueIce Arena Wales
City Cardiff, Wales

Polaris 2 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on September 12, 2015 at the Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff, Wales.

Results

Main Card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
68kg Garry Tonon def. Masakazu Imanari Submission (heel hook)
55kg Gezary Matuda def. Michelle Nicolini Submission (armbar)
90kg AJ Agazarm draw. Daniel Strauss
70kg Eddie Cummings def. Reilly Bodycomb Inside Heelhook
68kg Gianni Grippo def. Tom Barlow Submission (heel hook)
75kg Vítor Ribeiro def. Nakamura Daisuke Submission (choke)
70kg Robson Moura draw. Baret Yoshida
82kg Luca Anacoreta def. Pedro Bessa Submission (triangle choke)

[7]

Polaris 3

Polaris 3
Information
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateApril 2, 2016
VenueLighthouse
City Poole, England

Polaris 3 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on April 2, 2016 at the Lighthouse in Poole, England.

Results

Main Card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
83kg Garry Tonon draw. Rousimar Palhares
80.5kg AJ Agazarm draw. Jake Shields
70kg Eddie Cummings draw. Augusto Mendes
68kg Bruno Frazatto draw. Gianni Grippo
53.5kg Gezary Matuda draw. Laurence Fouillat
81kg Jonathon Satava draw. Darragh O'Conaill
68kg Geo Martinez draw. Luiz Tosta
64kg Joao Miyao draw. Yukinori Sasa

[8]

Polaris 4

Polaris 4
Information
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateOctober 29, 2016
VenueLighthouse
City Poole, England

Polaris 4 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on October 29, 2016 at the Lighthouse in Poole, England.

Results

Polaris 4
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Catchweight 82 kg Fernando Terere def. Vítor Ribeiro Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 GI
Catchweight 77 kg Garry Tonon def. Gilbert Burns Submission (Heel Hook) 1 9:26 NO-GI
Catchweight 80 kg AJ Agazarm def. Ikuhisa Minowa Submission (Triangle Choke) 1 5:11 NO-GI
Catchweight 90 kg Dilon Danis def. Jackson Sousa Submission (Heel Hook) 1 8:32 NO-GI
Catchweight 68 kg Nathan Orchard def. Masakazu Imanari Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 1 5:51 NO-GI
Catchweight 84 kg Charles Negromonte def. Eduardo Rios Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 NO-GI
Ladies Absolute Dominyka Obelenyte def. Yasmine Wilson Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 GI
Absolute Tom Breese def. Ben Dyson Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 NO-GI

[9]

Polaris 5

Polaris 5
Information
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateAugust 19, 2017
VenueIndigo at The O2
City London, England

Polaris 5 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on August 19, 2017 at the Indigo at The O2 in London, England.

Results

Polaris 5
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Catchweight 78 kg Garry Tonon def. Dillon Danis Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 NO-GI
Catchweight 90 kg Jake Shields def. Daniel Strauss Decision (Majority) 1 15:00 NO-GI
Catchweight 66 kg Phil Harris def. Brad Pickett Decision (Split) 1 15:00 NO-GI
Catchweight 72.7 kg Vítor Ribeiro def. Caol Uno Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 1 7:26 NO-GI
Catchweight 78 kg AJ Agazarm def. Lloyd Cooper Submission (Bow & Arrow Choke) 1 6:00 GI
Catchweight 76 kg Oliver Taza def. Ross Nicholls Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 NO-GI
Catchweight 64 kg Samantha Cook def. Vanessa English Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 GI
Catchweight 83 kg Bradley Hill def. Tommi Pulkkanen Decision (Split) 1 15:00 NO-GI

[10]

Polaris 6

Polaris 6
Information
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateFebruary 17, 2018
VenueIndigo at The O2
City London, England

Polaris 6 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on February 17, 2018 at the Indigo at The O2 in London, England.

Results

Polaris 6
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Middleweight 83.9 kg NO-GI Craig Jones def. Jake Shields Submission (Heel Hook) 1 1:04 For inaugural the Polaris Middleweight Championship
Catchweight 80 kg NO-GI Benson Henderson def. AJ Agazarm Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Ladies Under 55 kg NO-GI Gezary Matuda def. Serena Gabrielli Submission (Ankle Lock) 1 2:43
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI Marcin Held def. Chris Fishgold Submission (Armbar) 1 1:38
Catchweight 72 kg NO-GI Marco Cahna def. Ash Grimshaw Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Ladies Under 55 kg NO-GI Ffion Davies def. Chelsea Leah Submission (Armbar) 1 5:45

[11]

Polaris 7

Polaris 7
Information
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateJuly 14, 2018
VenueIndigo at The O2
City London, England

Polaris 7 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on July 14, 2018 at the Indigo at The O2 in London, England.

Results

Polaris 7
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Catchweight 85 kg NO-GI Gilbert Burns def. Gregor Gracie Injury (Shoulder) 1 13:12
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI Oliver Taza def. Lachlan Giles Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Featherweight 65.8 kg NO-GI Nicky Ryan def. Phil Harris Submission (Armbar) 1 6:48
Featherweight 65.8 kg NO-GI Ashley Williams def. Masakazu Imanari Decision (Split) 1 15:00
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI Ross Nicholls def. Nathan Orchard Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Ladies Over 55 kg NO-GI Venla Luukkonen def. Samantha Cook Decision (Split) 1 15:00

[12]

Polaris 8

Polaris 8
Information
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateDecember 9, 2018
VenueIce Arena Wales
City Cardiff, Wales

Polaris 8 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on December 9, 2018 at the Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff, Wales.

Background

The event was the third the Polaris has hosted at the Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff, Wales and the first since Polaris 2.

This event featured three world title fights. The card was headlined by the current Polaris middleweight Champion Craig Jones and the former IBJJF champion Keenan Cornelius in a match to crown the inaugural Polaris Light Heavyweight Champion. It was a rematch from their fight at ADCC 2017, which Cornelius had won.

Results

Polaris 8
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Light Heavyweight 93 kg NO-GI Craig Jones def. Keenan Cornelius Decision (Split) 1 15:00 For the inaugural Polaris Light Heavyweight Championship
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI Vagner Rocha def. Benson Henderson Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 1 14:30
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI Mansher Khera def. Lachlan Giles Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 For the inaugural Polaris Welterweight Championship
Absolute NO-GI Dan Strauss def. Satoshi Ishii Decision (Split) 1 15:00
Featherweight 65.8 kg NO-GI Nicky Ryan def. Masakazu Imanari Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 1 13:11 For the inaugural Polaris Featherweight Championship
Catchweight 80 kg GI Santeri Lilius def. Pedro Bessa Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00

[13]

Polaris 9

Polaris 9
Information
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateMarch 15, 2019
VenueIndigo at The O2
City London, England

Polaris 9 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on March 15, 2019 at the Indigo at The O2 in London, England.

Background

The event was the fourth the Polaris has hosted at the Indigo at The O2 in London, England. The card was headlined by a catchweight superfight between the multiple-time MMA champion Jake Shields and future Bellator MMA Middleweight Champion and grappling champion Rafael Lovato Jr.[14][15]

In the co-featured slot, for inaugural the Polaris Ladies Under 55KG Championship a bout between IBJJF(2018) champion Ffion Davies and IBJJF(2013/2014/2016) champion Gezary Matuda took place.[16]

Bonus awards

The following fighters were awarded bonuses:

  • Performance of the Night: Ffion Davies
  • Submission of the Night: Ethan Crelinsten

Results

Polaris 9
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Catchweight 90.7 kg NO-GI Rafael Lovato Jr. def. Jake Shields Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Ladies Under 55 kg NO-GI Ffion Davies def. Gezary Matuda Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) 1 2:26 For the inaugural Polaris Ladies Under 55 KG Championship
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI Vagner Rocha def. Ross Nicholls Decision (Split) 1 15:00
Lightweight 70.3 kg NO-GI Ethan Crelinsten def. Thomas Halpin Submission (Armbar) 1 8:48
Middleweight 83.9 kg NO-GI Mike Perez def. Darragh O'Conaill Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Middleweight 83.9 kg GI Eduardo Rios def. Santeri Lilius Decision (Split) 1 15:00

[17]

Polaris 10

Polaris 10
Information
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateMay 25, 2019
VenueLighthouse
City Poole, England

Polaris 10 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on May 25, 2019 at the Lighthouse in Poole, England.

Background

Brad Pickett was scheduled to face Caol Uno at Polaris 10, but Pickett was forced off the card on March 12 with an injury. Leigh Remedios has stepped in on short notice to face Uno.

Results

Polaris 10
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Featherweight 65.8 kg NO-GI Nicky Ryan (c) def. Urijah Faber Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 For the Polaris Featherweight Championship
Middleweight 83.9 kg NO-GI Craig Jones (c) def. Matheus Lutes Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 For the Polaris Middleweight Championship
Lightweight 70.3 kg NO-GI Ashley Williams def. Ethan Crelinsten Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 For the inaugural Polaris Lightweight Championship
Lightweight 70.3 kg NO-GI Caol Uno def. Leigh Remedios Submission (Keylock) 1 5:10
Middleweight 83.9 kg NO-GI Richie Martinez def. Miha Perhavec Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 1 0:53
Catchweight 105 kg NO-GI Nick Rodriguez def. Ashley Amos Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 1 7:30

Polaris 11

Polaris 11
Information
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateAugust 31, 2019
VenueBridgewater Hall
City Manchester, England

Polaris 11 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on August 31, 2019 at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, England.

Background

Vagner Rocha has had to pull out of his title fight against Mansher Khera. However, Edwin Najmi stepping up on short notice to face Khera.

Marc Diakiese has had to pull out of his match with Chris Fishgold, however, Diakiese's training partner and grappling instructor, Liam Cann, will be stepping in on short notice to test himself against the powerful UFC grappler.

Unfortunately due to a last minute training injury, Satoshi Ishii is unable to compete and so the match with Arya Esfandmaz will have to be postponed.

Results

Polaris 11
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Ladies Under 55 kg NO-GI Ffion Davies (c) def. Talita Alencar Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 For the Polaris Ladies Under 55 KG Championship
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI Edwin Najmi def. Mansher Khera (c) Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 For the Polaris Welterweight Championship
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI Stevie Ray def. Paddy Pimblett Submission (Heelhook) 1 7:42
Middleweight 83.9 kg GI Tommy Langaker def. Marcos Tinoco Decision (Split) 1 15:00
Catchweight 103 kg NO-GI Nick Rodriguez def. Ben Dyson Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Catchweight 74 kg NO-GI Liam Cann def. Chris Fishgold Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00

Polaris 12

Polaris 12
Information
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateNovember 30, 2019
VenueInternational Convention Centre Wales
City Newport, Wales

Polaris 12 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on November 30, 2019 at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport, Wales.

Background

João Miyao has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled Polaris Bantamweight Championship bout against Ashley Williams due to an injury, Azize Hlali has stepped in as a replacement. Unfortunately, Hlali has been unable to compete. Williams instead faced Richard Alarcon, who stepped in on a weeks notice for this encounter.[18]

Fight Card

Polaris 12
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Catchweight 104.3 kg NO-GI Nick Rodriguez def. Luke Rockhold Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Bantamweight 61 kg NO-GI Ashley Williams def. Richard Alarcon Submission (Armbar) 1 1:39 For the inaugural Polaris Bantamweight Championship
Catchweight 80 kg GI Tommy Langaker def. Gilbert Burns Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
W.Catchweight 57 kg NO-GI Michelle Nicolini def. Vanessa English Submission (Toe Hold) 1
Catchweight 104 kg NO-GI Devhonte Johnson def. Arya Esfandmaz Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Welterweight 77 kg NO-GI PJ Barch def. Marcin Held Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00

Polaris 13

Polaris 13
Information
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateApril 4, 2020
VenueInternational Convention Centre Wales
City Newport, Wales

Polaris 13 will be a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on April 4, 2020 at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport, Wales.

Absolute Grand Prix

Differing from the previous Polaris events, the event is competed in a one-night tournament format without weight classes.[19]

Participants

  • Nick Rodriguez
  • Nathan Orchard
  • Mike Perez
  • Adam Wardziński
  • Freddie Vosgrone
  • Patrick Gaudio
  • Kaynan Duarte
  • Nick Ronan

Fight Card

Polaris 13
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Lightweight 70.3 kg NO-GI Ashley Williams (c) vs. AJ Agazarm For the Polaris Lightweight Championship

Polaris Squads

Background

Polaris Squads is an upcoming event that will feature two teams of eight grapplers, four under 75 kg and four under 95 kg on each team. They will be competing across an eighty-minute time period, split into two halves.[20] The first event of its kind to use this unique ruleset, it sees UFC veterans and elite BJJ black belts representing Team UK and Ireland,[21] and Team Europe.[22] The event will also feature a non-title superfight between Ffion Davies and Magdalena Loska.[23]

-75kg

Ashley Williams

Tom Halpin

Dominic Dillon

Jed Hue

-95kg

Darragh O'Connail

Bradley Hill

Kieran Davern

Taylor Pearman

-75kg

Mateusz Szczecisnki

Tommi Pulkkanen

Kamil Wilk

Dinu Bucalet

-95kg

Eduardo 'Teta' Rios

Marcin Held

Tarik Hopstock

Santeri Lilius

Results

After a total of sixteen matches, Team UK & Ireland won the event 1–0. Fifteen of the matches ended in a draw and double-elimination, with the only submission coming from Tom Halpin. He submitted Dinu Bucalet via Triangle Choke late in the first half. The main event superfight saw Ffion Davies defeat Magdalena Loska via Rear-Naked Choke.[24]

See also

References

  1. "Polaris About Us". Polaris Pro Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
  2. "Polaris Pro Breakdown: A Night of Dream Matchups". flograppling.com. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
  3. "Polaris Pro 3: The Battle for Professional Jiu-Jitsu". Inverted Gear. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
  4. https://jitsmagazine.com/the-jitsmagazine-2020-bjj-awards/
  5. "Polaris Pro Grappling Rules". Polaris Pro Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
  6. "Polaris 1". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  7. "Polaris 2". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  8. "Polaris 3". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  9. "Polaris 4". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  10. "Polaris 5". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  11. "Polaris 6". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  12. "Polaris 7". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
  13. "Polaris 8". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-11-30.
  14. "Jake Shields To Face Rafael Lovato Jr. At Polaris 9". jiujitsutimes.com.
  15. "Polaris 9: Jake Shields versus Rafael Lovato Jr set for main event". fansided.com.
  16. "Ffion Davies vs. Gezary Matuda set for Polaris title fight". bloodyelbow.com.
  17. "Polaris 9 Results". bjjheroes.com.
  18. "Joao Miyao OUT of Polaris 12 – Richard "Red" Alarcon IN". attacktheback.com.
  19. "Polaris Announces Absolute Grand Prix". sherdog.com. January 22, 2020.
  20. https://jitsmagazine.com/rules-and-first-competitor-announced-for-polaris-squads/
  21. https://jitsmagazine.com/full-polaris-squads-team-uk-and-ireland-lineup-announced/
  22. https://jitsmagazine.com/polaris-squads-lineup-finalized-with-team-europe-announcement/
  23. https://jitsmagazine.com/polaris-squads-adds-ffion-davies-v-magdalena-loska-superfight/
  24. https://jitsmagazine.com/polaris-squads-live-results-discussion-and-play-by-play/
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.