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]
Type | Private |
---|---|
Industry | Grappling promotion Tournament Competition |
Founded | 2015 |
Founders | Matthew Benyon, Ben Tong, Gareth Dummer, Lee Jones |
Headquarters | , |
Key people | Matthew Benyon, Ben Tong, Gareth Dummer, Lee Jones, Sophie Hudson, Michael Steven |
Website | polarisprograppling.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
Polaris 1
Polaris 1 | |
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Information | |
Promotion | Polaris Pro Grappling |
Date | January 10, 2015 |
Venue | Ice Arena Wales |
City | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (reverse triangle) | |||
77kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (heel hook) | |||
90kg | ![]() |
draw. | ![]() |
||||
82kg | ![]() |
draw. | ![]() |
||||
79kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (triangle choke) | |||
68kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (toe hold) | |||
90kg | ![]() |
draw. | ![]() |
||||
90kg | ![]() |
draw. | ![]() |
Polaris 2
Polaris 2 | |
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Information | |
Promotion | Polaris Pro Grappling |
Date | September 12, 2015 |
Venue | Ice Arena Wales |
City | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (heel hook) | |||
55kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (armbar) | |||
90kg | ![]() |
draw. | ![]() |
||||
70kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Inside Heelhook | |||
68kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (heel hook) | |||
75kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (choke) | |||
70kg | ![]() |
draw. | ![]() |
||||
82kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (triangle choke) |
Polaris 3
Polaris 3 | |
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Information | |
Promotion | Polaris Pro Grappling |
Date | April 2, 2016 |
Venue | Lighthouse |
City | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
draw. | ![]() |
||||
80.5kg | ![]() |
draw. | ![]() |
||||
70kg | ![]() |
draw. | ![]() |
||||
68kg | ![]() |
draw. | ![]() |
||||
53.5kg | ![]() |
draw. | ![]() |
||||
81kg | ![]() |
draw. | ![]() |
||||
68kg | ![]() |
draw. | ![]() |
||||
64kg | ![]() |
draw. | ![]() |
Polaris 4
Polaris 4 | |
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Information | |
Promotion | Polaris Pro Grappling |
Date | October 29, 2016 |
Venue | Lighthouse |
City | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | GI |
Catchweight 77 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Heel Hook) | 1 | 9:26 | NO-GI |
Catchweight 80 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Triangle Choke) | 1 | 5:11 | NO-GI |
Catchweight 90 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Heel Hook) | 1 | 8:32 | NO-GI |
Catchweight 68 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 5:51 | NO-GI |
Catchweight 84 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | NO-GI |
Ladies Absolute | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | GI |
Absolute | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | NO-GI |
Polaris 5
Polaris 5 | |
---|---|
Information | |
Promotion | Polaris Pro Grappling |
Date | August 19, 2017 |
Venue | Indigo at The O2 |
City | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | NO-GI |
Catchweight 90 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Majority) | 1 | 15:00 | NO-GI |
Catchweight 66 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Split) | 1 | 15:00 | NO-GI |
Catchweight 72.7 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 7:26 | NO-GI |
Catchweight 78 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Bow & Arrow Choke) | 1 | 6:00 | GI |
Catchweight 76 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | NO-GI |
Catchweight 64 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | GI |
Catchweight 83 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Split) | 1 | 15:00 | NO-GI |
Polaris 6
Polaris 6 | |
---|---|
Information | |
Promotion | Polaris Pro Grappling |
Date | February 17, 2018 |
Venue | Indigo at The O2 |
City | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Heel Hook) | 1 | 1:04 | For inaugural the Polaris Middleweight Championship |
Catchweight 80 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | |
Ladies Under 55 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Ankle Lock) | 1 | 2:43 | |
Welterweight 77.1 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Armbar) | 1 | 1:38 | |
Catchweight 72 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | |
Ladies Under 55 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Armbar) | 1 | 5:45 |
Polaris 7
Polaris 7 | |
---|---|
Information | |
Promotion | Polaris Pro Grappling |
Date | July 14, 2018 |
Venue | Indigo at The O2 |
City | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Injury (Shoulder) | 1 | 13:12 | |
Welterweight 77.1 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | |
Featherweight 65.8 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Armbar) | 1 | 6:48 | |
Featherweight 65.8 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Split) | 1 | 15:00 | |
Welterweight 77.1 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | |
Ladies Over 55 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Split) | 1 | 15:00 |
Polaris 8
Polaris 8 | |
---|---|
Information | |
Promotion | Polaris Pro Grappling |
Date | December 9, 2018 |
Venue | Ice Arena Wales |
City | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Split) | 1 | 15:00 | For the inaugural Polaris Light Heavyweight Championship |
Welterweight 77.1 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 14:30 | |
Welterweight 77.1 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | For the inaugural Polaris Welterweight Championship |
Absolute | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Split) | 1 | 15:00 | |
Featherweight 65.8 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 13:11 | For the inaugural Polaris Featherweight Championship |
Catchweight 80 kg | GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 |
Polaris 9
Polaris 9 | |
---|---|
Information | |
Promotion | Polaris Pro Grappling |
Date | March 15, 2019 |
Venue | Indigo at The O2 |
City | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | |
Ladies Under 55 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) | 1 | 2:26 | For the inaugural Polaris Ladies Under 55 KG Championship |
Welterweight 77.1 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Split) | 1 | 15:00 | |
Lightweight 70.3 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Armbar) | 1 | 8:48 | |
Middleweight 83.9 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | |
Middleweight 83.9 kg | GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Split) | 1 | 15:00 |
Polaris 10
Polaris 10 | |
---|---|
Information | |
Promotion | Polaris Pro Grappling |
Date | May 25, 2019 |
Venue | Lighthouse |
City | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | For the Polaris Featherweight Championship |
Middleweight 83.9 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | For the Polaris Middleweight Championship |
Lightweight 70.3 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | For the inaugural Polaris Lightweight Championship |
Lightweight 70.3 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Keylock) | 1 | 5:10 | |
Middleweight 83.9 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 0:53 | |
Catchweight 105 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 7:30 |
Polaris 11
Polaris 11 | |
---|---|
Information | |
Promotion | Polaris Pro Grappling |
Date | August 31, 2019 |
Venue | Bridgewater Hall |
City | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | For the Polaris Ladies Under 55 KG Championship |
Welterweight 77.1 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | For the Polaris Welterweight Championship |
Welterweight 77.1 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Heelhook) | 1 | 7:42 | |
Middleweight 83.9 kg | GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Split) | 1 | 15:00 | |
Catchweight 103 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | |
Catchweight 74 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 |
Polaris 12
Polaris 12 | |
---|---|
Information | |
Promotion | Polaris Pro Grappling |
Date | November 30, 2019 |
Venue | International Convention Centre Wales |
City | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | |
Bantamweight 61 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Armbar) | 1 | 1:39 | For the inaugural Polaris Bantamweight Championship |
Catchweight 80 kg | GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | |
W.Catchweight 57 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Submission (Toe Hold) | 1 | ||
Catchweight 104 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 | |
Welterweight 77 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (Unanimous) | 1 | 15:00 |
Polaris 13
Polaris 13 | |
---|---|
Information | |
Promotion | Polaris Pro Grappling |
Date | April 4, 2020 |
Venue | International Convention Centre Wales |
City | ![]() |
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
Fight Card
Polaris 13 | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weight Class | Method | Round | Time | Notes | ||||
Lightweight 70.3 kg | NO-GI | ![]() |
vs. | ![]() |
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
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]
References
- "Polaris About Us". Polaris Pro Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
- "Polaris Pro Breakdown: A Night of Dream Matchups". flograppling.com. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
- "Polaris Pro 3: The Battle for Professional Jiu-Jitsu". Inverted Gear. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
- https://jitsmagazine.com/the-jitsmagazine-2020-bjj-awards/
- "Polaris Pro Grappling Rules". Polaris Pro Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
- "Polaris 1". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
- "Polaris 2". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
- "Polaris 3". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
- "Polaris 4". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
- "Polaris 5". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
- "Polaris 6". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
- "Polaris 7". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
- "Polaris 8". Polaris Grappling. Retrieved 2018-11-30.
- "Jake Shields To Face Rafael Lovato Jr. At Polaris 9". jiujitsutimes.com.
- "Polaris 9: Jake Shields versus Rafael Lovato Jr set for main event". fansided.com.
- "Ffion Davies vs. Gezary Matuda set for Polaris title fight". bloodyelbow.com.
- "Polaris 9 Results". bjjheroes.com.
- "Joao Miyao OUT of Polaris 12 – Richard "Red" Alarcon IN". attacktheback.com.
- "Polaris Announces Absolute Grand Prix". sherdog.com. January 22, 2020.
- https://jitsmagazine.com/rules-and-first-competitor-announced-for-polaris-squads/
- https://jitsmagazine.com/full-polaris-squads-team-uk-and-ireland-lineup-announced/
- https://jitsmagazine.com/polaris-squads-lineup-finalized-with-team-europe-announcement/
- https://jitsmagazine.com/polaris-squads-adds-ffion-davies-v-magdalena-loska-superfight/
- https://jitsmagazine.com/polaris-squads-live-results-discussion-and-play-by-play/