For some people, jiu-jitsu is a hobby. For Eddie Cummings, it's a science. The two-time EBI champion's deep understanding of the mechanics of the human body is exactly what's made him such a successful (and dangerous) grappler, and on Friday, he'll be showcasing his expertise on the Fight to Win Pro stage for the first time when he battles for the featherweight no-gi title against Samir Chantre in Philadelphia.

Despite the fact that both competitors are both formidable no-gi grapplers (Chantre himself has won multiple no-gi world championships), the sub-only format of Fight to Win Pro 31 is one with which Cummings is quite familiar. He trains specifically to find and attack submissions, regardless of whether or not his search for the finish lands him in a position that would be considered unfavorable in a point-based competition. 

"In submission-only styled matches, points aren't awarded for reversals, so there isn't a penalty for falling from top to bottom to attack a leg or from giving up top position to defend a leg position," Cummings said. "These are options which would be ill-advised in an IBJJF points context." 


Cummings' affinity for ending the fight with a tap is exactly what's made him one of the most prolific leglock experts in modern grappling. He's known for his devastating heel hooks for a reason: When it comes to securing a win, they work. 

From a submission grappler's viewpoint, near submissions are worth nothing," he said. "This leads to focus on lower body attacks that exhibit higher rates of finish and better controls -- outside heel hook, inverted heel hook from inside sankaku, kneebars with legs connected. Point competitions tend to favor the leg positions which allow the competitor to score an advantage or sweep quickly.

The way Cummings talks about jiu-jitsu and the way he competes in jiu-jitsu are the same: technical, intelligent, and methodical. But in fact, it was partially this calm approach to grappling that left many of his fans shocked when he ended up losing to Geo Martinez in overtime at the finals of EBI 10. 

Cummings says the loss forced him to reexamine his game, which had previously been "more conservative" and tailored to sub-only matches with no time limit. 

I realized that for matches with a set time limit, I needed to develop strong solutions for opponents who were comfortable waiting in poor positions without attempting an escape," he said. "They might just try for a strategy where they intend to sit there until the end of the match.

As Cummings approaches his match with Chantre, he's determined not to make that same mistake again. Ever the grappling scientist, he's studied his opponent's techniques and knows what he'll be up against.

"[Chantre is] good in most places, though," Cummings said. "He tends to be a strong, physical fighter -- he'll likely attack my legs if he gets an opportunity."


Eddie Cummings goes after a leg at the 2015 ADCC. Photo: Hywel Teague

Given that Chantre is known for his success in point-based tournaments, it will be all the more interesting to see how things play out in Philly. Although Cummings clearly respects his opponent's expertise in jiu-jitsu, it's clear that he believes that at least for this match, his style of grappling is more likely to lead him to victory. 

The submission grappler has the luxury of ignoring points and advantages working only towards a controlling submission," he said. "Fight to Win Pro has done an excellent job of awarding the decision to the grappler who was more focused on fighting for the submission, regardless of positional gain or loss.

Given how popular sub-only events have become in recent years, it's likely that the future will see more grapplers who work submissions like Cummings does. It makes sense -- events like Fight to Win Pro are the best way for jiu-jitsu athletes to make money doing what they love. 

"Events like these are already paying grapplers thanks to the organizers and the support of all the fans who want to see submission grappling," Cummings said. "Local events are already starting to grow and award way more attractive prizes then I could have hoped for when I was starting out."

As Fight to Win Pro 31 quickly approaches, jiu-jitsu fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating what the "Wolverine" will do to earn a place in F2W history. While many of the most exciting matches the promotion has given us have been more than memorable, there's no doubt that the technique that will be displayed when Cummings and Chantre face off at 145 pounds will be a stark reminder of how paying attention to all the small details can pay off in the form of a big finish.

Watch Eddie Cummings vs. Samir Chantre LIVE or On Demand ONLY on FloGrappling!

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