2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Abu Dhabi

Overview: Day One Of The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam

Overview: Day One Of The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam

Matches ran up through the semi-finals; all adult black belt divisions will resume tomorrow for the finals at 3pm GST.

Jan 12, 2018 by Chase Smith
Overview: Day One Of The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam

A thrilling first day of the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam wrapped up Friday with many of the organization's top-ranked competitors taking to the mats at the Mubadala Arena.

Black belt divisions ran up through the semifinals; the finals will be held Saturday at 3 PM GST.

Here’s a breakdown of the day’s events.


True to form, Jose Lima looked sharp in his only match Friday against Japan's Joao Kurakoa. Jorge Nakamura, Lima's rival in the rankings, placed fourth — meaning that Lima will have pulled far ahead in the rankings after this event.

Jose Lima vs Joao Kuraoka

Joao and Paulo Miyao tore through their matches Friday — both with submission victories, to earn their spots in the 62kg and 69kg finals, respectively, on Saturday. Joao's division only consisted of three people, and Paulo had a first-round bye followed by a walk-over win.   

Joao Miayo vs. Jarrah Alhazza

Paulo Miyao vs. Daniel Vieira


Adam Wardzinski also had fantastic outing at the Mubadala Arena. He won both his fights via arm-in ezekiel choke and is moving on the 94kg final, where he'll face Helton Silva on Saturday. 

Adam Wardzinski vs. Basel Fanous

Other Notable Results

  • Isaque Bahiense is in the 85kg final after one submission win and one victory via points. (Watch his first match). He's facing Charles Negromonte, who also had a fantastic first day at the Grand Slam.
  • Amanda Monteiro won a hard-fought decision over Amal Amjahid to earn her spot in the 55kg final against Ariadne de Oliveria. (Watch match)
  • Igor Silva submitted his only opponent of the day via triangle to secure his position in the 110kg final.

Isaque Bahiense with the pressure.  


The Finals

*Set to launch Saturday at 3 PM GST*

Men’s Black Belt 

52kg: Jose Lima vs. Massaki Todoroko

62kg: Joao Miyao vs. Hiago George

69kg: Paulo Miyao vs. Thiago Bravo

77kg: Lachlan Giles vs. Flavio Vianna

85kg: Isaque Bahiense vs. Charles Negromonte

94kg: Adam Wardzinski vs. Helton Silva

110kg: Igor Silva vs. Mauricio Lima

Women’s Brown & Black Finals 

49kg: Mayssa Bastos - Champion

55kg: Amanda Nogueira vs. Ariadne Oliveira

62kg: Charlotte Von Baumgarten vs. Nadia Melo

70kg: N/A (No Participants )

90kg: Samantha Cook vs. Thamara Silva