Matheus Diniz became KASAI Pro middleweight champion after winning the tournament without conceding a single point. 

The Alliance black belt– who trains at Marcelo Garcia’s academy in Manhattan– used a combination of aggressive wrestling and a strong top game to steamroll the opposition. 

Photo: Will Safford

Diniz, who hails from the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil, defeated 10th Planet black belt Richie Martinez in his opening match, outpointing him 7-0 via a guard pass and mount. 

In his second match Diniz defeated fellow Brazilian Felipe Mota 2-0, before submitting Tristar / Renzo Gracie team member Pierre-Olivier Leclerc with a choke. 

The final saw Diniz pitted against Atos standout Mike Perez, who had beaten hot prospects Craig Jones (via points) and Dante Leon (via heel hook) in the other round-robin group. 

Diniz outscored Perez 2-0 in a match characterized by scrambles and wrestling attacks. 

“Marcelo always teaches us, it doesn’t matter what rules, you always go there and do your best,” Diniz said in his post-match speech. 

Watch Matheus Diniz’s championship run below:

Matheus Diniz def Richie Martinez via points 7-0

Matheus Diniz def Felipe Mota via points 2-0

Matheus Diniz def Pierre-Olivier Leclerc via darce choke 

Final: Matheus Diniz def Mike Perez via points 2-0