The Unity/Cicero Costha fellowship based out of New York continued their domination of the colored belt divisions on Day 2 of the No-Gi Pans. 

Representing two teams but regularly training together at Unity Jiu Jitsu in Manhattan, the crew took home two purple belt weight class gold medals and three out of four purple belt male open class medals. 

Murilo Santana with double gold champ Rodriguez.

Costa Rican grappler Sebastian Rodriguez won seven matches to take both the middleweight division and the open class for Unity. Rodriguez submitted all four of his opponents in his weight category with one triangle and three armlocks.

“I felt great in my first time competing at No-Gi Pans, I was very happy to compete alongside my teammates and thank god I was able to win. Pura vida!” 

Diego “Pato” Oliveira of Cicero Costha tapped his way through the purple belt featherweight division with four submissions: two foot locks and an armlock. Pato went on to win two more matches in the open class, including a win over lightweight champ Andy Murasaki, before letting his training partner Rodriguez advance to the final. 

“I’m always happy for the opportunity to fight here, I’m grateful for the training with professor Murilo and the rest of the Unity team,” said Oliveira. “I’m ready for any challenge, I want to be No-Gi World champion again!”

Clay's absolute final-winning armbar

18-year-old Elizabeth Clay of Ares dominated on the women’s side at purple belt. Clay won two matches in her weight class, an opening round armlock and then a DQ for reaping in the final. 

In the open division Clay hit a quick armlock against heavyweight champ Maggie Grindatti, then took points victories of 3-0 and 7-0 to advance to the final. Waiting in the final was lightweight champion Nicole Evangelista, who had earlier in the day closed out her weight with Brasa CTA teammate Jessica Buchman.

Evangelista locked on a reverse triangle during an early pass attempt by Clay just moments into the match. Clay survived nearly four minutes inside the hold and even received an advantage for a wristlock attempt while stuck in the triangle. After eventually getting free and securing the pass, Evangelista recovered her guard only for Clay to pass again. This time Clay advanced to the mount and finished the fight with another armlock.

Andy Murasaki of Atos fought his way through a stacked lightweight division. Murasaki won four matches on his way to gold, including submission wins by gogoplata and a footlock. Early in the final match against Jeferson Guaresi of Cicero Costha, Guaresi locked on a triangle and held Murasaki in there for over five minutes. Murasaki escaped late in the match and furiously passed Guaresi’s guard, winning the match 5-0.

“I felt great today even though it’s only been two weeks of no-gi training for me. The final was just pure heart and will to win.”

Click here to watch all matches from the 2018 IBJJF Pan No-Gi