Mahamed Aly and Manuel Ribamar were the big winners at the second World Series of Grappling event, each taking home $20,000 grand prizes for winning their divisions.
Aly was the heavyweight winner, beating Gustavo Batista of Atos in the +180lbs brown-black belt division final. To get there, he had to face Max Gimenis and Keenan Cornelius. Aly submitted Max with a toehold and won a decision over Keenan.
"I was able to beat some guys who just beat me," said Aly. "I lost to Max at the New York Pro just after Worlds, I lost to Keenan in the finals at Pans, and I was able to beat both of them today, so I'm super happy."
Ribamar on top of Victor Silverio
Ribamar had five tough matches to finish on top of the -180lbs division, facing off with Jamie Canuto, Leo Lara, Sergio Rios, Gabriel Arges and Victor Silverio in that order.
"I never imaged in my life that I could win $20,000," said Ribamar. "It was pretty tough, I had a lot of World champions and tough competitors. I've been training a lot, everyone trains the same, but the winner is always the one who is more focused and commits less mistakes."