TXMMA Staff
Gracie Barra’s twosome, Manuel Ribamar take home prize money; Roberto Jimenez shines in nogi match vs. top black belt
HOUSTON, TX – Looking back at recent events, today we focus on the Grand Prix Grappling Houston BJJ Championships held July 11th at Oak Ridge High School in The Woodlands, north of Houston. This BJJ tournament was the latest put on by Elbert Hebron, one of the longest running promoters out of the Houston area. Featuring multiple superfights along with 4-man prize money brackets for 2 black belt divisions, GPG’s latest in Houston was a joy for competitors and spectators alike.
Splitting the winnings in the +181 division were the pair representing Gracie Barra, Marcelo Uirapuru (GB Texas) and Brian Marvin (GB Sugarland). The pair was able to best a field that included Adeilo Junior Show (GF Team) and another black belt out of Team Popovitch to close out the super fight division.
On the -181 side at black belt, it was Manuel Ribamar V. de Oliveira Filho (Rodrigo Pinheiro BJJ) who won out over a field that included Jason Soliz (TX3CMMA), Chris Westfall (Lutter) and Shawn Key (Presa) to take home the prize money for the day.
Elsewhere at the tournament, we would be remiss if we failed to mention the performance of 15 year old wonder kid Roberto Jimenez (Alliance Team Gacho). He bested everyone he faced on the day, included GF Team black belt Washington Luis in a very dynamic match. Luis is one of the top black belts around at his weight so not taking anything away from him at all but nonetheless the victory certainly says something about the future of young Jimenez.
Grand Prix Grappling Houston BJJ Championships – Overall Team Results
1 – Gracie Barra (98)
2 – GF Team (97)
3 – Team Tooke (95)
4 – Alliance Team Gacho (95)
5 – RPBJJ (78)
Grand Prix Grappling Houston BJJ Championships – Select Match Videos
Grand Prix Grappling Houston BJJ Championships – Photo Highlights
