ADCC 2017 Preview: 66 Kilograms
“Cobrinha” attempts to make history at ADCC 2017
The “Olympics” of grappling is a few short weeks away as the ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship is set for September 23-24. This is perhaps the most important grappling tournament available for the best competitors in the sport today.
The brackets for all the divisions have been set. Male brackets featured 16 competitors, eight of those who qualify through the trial events, seven that receive special invitations and one spot for the returning champion. For women, the brackets are comprised of eight athletes, the defending champion, four qualifiers and three invitations.
These previews will look at the confirmed names across each weight class, diving into the expectations and storylines leading into the event. Each division is staked with talent and features a number of competitors that have seen success across multiple levels and events.
Starting with the 66 kilogram division, and the first name that jumps off of the page is defending champion Rubens Charles. “Cobrinha” is looking to take home his third-straight ADCC title to add to the wealth of championships on his mantle. Cobrinha hasn’t experienced a defeat since 2016 as he’s defeated a number of big names in 2017 including Gianni Grippo, Shane Hill-Taylor, Kim Terra and others. With his resume and current run, “Cobrinha” may be the biggest favorite in the entire event. In fact, according to BetDSI he is one of the only two odds on favorites to win their division, with the other being Gabi Garcia.
Behind the defending champion, the field features some of the best athletes within this weight class. Justin Rader, Eddie Cummings, Baret Yoshida, AJ Agazarm and Geo Martinez round out the group representing the United States and each bring previous experience in this tournament with them.
Brazilians Augusto Mendes, Marcio Andre, Paulo Miyao and others are names who can find a way to upset their countrymen.
ADCC 2017 66 Kilograms Draw
Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles
Uranov Zhakshylyk
Justin Rader
Pablo Mantovani
Paulo Miyao
Yuta Shimada
Ethan Crelinsten
Kuba Witkowski
Bruno Frazatto
Eddie Cummings
Geo Martinez
Augusto Mendes
AJ Agazarm
Baret Yoshida
Marcio Andre
The 2017 ADCC tournament is set for September 23-24 in Finland and available for viewing through FloGrappling. Return to Bloody Elbow for additional previews diving into the other men’s and women’s divisions for the most important grappling tournament of the year.