EBI 9 features the light heavyweights of grappling

Competitive grappling is going through a renaissance right before the very eyes of fans and athletes alike. One of the events at the forefront of this change is the Eddie Bravo Invitational. On Sunday, November 6, EBI 9 is set to occur and features some of the best grapplers in the sport today. Focusing on the light heavyweights, this event has the cache to capture the attention of the growing fan base within the grappling arts.

EBI 9 brings together some of the best names at this weight in the sport. Perhaps the two biggest names are former UFC competitor and ADCC champion, Vinny Magalhaes. Magalhaes won the 2011 ADCC title along with a 2007 IBJJF No-Gi title to cement himself as one of the best grapplers in the sport before transitioning to MMA full time. The Royler Gracie black belt has victories over many important names in the sport such as Robert Drysdale and Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida.

Young phenom, Gordon Ryan, was expected to be a part of this tournament, looking to win his third EBI tournament in 2016. Unfortunately, a cut to his eyebrow has forced him off of the event, but opened the door for teammate, Garry Tonon to take his place. Tonon is a natural lightweight and will give up a massive amount of weight to the rest of the field, but he’s shown in the past that he’s willing to face and defeat bigger men any time the opportunity presents itself. Tonon will also look to get revenge against Magalhaes who owns a controversial victory in 2015 over “The Lion Killer.”

The rest of the field includes ADCC and Metamoris veteran, Jimmy Friedrich, Adam Sachnoff, Guybson Sa, Daniel Strauss, Rodrigo Antunes, Daniel O’Brien, UFC competitor Tom Breese, Jacen Flynn, Travis Moore, Kyle Boehm, Ryan Walsh, Quentin Rosenzweig, Elliot Kelly and Matt Kirchwehm.

EBI 9 starts at 6pm PST, live from the Orpheum Theatre and is available on UFC Fight Pass.