NEW YORK — KASAI Elite Grappling Championships has named no-gi specialist Enrico Cocco as the latest addition to its stacked eight-man tournament for the inaugural KASAI World Lightweight Championship on Dec. 9 in Brooklyn.

“I'm really looking forward to facing the elite 155lb competition KASAI is bringing to the table,” Cocco said. “I especially like the dynamic of facing each person in one’s bracket, which ensures everyone has to travel the same path en route to the finals. The caliber of fight card KASAI has put together guarantees some really entertaining matches. I can't wait to make a statement on Dec. 9.”

Cocco has won the ADCC U.S. Trials on three separate occasions. In his time as a professional grappler, the 30-year old Cocco has established himself as a heel-hook maestro by winning 43 percent of his submission victories by way of the technique.

“As someone who has found success in the BJJ game for more than a decade while training alongside ADCC champion-caliber names like Roberto 'Cyborg' Abreu, Enrico was high on our shortlist of names to grace the mat at ‘KASAI Pro,’” said Rolles Gracie, KASAI president. “Enrico’s unique style and demeanor add another fascinating dynamic to ‘KASAI Pro.’”

Cocco joins a vicious group of grapplers competing at ‘KASAI Pro,’ including

• Garry Tonon

• Mansher Khera

• Celso Venicius

• AJ Agazarm

• Gianni Grippo

• Edwin ‘Junny’ Ocasio

Ocasio won a 16-man amateur qualifying tournament at The Elite Grappling Championships on Oct. 21 to earn a place in the tournament.

KASAI Pro takes place at the Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse in Brooklyn. The event is broadcasting live and exclusively on FloGrappling.