The Disruptors: 3 Black Belts Who Could Spoil The Party At Pans
The Disruptors: 3 Black Belts Who Could Spoil The Party At Pans
Every division at the IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship has its favorite to win, but it also has its disruptors who are ready to wreak havoc on the podium.
Every black belt division at the 2018 IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship has its favorite to hoist gold, but it also has its disruptors who are ready to wreak havoc on the podium.
Here's a look at how three competitors, in particular, could shake things up in the featherweight, lightweight, and heavyweight divisions this weekend in Irvine, Califonia.
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FEATHERWEIGHT: Isaac Doederlein
Photo: Blanca Marisa Garcia
Isaac Doederlein has turned a corner of late. He’s looking more aggressive, his passing looks sharper, and he’s been winning against some big names.
In the first round, Doederlein will face Samir Chantre, whom he submitted recently at the IBJJF San Jose Open. The likes of Jamil Hill and Marcio Andre also inhabit Doederlein's side of the bracket, while dangerous opponents such as Gianni Grippo, AJ Agazarm, and Queixinho wait on the other.
Based in LA, if Isaac can leverage any form of a hometown advantage, then he stands to do well.
WATCH: Isaac Doederlein vs. Samir Chantre
LIGHTWEIGHT: Masahiro Iwasaki
Photo by Rintaro Ishige
The European lightweight silver medalist has never had an easy draw when it comes to major tournaments. He was matched in first round with Lucas Lepri two years in a row, something nobody deserves!
This time Iwasaki has got a bye in his first round, but his route to the final will not be easy: His first match is against the winner of Vitor Oliveira vs. John Combs, and his second would be the winner of Hugo Marques vs Victor Silverio.
Michael Liera Jr. likely waits for Iwasaki after that, with a big name such as JT Torres or Michael Langhi a possible finals match. That's no easy feat, but Iwasaki has shown he can go head-to-head with the best of them.
WATCH: Masahiro Iwasaki vs. Edwin Najmi
HEAVYWEIGHT: Fellipe Andrew
The Zenith black belt is a brand-new face on the heavyweight scene, having been promoted from brown belt at the very end of 2017.
He’s already started off well with double gold at the IBJJF Mexico Open, submitting Nick Shrock (triangle), Sergio Rios (triangle), and Casey Hellenberg (footlock). And just last month he beat veteran black belts Dimitrius Souza and Guilherme Augusto of Alliance.
Heavyweight is an incredibly tough division with four matches for a gold medal, not least of which would be a semifinal against six-time Pan champ Leandro Lo. Still, Andrew has nothing to lose and everything to prove.