The Most Exciting WNO Matches So Far
The Most Exciting WNO Matches So Far
Heading into our fourth WNO event, check out the best WNO matches from the first three events!
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Who's Number One (WNO) has quickly become one of the best superfight events in the grappling scene. Heading into our fourth event (RIP to WNO: Mikey vs Erberth), I'd like to showcase some of the most exciting matches to take place at these star-studded events. I will go in chronological order, starting with our inaugural event in Costa Mesa:
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Roberto Jimenez vs Keenan Cornelius
From our first event in Costa Mesa, and the only WNO so far to feature gi matches, this co-main event between Roberto Jimenez and Keenan Cornelius was legendary. This was Roberto's black belt debut, and upon announcement, many fans dismissed this as an easy match for Keenan to win.
Roberto did not let being the underdog influence him, and came out attacking with a berimbolo right out of the gates. In the end, he notched a win over the Pans and Euros champion and made a big statement that the 19-year-old was legit at the black belt level.
Watch: Roberto Jimenez vs Keenan Cornelius
Gordon Ryan vs Kyle Boehm
Gordon Ryan has been trying to get other competitors to accept a no-time-limit match for what seems like forever, and 10th Planet athlete Kyle Boehm stepped up to the plate for our second WNO in Dallas, Texas.
Gordon ended up finishing with a brutal arm/shoulder lock from the triangle, saying in a post-match interview that he heard Boehm's arm break. Props to Boehm for accepting the challenge that everyone else fears, but Gordon showed yet again why he is on another level in this victory.
Watch: Gordon Ryan vs Kyle Boehm
Tye Ruotolo vs Nicky Ryan
The co-main event from WNO in Dallas, this match put two of the most hyped prospects in the game against each other in a match fans had been dying to see play out.
Tye utilized his leg trap guard passing system to perfection in this match, taking out the DDS prodigy in Nicky Ryan and calling out Garry Tonon in his post-match interview.
Watch: Tye Ruotolo vs Nicky Ryan
Garry Tonon vs Dante Leon
After COVID-19 ravaged this card in Austin with the removal of Gordon Ryan and Craig Jones, Garry Tonon and Dante Leon stepped up as the main event for our third event.
This match seemed like an obvious choice for fight of the night, and the 15 minutes of action did not disappoint. In the end, Garry came away with the victory, gaining even more claim to the top ranking held by the inactive JT Torres.
Watch: Dante Leon vs Garry Tonon