This weekend is fast approaching, and that means so is 3rd Coast Grappling’s Kumite IV event.
The promotion will be continuing its Kumite series with an absolute bracket that is, put simply, stacked. As with their other events, eight competitors will be vying for the $10,000 grand prize, but it’s not going to be an easy path to the top.
3CG: Kumite III champion Roberto Jimenez will be facing off against ADCC star Nick Rodriguez in the first round to determine who will move on to the semifinals. Jimenez, a young upstart who’s caused a big stir in his short time at black belt, has been a frequent competitor on the 3CG: Kumite cards, previously earning the runner-up honor before winning the finals under two weeks ago. Rodriguez is now a certifiable star in the grappling world following his out-of-nowhere success in the ADCC competitive circuit. Both competitors have some huge wins to their name, but only one will be moving on. Our readers have Jimenez (62%) taking this win against Rodriguez (38%).
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Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu will also be coming back to the 3CG mats, this time against Arnaldo Maidana. Maidana is an American Nationals champion who’s also recently put on an impressive performance at Fight 2 Win, but he’s going to have to work hard to defeat Cyborg, who’s an ADCC champion himself. Though our readers heavily favor Cyborg to move on to the semis (96%) over Maidana (4%), don’t be surprised if Maidana pulls off an upset here.
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Another frequent face we’ve seen on recent 3CG events, Fellipe Andrew will be coming back once again, this time to face Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa. Andrew had an impressive performance at 3CG: Kumite II, making it to the finals after defeating Jake Watson and then Kumite I winner Gustavo Batista. Barbosa is coming off a pair of victories at Fight 2 Win, first defeating Roberto Jimenez and then Rafael Lovato Jr. a few weeks later. Both of these competitors have proven their mettle, but our readers have Barbosa (87%) getting the win over Andrew (13%).
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The last first-round match will see Johnny Tama facing off against Guilherme Augusto. Augusto hasn’t competed since 2019, but he’s coming off a trio of victories that led him to win the Houston Fall Open last year. He’s also a two-time Brazilian Nationals champion. Tama, though, isn’t to be underestimated. Another 3CG: Kumite veteran, Tama made waves last year as the first Ecuadorian BJJ black belt to win a world championship title when he claimed gold at No-Gi Worlds. It’s anyone’s game between these two talented grapplers, but JJT readers think Augusto (68%) will be moving on to the second round over Tama (32%).
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As always, the event will also feature a number of superfights, and near the end, Gordon Ryan will be making his return in a charity match against Brian Marvin. The intent of the match will be to raise money for the We Defy Foundation, which is a nonprofit with a mission to use jiu-jitsu to help military veterans. This will be a night of can’t-miss action from start to finish.
Check out the full schedule below, and make sure you’re watching when 3CG: Kumite IV kicks off on FloGrappling this Saturday, July 11!
*Note: Hector Cuevas will be replacing Tevin Sandoz in the match against Arlyn Arndt.
