After an evening of a number of exciting matches, we now have our competitors for the finals in the 3rd Coast Grappling: Kumite IV tournament bracket.
The first semifinals match of the evening saw Roberto Jimenez, who had defeated Nick Rodriguez in overtime, face off against Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu.
While the competitors spent much of the match hand-fighting on their feet, Cyborg did manage to collect four points for two takedowns. However, neither competitor was going to be able to submit the other before time ran out, and the match went to overtime.
At the start of OT, Cyborg rushed to Jimenez’s back and was nearly able to slam him down, but Jimenez managed to wriggle out and pull guard before Cyborg could get the takedown that would win the match. After a brief failed leg lock attempt, Jimenez came up for a single-leg, but Cyborg defended and then countered with a pair of takedowns of his own, which Jimenez defended by sprawling. As both competitors picked up the pace in the final minute of overtime, Jimenez pulled guard and Cyborg tried to pass, though he was unable to get the points before time ran out.
At the end of the match, Cyborg came away with the referee decision and will move on to the finals.
In the second semifinal match of the night, Fellipe Andrew took on Gabriel Almeida, who was a last-minute replacement for Johnny Tama.
The competitors wasted no time in getting down to business, with Almeida snatching up the single leg, tripping Andrew and nearly taking the back before Andrew managed to roll over and prevent him from getting the points. Andrew then found Almeida’s foot and quickly fell back to secure his hold on the leg. Almeida tapped, appearing to be injured, and Andrew was declared the winner by heel hook.
Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu will face Fellipe Andrew in the finals for the $10,000 prize.
