Mixed Martial Arts in DC News Blog

Fans watch in disbelief as the Russian team MMA fighter, Alex Olienik, attempts a leg scissor and choke submission on Oliveira. The double attack was used to submit an opponent previously in the division.

..
TRADUCAO PORTUGESE

ASBURY PARK, N.J. – The Grapplers Quest 2011 Beast of the East submission wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament was held on April 9, 2011 at the Asbury Park Convention Hall. The event attracted record breaking attendance, with almost 4000 people at the event.

At stake were championship belts, medals, and $14,250 in cash and prizes for winners in selected championship divisions.

The highlight of the event was the men’s no-gi advanced absolute, where MMA fighter Alex Oleinik, a Bellator and M-1 MMA veteran from Red Devil/K-Dojo would be in the division with other advanced competitors to compete for a purse of $1,000 and a pass to “Compete Free for Life.” After many hard fought matches in the open division, the competition resulted in a Brazil vs. Russia match up, in a classic battle of technique vs. strength.

K-Dojo teammates Oleinik and Rustam Chsiev barreled through their opponents using strength moves and submission holds characteristic of martial arts training from the northern Caucasus of Russia. Oleinik leveraged his size advantage over a previous competitor by squeezing his legs around his opponent while in the guard position, which resulted in a tap out. For Chsiev, an ADCC North American and Grapplers Quest champion, opponents who chose to stand up with him during the tournament followed similar patterns of being lifted and landing on their backs.

Chsiev's strength was evident when the Russian powered out of a triangle attempt by Barbosa.

In a contrast of styles, the Brazilian competitors Rafael “Formiga” Barbosa of Soul Fighters/Best Way and Vitor Oliveira (GF Team in Brazil), were prepared to meet their opponents in the semi-finals using the technique and leverage that is emphasized in jiu-jitsu. The competitors also competed throughout the open division to reach the semi-finals.

The first semi-final match would pit Oleinik against Oliveira, pairing the heavyweight Russian MMA fighter against the smaller sized Brazilian. To many people’s surprise, Oliveira scored a take down to go up 2-0, putting Oleinik on his back. The Russian later went to his guard and attempted a double submission attack on the Brazilian. “He was trying to do the scissor and the choke together,” said Oliveira through a translator. However, the attacks were unsuccessful. Oleinik then came back to score a takedown, putting the Brazilian on the mat. Oliveira would stand up again, and the Russian, still latched on behind him, would take him down again. Much to the disappointment of the K-Dojo coach, the referee did not rule it as a takedown. The match would end in a tie, and the referee would give the decision to Oliveira. “He was thinking he had to finish with Formiga so they could finish the absolute together,” said Oliveira’s translator. A vocal K-Dojo coach would voice his displeasure for not receiving points, however, the decision would stand.

BJJ black belts Vitor Oliveira (GFT in Brazil) and Rafael 'Formiga' Barbosa of Soul Fighters/Best Way (Connecticut) close out the men's advanced no-gi absolute division.

In the next match of the semi-finals, Rafael Barbosa took on Rustam Chsiev. Chsiev, who had previously won the 190 to 199 advanced no-gi division, would be forced to play an unfamiliar strategy. Barbosa engaged the Russian from his back, working his way to the X-guard. After splitting his opponent, Barbosa got the sweep and moved behind his opponent. From there, Chsiev never got back on the score board. The rest of the match had Chsiev attempting to pass the guard, but to no avail.  The match would end with Chsiev still trying to pass the guard and Barbosa would win by points. “I know this guy’s stand up (is) awesome,” said Barbosa.  ”He is explosive but not tight pressure.”

After the matches, the Brazilians would close out the division and win the prize money.  Barbosa’s thoughts on his match would sum up the contrast of style between the matchups, “Very strong…very strong…(but) no technique.”

Related Articles:
2011 Beast of the East Competitor Photos
Event and Competitor Photographs Part 2

***** Please hit the “LIKE” Button below if you Like this article!! Thanks!! *****

—————————

Read NEW Martial Arts Articles on Front Page!