The inaugural Craig Jones Invitational kicked off with an exciting match between Nicky Rod and Max Gimenes, showcasing the unique challenges of grappling in the innovative pit-style arena.
Round 1: The match began with Nicky Rod taking the initiative, consistently pressing forward and forcing Gimenes to back up.
As the round progressed, the experience discrepancy between the two fighters became apparent. Despite being only a couple of years older, Gimenes boasted an impressive 106-45 career record over two decades of professional grappling. However, it was Rod who seemed to control the pace of the round.
The first round ended with Rod securing a victory on all three judges’ scorecards, largely due to his offensive pressure and initiation of action.
Round 2: The second round saw a shift in strategy as Nicky Rod pulled guard, a rare sight in this format. Rod capitalized on this opportunity, using his wrestle ups to secure top position. The pit’s unique design came into play as Rod pinned Gimenes against the ramp, making it difficult for his opponent to escape.
Rod’s preparation for the pit became evident, as he had reportedly trained with a custom-built ramp in his gym. However, Gimenes was not without experience, having competed in a similar setting during a previous Karate Combat event in Miami.
As the round progressed, Rod continued to dominate, alternating between back attacks and top control. He showcased his wrestling pedigree with well-timed takedowns and maintained positional superiority throughout most of the round.
Gimenes showed moments of brilliance, using deep half guard to stand up at one point, but Rod’s relentless pressure kept him on the defensive. The round saw Rod secure mount position in the corner of the pit, a particularly challenging spot for Gimenes to escape from.
With just over a minute left in the round, Rod locked in a rear-naked choke. Despite Gimenes’ resistance, Rod’s grip proved too strong. In a historic moment, Nicky Rod secured the first-ever submission in the Craig Jones Invitational, finishing the match with a rear-naked choke.
This victory not only marked Rod as the winner of the inaugural match but also secured his spot in the quarterfinals, where he will face either Owen Livesey or Mohammed Ali.
The match highlighted the unique challenges and strategies required in the pit-style arena, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting and innovative tournament.
Official Result: Nicky Rod via RNC in R2
