In a previous post, we covered some of the top names registered for the ADCC East Coast trials which will take place in Atlantic City, NJ November 6-7. Those who win in each division will go on to qualify for the famous ADCC Worlds in Las Vegas, September 2022.
There are over 550 athletes registered for this top-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu event
but here are the top 10 names that you should look out for during this year’s East
Coast Trials at heavyweight:
Top 10 heavyweights at ADCC 2021 East Coast Trials:
Mason Fowler – Brasa CTA
A veteran of the ADCC Worlds in 2019 after beating five high-level opponents to get there. An undefeated MMA fighter with a record of 6-0 Mason Fowler is a phenomenal wrestler and has dominant top control. At 99kg he is definitely one of the names to watch in these East Coast Trials.
Jacob Couch – Pedigo Submission Fighting
Nicknamed “The Hillbilly Hammer” Jacob is an exciting guy to watch. With impressive wins over Roberto Jimenez and William Tackett at the WNO Championship and continued to submit all of his opponents on his way to a gold medal at No-Gi Worlds. At 88kg he is dangerous wherever the fight takes place is primarily known for leg locks but adept at finishing guys with user or lower body submissions.
Paul Ardila – American Top Team
A two-time ADCC Worlds veteran, Paul Ardila is a dominant submission specialist that fits the style of the ADCC perfectly. At 99kg he is explosive and dominant to the point that in the 2017 West coast trials he did not concede a single point to his opponents. We are excited to see what he can do this year.
Elder Cruz – Checkmat
Elder Cruz is a guy that has been on an absolute tear as of late. He won gold at the No-Gi Worlds and closed out in the open weight class. Being nicknamed “El Monstro” (The Monster) Cruz has impressive explosiveness this his wrestling and has a scary top game that can tear through the entire 88kg division.
Devhonte Johnson – Unity
Devhonte Johnson is fairly new to the ADCC ruleset however he shows a ton of promise as this year alone he took home gold at this year’s No-Gi Pans and No-Gi Worlds. A gold medal at the East Coast Trials would make him the top guy in all the mayor No-Gi tournaments. With impressive wins over ADCC veterans Eliot Kelly, Felipe Andrew, and Mike Perez he has shown that he is a force to be retconned with at 99kg.
John Salter – Shawn Hammonds
A middleweight title contender with Bellator MMA, John Is also an ADCC Worlds veteran as he earned gold in the 2017 North American Trials. In his tear towards the 2017 gold, he defeated ADCC veterans DJ Jackson and Josh Hinger. At 88kg John Slater has the technical ability and explosiveness that makes it extremely hard to score on him, currently, Jahn holds the Belabor record for the most submission wins in league history.
Alec Baulding – Alliance
Another ADCC Worlds veteran in 2018 Alec Baulding won the gold with impressive victories over guys like Kyle Boehm and Roberto Jimenez among others. The ADCC ruleset has proven to be where he feels most comfortable with his heavy wrestling style. At 88kg Alec is one of the names to look out for this year.
John Hansen – Axios
John Hansen made it all the way to the finals of the +99kg division during the 2019 West Coast Trials losing in the final to Nick Rodriguez. Since then he has earned a spot on the podium of the IBJJF No-Gi Worlds and No-Gi Pans during 2020 and 2021.
Giancarlo Bodoni – New Wave Jiu-Jitsu
With an amazing ability for back takes and wrestling Giancarlo Bodoni’s style is great for the ADCC ruleset. Under the tutelage of the legendary coach John Danaher, Giancarlo now has had the chance to prepare for this event specifically all year. Though his record of late has not been impressive a win in this event at 88kg would help him start to cement his legacy.
Joe Baize – OCBJJ
Being the oldest name on this list Joe Baize often is underestimated but he is a two-time ADCC Worlds veteran and a dangerous leg locker. In the +99kg division, those who underestimate him often end up on the losing end.
In conclusion
This year’s ADCC East Coast Trials are going to be stacked with talent and we can’t wait to see what happens.
Who is your favorite?
