HOUSTON, TX, October 9, 2011 – Fight fans from all over the world had another reason besides UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard III to descend upon Houston for a weekend full of excitement with the UFC Expo at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Many of the promotions top fighters along with others from Strikeforce and beyond showed up to sign autographs, participate in Q&A sessions, conduct training sessions and so much more as many other businesses within the ever-expanding MMA industry showed up to showcase their wares and expand their reach to the many fans in attendance.
Along with the industry showcase put on by the UFC, Grapplers Quest also held a huge event in concert with the expo – drawing submission grapplers and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners from Texas and all around the world.
Our UFC Expo and Grapplers Quest Photos (Exclusively on the TXMMA Facebook Page)
► UFC Expo and Day One of Grappler’s Quest (including Rader vs. Stevens Superfight)
► Grapplers Quest – GI Divisions
► TJ Waldburger vs. Marc Stevens Superfight
► Bruno Bastos vs. Rafael Lovato Jr. Superfight
Grapplers Quest Superfight Recap
Match 1 – Justin Rader (Team Lovato) vs. Wesley Gann (Nova Uniao)
The first match was held on Friday afternoon and pitted No-GI world champion and recent ADCC participant Justin Rader vs. Wesley Gann in the first battle pitting Oklahoma versus the DFW area.
The match was highlighted by Rader using his top-notch takedown ability and top control on the ground to control the matchup. Rader would go for several submissions throughout the match, trying for a kimura / armbar combination and several other attacks before ending the bout with three seconds left in the time period with a leglock that forced the tap.
Match 2 – TJ Waldburger (Grappler’s Lair) vs. Marc Stevens (Syracuse Jiu Jitsu)
The second matchup of the day featured Benton, Texas native and current UFC fighter TJ Waldburger against TUF veteran Marc Stevens.
The action showcased the Texan’s explosive speed and control as he was able to take down his Northeast counterpart with lightning quick takedowns and control him on the ground for the duration to take home an unblemished 19-0 win.
Match 3 – Bruno Bastos (Nova Uniao) vs. Rafael Lovato Jr. (Team Lovato)
The final superfight matchup featured a black belt expert attraction with two of the southwest’s top Jiu-Jitsu patriarchs facing off in front of the UFC Expo and Grapplers Quest crowd in attendance after just recently coming back to the US from England to compete at the ADCC.
This match was characterized by Rafael playing off his back since he is still nursing an ankle injury sustained at the ADCC competition. Bruno was on top for the majority of the bout but could not pass Lovato’s guard. The DFW instructor scored an advantage early on in the matchup but a 2-point award for stalling from top gave Lovato the decisive points in this very methodical encounter.
Select Photos and Video from UFC Expo | Grapplers Quest
Stay tuned for video in the next day or so from a select few matches we captured at Grapplers Quest. Until then, here are some our favorite photos from the weekend.
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