EBI 25: The Lightweights full card lineup and preview
We take a closer look at the talent-rich lineup for EBI 25: The Lightweights, which takes place on September 12, 2025.
This Friday, in San Antonio, Texas, the famed Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI) will return to action with one of the most stacked events in recent memory. EBI 25: The Lightweights features a mixture of established elite grapplers with years of experience at the highest level and talented up-and-comers looking to make their mark at one of the sport’s most respected tournaments.
Below is the current lineup of competitors.
EBI 25 lineup
- Keith Krikorian
- Gianni Grippo
- Ethan Crelinsten
- Bryce Mitchell
- Ben Eddy
- Landon Elmore
- Jordan Holy
- Mauricio Rios
- Randy Baker
- Grayson Henley
- JJ Bowers
- Christos Papadelos
- Henrique Camargo
- Brady Branscum
- Jonathan Wilson
- Raphael Ferreira
The favorites
Several names immediately jump out as early favorites to make it deep into the tournament or even take home the title.
10th Planet black belt Keith Krikorian is one of the sport’s most active elite competitors, having made three ADCC appearances while winning belts at Polaris and Grapplefest to firmly establish himself as a mainstay of the lighter weight divisions’ top 10. He is also a CJJ featherweight champion, proving that he thrives under the EBI ruleset. Krikorian grapples at a breakneck pace and employs constant submission threats to keep his opponents on the defensive.
Another favorite at EBI 25 is decorated veteran Gianni Grippo. A multiple-time IBJJF no-gi world champion who’s spent the past decade-plus competing against world-class opposition, Grippo’s superb submission defense and solid back control make him a serious threat in this ruleset. Indeed, his 2021 performance at the Emerald City Invitational, where not a single opponent was able to escape his back control in overtime, serves as a showcase of how dominant he can be in EBI overtime.
Finally, Simple Man Martial Arts representative Ethan Crelinsten will certainly have a target on his back as arguably the field’s most accomplished and experienced athlete. The Canadian is a true buzzsaw of activity known for his dangerous back-takes, solid finishing abilities, and underrated leg lock game. Importantly, he also has a wealth of experience in the EBI and CJJ ruleset.
Grapplers to watch
Beyond those three favorites, fans should keep an eye on several grapplers who could make waves at EBI 25.
UFC standout Bryce Mitchell might be relatively short on competitive grappling experience, but he’s already proven himself to be one of MMA’s top submission hunters. Considering that most elite MMA fighters are extremely difficult to submit, Mitchell could make it deep into the tournament if he’s able to assert his dominance in overtime.
Innovative guard specialist Ben Eddy is another athlete to watch. A CJJ veteran and a black belt under Eddie Bravo, Eddy will likely look to pull his opponents into his vaunted closed guard where he can work toward submission, ideally with his trademark hindulotine.
Perennial tough out Jordan Holy also stands to make it deep into the tournament. Holy is a CJJ Worlds finalist who competes under a variety of rulesets, possessing a well-rounded game that should serve him well at EBI 25.
How to watch: EBI 25: The Lightweights takes place on Friday, September 12, 2025, and will air live on UFC Fight Pass (subscription required) beginning at 8:00 PM ET.
