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Weekend grappling recap: Polaris 21 and IBJJF Atlanta Open results

Ben Coate

Just one week removed from the ADCC World Championships, the submission grappling and jiu-jitsu competition scene isn’t slowing down one bit. Over the weekend, top UK-based promotion Polaris held its first ever “Grapple Island” event in Sardinia, Italy. And in other action, several top black belts competed at the IBJJF Atlanta Open.

Owen Livesey wins big at Polaris 21

Polaris 21 took place on Saturday, September 24, and featured a main event match-up between elite European no-gi competitor Jed Hue and current UFC light heavyweight (and BJJ black belt) Paul Craig. Hue made incredibly quick work of Craig, immediately attacking the legs and securing a modified Estima lock in just about 20 seconds.

Lower on the card, recent ADCC veterans Josh Hinger and Owen Livesey clashed in close, competitive match. Livesey — who was a late-notice replacement in the 99 kg. division at the ADCC World Championships — used takedowns and guard passing attempts to earn a split decision victory over Hinger.

After the match, Livesey explained that he was disappointed in his performance, despite the win. He also stated his intention to spend the next couple of years preparing for the 2024 ADCC when he hopes to compete in the 88 kg. division.

Below are the main card results and video highlights from Polaris 21:

  • Jed Hue def. Paul Craig via submission (modified Estima lock)
  • Michelle Nicolini def. Ashley Bendle via split decision
  • Owen Livesey def. Josh Hinger via split decision
  • Robson Moura def. Tom Barlow via unanimous decision
  • Tom Halpin def. Alessio Sacchetti via unanimous decision
  • Espen Mathiesen def. Luca Anacoreta via submission (bow and arrow choke)
  • Aleberto Buriasco def. Shane Curtis via unanimous decision

Fellipe Andrew wins quadruple gold at IBJJF Atlanta Open

In IBJJF action, Fellipe Andrew further established himself as the top-ranked black belt competitor as he picked up double gold in both the gi and no-gi tournaments. In the gi, Andrew won the heavyweight and absolute divisions, and in no-gi competition, he won the super-heavy and absolute divisions.

Also of note, top Checkmat representative Samuel Nagai earned gold in no-gi at lightweight, and in the gi, Carlos “Bebeto” Oliveira impressed in the light-feather division, winning gold over 2021 Worlds silver medalist Malachi Edmond.

View the full IBJJF Atlanta Open gi results here, and the no-gi results here.

Ben Coate

Ben has been involved with grappling, whether through wrestling or Brazilian jiu-jitsu, essentially his entire life. After wrestling throughout his childhood, Ben found Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a young adult and quickly fell in love. He has been training for over ten years and currently holds the rank of brown belt, and remains involved in both the MMA and BJJ scene. Ben has been writing about combat sports since 2017. He has interviewed and profiled some of MMA's biggest stars, including multiple UFC champions.

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