(Credit: FloGrappling)
Continuing our preview of the forthcoming ADCC 2017 Championships held in Finland, the next weight class we’ll be looking at is one of the most talent rich in the tournament; -77kgs. As the previous champion, Davi Ramos, can’t compete at the tournament due to his ongoing MMA commitments (despite participating in ACBJJ just two weeks ago), this year will see a new champion crowned and it will be hotly contested.
Champion; It may not be everyone’s pick, but DJ Jackson has the style best suited the ADCC rule set. His strong wrestling base and submission defence will make him a tough man to beat and whilst he may not be the most exciting fighter to watch, he could prove to be the most effective, especially if the tournament turns out to be as wrestling-centric as it was in 2015.
Contenders; JT Torres will be keen to make his competitive return with a bang, after spending some time building up his academy in New York. Torres’ guard retention and attacks could prove key to any success he has. Garry Tonon will be looking to prove that he is the best grappler in the world at 77kgs and with some recent strong performances, including a win over 88kg competitor Dillon Danis at Polaris 5, there won’t be many looking forward to taking on the DDS stalwart. Gilbert Burns and Lucas Lepri are both big names on the BJJ scene and have proven to be among the very best in their weight class in recent years and will be a difficult challenge for the eventual champion to get past.
One to watch; Oliver Taza is another DDS member in attendance at ADCC and after finding recent success at Polaris and smaller events in Europe, Taza will be keen to make his mark on a tournament this prestigious and could provide some of the biggest upsets of the tournament if given the chance.
