Weekend Recap: AJP promotes action-fueled tournaments in Spain and Italy

February 12, 2024

The weekend has come and gone, bringing another batch of stellar AJP tournaments and giving both fight fans and athletes their weekly dose of competitive Jiu-Jitsu. This time around, the organization landed with both feet in Europe, promoting three events between Spain and Italy. So, without further ado, let’s check out the highlights from each championship!

AJP Tour Barcelona International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024: Professional black belts show their skills as they conquer the gold in Spain

On Saturday, February 10th, the Poliesportiu Municipal Camp del Ferro welcomed athletes of all ages and graduations into its mats, giving each and every one a chance to put their training to the test as they sought to conquer their respective weight divisions and those precious ranking points. As always, the Professional black belt category was a standout, with the elite of competitive Jiu-Jitsu putting on a show in each of the brackets.

In the 62kg division, Brazil’s Francisco Andrade (PSLPB Cícero Costha) first submitted his countryman Roger Rodrigues (Gullo Jiu-Jitsu) in the semifinal and then advanced to the gold round, where he landed a second submission, this time against the local Xavi Bas (CFC Team) to take the gold. Meanwhile, the Ecuadorian Enrique Guerrero (Apex EC Jiu-Jitsu) fought twice against the French Brice Hounza (Bilal Jiu-Jitsu) for the 69kg title, winning first by a tight 4-3 score and then submitting to become the champion.

The local Alberto Guzman (Focus Jiu-Jitsu) thrived in the 77kg bracket as he fought for the gold, first scoring 2-1 against Guinea-Bissau’s Ricardino Pires (ZR Team Association) in the semis and then outscoring the Lithuanian Rokas Narusevicius (A-Force BJJ International) by 8-0. Lastly, the 85kg division saw the Spaniard Wesley Berriozabal (Association Aranha) make a very well-balanced match against the Welsh Benjamin Robson, with the former emerging victorious via the referee’s decision.

Check out the full results here!

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix No-Gi Barcelona: Local black belts Martin Alonso and Francisco Santana take the Professional gold in Spain

After the Barcelona International wrapped up its duels, the Poliesportiu Municipal Camp del Ferro maintained its mats ready for battle as it was time for the No-Gi athletes to make their way to the stage. Once again, both colored and black belts were welcomed into the battlefield, all ready to give their all for the chance to become a champion in AJP.

Two local black belts rose above their peers as they used their skills to conquer the Professional gold. First, in the 77kg division, Martin Alonso (Brasa CTA) showed his prowess by overcoming both of his opponents, starting with a 6-2 score over the Lithuanian Rokas Narusevicius (A-Force BJJ International) in the semifinal. The final round was fought against his countryman Alberto Guzman (Focus Jiu-Jitsu) and Martin spared no efforts this time around either, scoring 4-0 before ultimately submitting and rising to the top of the podium.

Meanwhile, in the 85kg division, Francisco Santana (Werdum Combat Team France) fought two tough battles against Mexico’s Fabio Pititto (Budo Clan) to take the title. In the first battle, Francisco emerged victorious with a tight 1-0 score and then, in the second and last fight, Fabio once again held his own but was unable to completely stop Francisco, who took the title after scoring 1-0 once again.

Check out the full results here!

AJP Tour Bologna International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024: Gabriella Ripepi and Eldar Rafigaev become champions in Italy

On Sunday, February 11th, the Palazzetto Cabral opened its doors to welcome fighters from far and wide as they made their way to the venue to step onto the AJP mats and put their skills to the test. As expected, the highlights were the Professional black belt categories, where two athletes went above and beyond with their Jiu-Jitsu to conquer the title of champion of their respective weight divisions.

In the 120kg division, Moldova’s Eldar Rafigaev (Jungle BJJ) showed his technical prowess as he fought and overcame two Italian opponents. He scored a whopping 20-0 against Alessandro Casati (Tribe Jiu Jitsu Italia) in the semifinal and advanced to the gold round, where he outscored Matteo Impicci (Flow) by 15-0 to secure both the medal and the ranking points awarded to the winner.

On the women’s side, specifically in the 95kg division, the local Gabriella Ripepi (PSLPB Cícero Costha) had just one fight in her path to the gold, but it was a tough one. Facing Angelica Vezzoli (FN Fight.Co World), Gabriella fought a very balanced match which saw both competitors unable to submit or score any points in the duration of the regulated time. When the clock ran out, the referees decided that Gabriella had the most effective performance on the mats, landing her atop the podium with the gold medal secured around her shoulders.

Check out the full results here!