Weekend Recap: Nikki Lloyd-Griffiths and Krissy Oliver take the gold in the New Zealand National

September 2, 2024

Marking the transition between August and September, this has been a busy weekend here at AJP. Between the always-enticing Abu Dhabi Grand Slam taking place in Moscow and the Dubai International that took over the UAE, competitors had their pick of high-profile events to take part in and show their skills, but the organization did not stop there and brought a third competition to really maximize the options for athletes. Taking place this Saturday, August 31st, the AJP Tour New Zealand National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024 offered Oceanic competitors as well as fighters from other countries the chance to conquer their respective weight divisions and rise as champions in the Corban Estate Arts Centre, in Auckland.

Athletes of all ages and graduations fought in the three fight areas set up at the venue, but two women from the Professional category highlighted the tournament with performances that got them to the top of the podium. First, fighting with the gi in the 70kg division, the Australian black belt Nikki Lloyd-Griffiths (Immersion Mixed Martial Arts) went up against her fellow countrywoman Miranda Okazima (Guigo Jiu Jitsu) in the division final, showcasing her technical prowess as she scored 2-0 before ultimately submitting around the two-minute mark to take the gold.

Later on, the local brown belt Krissy Oliver (Oliver MMA) entered the battlefield to face the No-Gi 95kg division. Facing Heba Hamida (Grappling-Lab BJJ Club/Howick) in the semifinal, Krissy unleashed her game and put 6-0 on the scoreboard before submitting in the last minutes of the match to advance to the final. The gold round saw Krissy go up against fellow New Zealander T Nguyen (VR Jiu Jitsu) in a very well-balanced match that took up the entirety of the regulated time. When the clock ran out, a 3-1 score gave Krissy the win and the title in her homeland.

Check out the full results here!