Weekend Recap: Pretoria International brings the AJP action to South Africa

July 30, 2024

In another weekend of competition here at AJP, the organization has decided to focus its efforts on a single tournament and South Africa was the country chosen to be in the spotlight this time around. Welcoming athletes of all ages, graduations, and nationalities, the AJP Tour Pretoria International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024 landed at the Heartvelt Arena this Sunday, July 28th, with three fight areas housing all of the action as these warriors sought to reach the very top of their game.

As usual, the Professional category was a standout. Fighting in the 77kg division, the Brazilian black belt David Souza (Gracie Barra Sandton) went all-out in his pursuit of the title, which put him at odds with Muisse Egas, from GFTeam Mozambique. With no submissions, the duel took up the entirety of the regulated time and had both sides scoring repeatedly. Still, David had and maintained the upper hand throughout, taking the win and the gold medal with a sound 15-9 score.

Meanwhile, the Angolan purple belt Wilker Paulo (Gracie Barra Sandton) left his name on the battlefield as he conquered the coveted double gold. Starting in the gi, Wilker showed his prowess in the 69kg bracket, beating Atilio Pereira (GFTeam Mozambique) by 4-0 in the semi and Mazambane Mazambane (GFTeam Mozambique) by 12-9 in the final. He later made his way back to the mats, fighting without the gi in the 85kg division. His opponent this time around was the local Xola Khumalo (East Rand Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy), but Wilker once again proved he is a force to be reckoned with and, after the five minutes of regulated time, came out on top with a 2-0 score.

Check out the full results here!