Keenan Cornelius will face his teammate Hulk. Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG
This Saturday, the Multiusos Pavilion in the Portuguese city of Odivelas held the first black belt matches of the 2018 European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship. By the end, the women’s and the men’s absolute finals had been determined.
Men
The Atos duo of Keenan Cornelius and Lucas Hulk made it to the final. Keenan had to get past Ricardo Evangelista (GFTeam) and Victor Honório (Qatar BJJ), while Hulk was busy defeating Elliot Kelly (Yemaso BJJ), Patrick Gáudio (GFTeam) and Tommy Langhaker (Kimura) — the latter of which had submitted Erberth Santos (Esquadrão de Jiu-Jitsu Brasileiro) via triangle. Now we’re left hoping to see Keenan and Hulk, who train together at Atos, actually fight in the final. There is some indication that they will, as Keenan has a history of fighting Josh Hinger, another teammate of his.
Women
The favorites, Tayane Porfírio (Alliance) and Beatriz Mesquita (Gracie Humaitá), left no room for upsets and they will again meet in an absolute final. Tayane defeated Carina Santi (G13) and Jéssica Flowers (Gracie Barra). Bia beat Samantha Cook (Checkmat) and Cláudia do Val (De la Riva) — the latter of which had beaten Bia Basílio (Atos) in a quarterfinal match.
Sunday will mark the conclusion of the Euros, with the black belt weight divisions and the absolute finals.
