Mackenzie Dern earned a spot in the final of the female black belt absolute. Photo: Erin Herle
The first day of the 2014 World Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship ended with the black belt match-ups set up for tomorrow, Oct. 5. The new venue on the campus of Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA accommodated many athletes in and out of the mat areas.
The black belt absolute was a small number of the athletes but the talent was plenty. There were a total of seven females who signed up for the bracket. The matches were completed up until the final, which will be held tomorrow.
Here is how the matches panned out:
Leanna Dittrich of Fight Sports defeated Andresa Correa of Alliance by a triangle submission. As the match began, Andresa went for a nice ankle lock. Leanne stuck it out and earned a submission of her own that ended the match.
Mackenzie Dern of Gracie Humaita defeated Nyjah Easton of Team Lloyd Irvin by one advantage that was earned at the very start in the match. Mackenzie held Nyjah in her closed guard and the later part of the match had Nyjah with Mackenzie in her guard.
Luiza Monteiro of PSLPB Cicero Costha defeated new black belt Sijara Eubanks of Team Lloyd Irvin by kneebar. Sijara worked the pass, the two went into the 50/50 position and while Sijara attacked Luiza’s foot with a toehold, Luiza secured the kneebar.
In the semi-final, Mackenzie defeated Leanna by 3-0 points, 4-0 advantages. Leanna shot in for a takedown in the beginning of the match and Mackenzie defended and went to the back. Mackenzie stayed with one hook for most of the match as Leanna defended but Mackenzie was eventually able to earn a guard pass which gave her the 3 point lead and a spot in the final.
In the other semi-final, Gabi Garcia of Alliance defeated Luiza by an armbar. Gabi pulled guard, swept and closed in as she attacked the arm and a spot in the final opposite Mackenzie.
Stay tuned for the final female black belt absolute match between Mackenzie Dern and Gabi Garcia tomorrow, Oct. 5. Catch the livestream at www.ibjjftv.com
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