The 18th edition of the UK promotion Polaris Jiu Jitsu Pro Invitational took place on November 27, 2021 at the ICC Arena Wales. The top European professional Jiu Jitsu promotion put on a card with some of the local grappling prospects and international stars from the Stats, Brazil and Asia. The most entertaining match was without a doubt Igor Tanabe against Tommy Langaker.
Ray VS Ewers
Submission of the night award was given to UFC vet Steven Ray who caught his opponent in a Twister. This is Ray’s second submission bonus in the organization (previous submission of the night in Polaris 11).
Tanabe Vs Langaker
In a very highly anticipated match, Japanese super star Igor Tanabe made his international Black Belt debut against one of the top European Jiu Jitsu practitioners, former IBJJF Black Belt European champion, IBJJF World Championship Black Belt silver medalist and Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu Jitsu Champion Norway’s Tommy Lagaker. At the beginning of the match it was obvious that Tanabe had the strength advantage based on the fact that he was the heavier of the two competitors. In the first minutes of the match both athletes showcased a nonstop action but as the time went by the high intensity seemed to wear down Igor and Tommy was able to benefit. In the final minutes, Tanabe attempted an aggressive guard pass attack which led to securing the back of Langaker and ending up with a choke awarding them with Performance & Match of the Night.
Hue vs Agazarm
In the co-main event local prospect Jed Hue took on American superstar and ADCC Silver Medalist AJ Agazarm. Hue shows a very aggressive leg lock game putting Aj in several bad leg entanglements but with his classic hard-to-submit style Algazan was able to survive. The American was able to defend everything coming in his way but didn’t have an answer for Hue’s guard defense which was enough to secure the win for the local athlete in the judges eyes.
Williams vs Miyao
For the main event of the evening, Polaris Jiu Jitsu Invitational set a Gi featherweight bout between Home talent No Gi specialist and recent ADCC European Trials winner Ashley Williams against former IBJJF Black Belt World Champion and ADCC Bronze medalist Paulo Miyao. Focusing mainly on No Gi Williams didn’t hesitate to accept the challenge and put in the Gi to face the Brazilian superstar. In a slow phase match Paulo was able to control the grips and the distance looking for back takes and leg drags, Williams, on the other hand, was trying to consistently attack the legs of his opponent as much as he could and that was the key that earned him the split decision, because of the criteria of the Polaris rules for submission attempts.
Polaris 18 Results
Featherweight (66 kg) Gi
Jed Hue defeat Aj Agazarm by Decision
Welterweight (77 kg) No Gi
Igor Tanabe Defeat Tommy Langaker by Choke
Light Heavyweight (90 kg) Gi
Steven Ray defeat Craig Ewers by Twister
Welterweight (77 kg) No Gi
Leon Larman defeat Bryan Jenkins by Decision
Welterweight (77 kg) Gi
Lloyd Cooper defeat Tom Barry by Split Decision
Middleweight (84 kg) No Gi
I am black belt under Bruno Bastos and I am very passionate about Jiu Jitsu. I do the sport for 13 years. Now I am an owner and head coach at one of the biggest Jiu Jitsu academies in Bulgaria and still an active competitor.