Polaris Pro Grappling is Europe's longest running large-scale professional grappling event.[1] They have organized dozens of events, primarily in the UK but also elsewhere in Europe. The promotion has produced events with a variety of different formats like regular fight-nights, grand prix tournaments, and team grappling matches.

Polaris Pro Grappling
Company typePrivate
IndustryGrappling promotion Tournament Competition
Founded2015; 9 years ago (2015)
FoundersMatthew Benyon, Ben Tong, Gareth Dummer, Lee Jones
Headquarters,
Key people
Matthew Benyon, Ben Tong, Gareth Dummer, Lee Jones, Sophie Hudson, Michael Steven
Websitepolarisprograppling.com

Polaris has attracted some of the biggest names from Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Grappling and Mixed Martial Arts including Keenan Cornelius, Michelle Nicolini, Brad Pickett, Rousimar Palhares, Dean Lister, Masakazu Imanari, Ikuhisa Minowa, Vítor Ribeiro, Fernando Terere, Caol Uno, and Craig Jones.

They have also featured several former MMA world champions, like Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields, Bellator MMA welterweight world champion Rafael Lovato Jr., and UFC Lightweight Champion and WEC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson. Former UFC Welterweight competitor Dan Hardy and UFC referee Marc Goddard have served as event judges, while Hardy and regular Polaris competitor Dan Strauss have often served as commentators. The promotion streams all of their events live on UFC Fight Pass, other than smaller 'Contenders' tournaments where athletes compete for a place on their numbered events.[1]

Current Polaris Title Holders

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Division Champion
Women Under 55 KG (121)   Ffion Davies
Women Under 60 KG (132)   Michelle Nicolini
Women Under 66KG (145)   Elisabeth Clay
Women Openweight   Kendall Reusing
Bantamweight (135)   Ashley Williams
Featherweight (145)   Keith Krikorian
Lightweight (155)   Ethan Crelinsten
Welterweight (170)   Mateusz Szczecinski
Middleweight (185)   Roberto Jimenez
Light Heavyweight (205)   Craig Jones
Heavyweight (265) Vacant

Events

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2015 in Polaris

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Polaris 1

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Polaris 1
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateJanuary 10, 2015
VenueIce Arena Wales
City  Cardiff, Wales

Polaris 1 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on January 10, 2015, at St David's Hall in Cardiff, Wales.

Results

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Main Card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
Absolute   Keenan Cornelius def.   Dean Lister Submission (reverse triangle)
77kg   Garry Tonon def.   Marcin Held Submission (heel hook)
90kg   Pablo Popovitch draw.   Eduardo Rios
82kg   Eduardo Telles draw.   Mike Fowler
79kg   AJ Agazarm def.   Oliver Geddes Submission (triangle choke)
68kg   Michelle Nicolini def.   Angelica Galvao Submission (toe hold)
90kg   Kit Dale draw.   Victor Silverio
90kg   Darragh O'Conaill draw.   Max Campos

[2]

Polaris 2

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Polaris 2
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateSeptember 12, 2015
VenueIce Arena Wales
City  Cardiff, Wales

Polaris 2 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on September 12, 2015, at St David's Hall in Cardiff, Wales.

Background
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Results
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Main Card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
68kg   Garry Tonon def.   Masakazu Imanari Submission (heel hook)
55kg   Gezary Matuda def.   Michelle Nicolini Submission (armbar)
90kg   AJ Agazarm draw.   Daniel Strauss
70kg   Eddie Cummings def.   Reilly Bodycomb Inside Heelhook
68kg   Gianni Grippo def.   Tom Barlow Submission (heel hook)
75kg   Vítor Ribeiro def.   Nakamura Daisuke Submission (choke)
70kg   Robson Moura draw.   Baret Yoshida
82kg   Luca Anacoreta def.   Pedro Bessa Submission (triangle choke)

[3]

2016 in Polaris

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Polaris 3

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Polaris 3
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateApril 2, 2016
VenueLighthouse
City  Poole, England

Polaris 3 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on April 2, 2016, at the Lighthouse in Poole, England.

Background
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Results
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Main Card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
83kg  Garry Tonon draw.   Rousimar Palhares
80.5kg   AJ Agazarm draw.   Jake Shields
70kg   Eddie Cummings draw.   Augusto Mendes
68kg   Bruno Frazatto draw.   Gianni Grippo
53.5kg   Gezary Matuda draw.   Laurence Cousin
81kg   Jonathon Satava draw.   Darragh O'Conaill
68kg   Geo Martinez draw.   Luiz Tosta
64kg   Joao Miyao draw.   Yukinori Sasa

[4]

Polaris 4

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Polaris 4
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateOctober 29, 2016
VenueLighthouse
City  Poole, England

Polaris 4 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on October 29, 2016, at the Lighthouse in Poole, England.

Background
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Results
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Polaris 4
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Catchweight 82 kg   Fernando Terere def.   Vítor Ribeiro Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 GI
Catchweight 77 kg   Garry Tonon def.   Gilbert Burns Submission (Heel Hook) 1 9:26 NO-GI
Catchweight 80 kg   AJ Agazarm def.   Ikuhisa Minowa Submission (Triangle Choke) 1 5:11 NO-GI
Catchweight 90 kg   Dilon Danis def.   Jackson Sousa Submission (Heel Hook) 1 8:32 NO-GI
Catchweight 68 kg   Nathan Orchard def.   Masakazu Imanari Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 1 5:51 NO-GI
Catchweight 84 kg   Charles Negromonte def.   Eduardo Rios Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 NO-GI
Women Absolute   Dominyka Obelenyte def.   Yasmine Wilson Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 GI
Absolute   Tom Breese def.   Ben Dyson Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 NO-GI

[5]

2017 in Polaris

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Polaris 5

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Polaris 5
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateAugust 19, 2017
VenueIndigo at The O2
City  London, England

Polaris 5 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on August 19, 2017, at the Indigo at The O2 in London, England.

Background
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Results
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Polaris 5
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Catchweight 78 kg   Garry Tonon def.   Dillon Danis Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 NO-GI
Catchweight 90 kg   Jake Shields def.   Daniel Strauss Decision (Majority) 1 15:00 NO-GI
Catchweight 66 kg   Phil Harris def.   Brad Pickett Decision (Split) 1 15:00 NO-GI
Catchweight 72.7 kg   Vítor Ribeiro def.   Caol Uno Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 1 7:26 NO-GI
Catchweight 78 kg   AJ Agazarm def.   Lloyd Cooper Submission (Bow & Arrow Choke) 1 6:00 GI
Catchweight 76 kg   Oliver Taza def.   Ross Nicholls Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 NO-GI
Catchweight 64 kg   Samantha Cook def.   Vanessa English Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 GI
Catchweight 83 kg   Bradley Hill def.   Tommi Pulkkanen Decision (Split) 1 15:00 NO-GI

[6]

2018 in Polaris

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Polaris 6

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Polaris 6
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateFebruary 17, 2018
VenueIndigo at The O2
City  London, England

Polaris 6 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on February 17, 2018, at the Indigo at The O2 in London, England.

Background
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Results
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Polaris 6
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Middleweight 83.9 kg NO-GI   Craig Jones def.   Jake Shields Submission (Heel Hook) 1 1:04 For inaugural the Polaris Middleweight Championship
Catchweight 80 kg NO-GI   Benson Henderson def.   AJ Agazarm Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Women Under 55 kg NO-GI   Gezary Matuda def.   Serena Gabrielli Submission (Ankle Lock) 1 2:43
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI   Marcin Held def.   Chris Fishgold Submission (Armbar) 1 1:38
Catchweight 72 kg NO-GI   Marco Cahna def.   Ash Grimshaw Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Women Under 55 kg NO-GI   Ffion Davies def.   Chelsea Leah Submission (Armbar) 1 5:45

[7]

Polaris 7

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Polaris 7
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateJuly 14, 2018
VenueIndigo at The O2
City  London, England

Polaris 7 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on July 14, 2018, at the Indigo at The O2 in London, England.

Background
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Results
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Polaris 7
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Catchweight 85 kg NO-GI   Gilbert Burns def.   Gregor Gracie Injury (Shoulder) 1 13:12
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI   Oliver Taza def.   Lachlan Giles Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Featherweight 65.8 kg NO-GI   Nicky Ryan def.   Phil Harris Submission (Armbar) 1 6:48
Featherweight 65.8 kg NO-GI   Ashley Williams def.   Masakazu Imanari Decision (Split) 1 15:00
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI   Ross Nicholls def.   Nathan Orchard Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Women Over 55 kg NO-GI   Venla Luukkonen def.   Samantha Cook Decision (Split) 1 15:00

[8]

Polaris 8

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Polaris 8
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateDecember 9, 2018
VenueIce Arena Wales
City  Cardiff, Wales

Polaris 8 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on December 9, 2018, at the Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff, Wales.

Background
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The event was the third the Polaris has hosted at the Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff, Wales and the first since Polaris 2.

This event featured three world title fights. The card was headlined by the current Polaris middleweight Champion Craig Jones and the former IBJJF champion Keenan Cornelius in a match to crown the inaugural Polaris Light Heavyweight Champion. It was a rematch from their fight at ADCC 2017, which Cornelius had won.

Results
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Polaris 8
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Light Heavyweight 93 kg NO-GI   Craig Jones def.   Keenan Cornelius Decision (Split) 1 15:00 For the inaugural Polaris Light Heavyweight Championship
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI   Vagner Rocha def.   Benson Henderson Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 1 14:30
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI   Mansher Khera def.   Lachlan Giles Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 For the inaugural Polaris Welterweight Championship
Absolute NO-GI   Dan Strauss def.   Satoshi Ishii Decision (Split) 1 15:00
Featherweight 65.8 kg NO-GI   Nicky Ryan def.   Masakazu Imanari Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 1 13:11 For the inaugural Polaris Featherweight Championship
Catchweight 80 kg GI   Santeri Lilius def.   Pedro Bessa Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00

[9]

2019 in Polaris

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Polaris 9

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Polaris 9
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateMarch 15, 2019
VenueIndigo at The O2
City  London, England

Polaris 9 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on March 15, 2019, at the Indigo at The O2 in London, England.

Background
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The event was the fourth the Polaris has hosted at the Indigo at The O2 in London, England. The card was headlined by a catchweight superfight between the multiple-time MMA champion Jake Shields and future Bellator MMA Middleweight Champion and grappling champion Rafael Lovato Jr.[10][11]

In the co-featured slot, for inaugural the Polaris Women Under 55KG Championship a bout between IBJJF(2018) champion Ffion Davies and IBJJF(2013/2014/2016) champion Gezary Matuda took place.[12]

Bonus awards
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The following fighters were awarded bonuses:

  • Performance of the Night: Ffion Davies
  • Submission of the Night: Ethan Crelinsten
Results
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Polaris 9
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Catchweight 90.7 kg NO-GI   Rafael Lovato Jr. def.   Jake Shields Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Women Under 55 kg NO-GI   Ffion Davies def.   Gezary Matuda Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) 1 2:26 For the inaugural Polaris Women Under 55 KG Championship
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI   Vagner Rocha def.   Ross Nicholls Decision (Split) 1 15:00
Lightweight 70.3 kg NO-GI   Ethan Crelinsten def.   Tom Halpin Submission (Armbar) 1 8:48
Middleweight 83.9 kg NO-GI   Mike Perez def.   Darragh O'Conaill Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Middleweight 83.9 kg GI   Eduardo Rios def.   Santeri Lilius Decision (Split) 1 15:00

[13]

Polaris 10

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Polaris 10
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateMay 25, 2019
VenueLighthouse
City  Poole, England

Polaris 10 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on May 25, 2019, at the Lighthouse in Poole, England.

Background
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Brad Pickett was scheduled to face Caol Uno at Polaris 10, but Pickett was forced off the card on March 12 with an injury. Leigh Remedios has stepped in on short notice to face Uno.

Results
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Polaris 10
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Featherweight 65.8 kg NO-GI   Nicky Ryan (c) def.   Urijah Faber Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 For the Polaris Featherweight Championship
Middleweight 83.9 kg NO-GI   Craig Jones (c) def.   Matheus Lutes Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 For the Polaris Middleweight Championship
Lightweight 70.3 kg NO-GI   Ashley Williams def.   Ethan Crelinsten Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 For the inaugural Polaris Lightweight Championship
Lightweight 70.3 kg NO-GI   Caol Uno def.   Leigh Remedios Submission (Keylock) 1 5:10
Middleweight 83.9 kg NO-GI   Richie Martinez def.   Miha Perhavec Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 1 0:53
Catchweight 105 kg NO-GI   Nick Rodriguez def.   Ashley Amos Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 1 7:30

Polaris 11

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Polaris 11
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateAugust 31, 2019
VenueBridgewater Hall
City  Manchester, England

Polaris 11 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on August 31, 2019, at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, England.

Background
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Vagner Rocha has had to pull out of his title fight against Mansher Khera. However, Edwin Najmi stepping up on short notice to face Khera.

Marc Diakiese has had to pull out of his match with Chris Fishgold, however, Diakiese's training partner and grappling instructor, Liam Cann, will be stepping in on short notice to test himself against the powerful UFC grappler.

Unfortunately due to a last minute training injury, Satoshi Ishii is unable to compete and so the match with Arya Esfandmaz will have to be postponed.

Results
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Polaris 11
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Women Under 55 kg NO-GI   Ffion Davies (c) def.   Talita Alencar Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 For the Polaris Women Under 55 KG Championship
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI   Edwin Najmi def.   Mansher Khera (c) Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00 For the Polaris Welterweight Championship
Welterweight 77.1 kg NO-GI   Stevie Ray def.   Paddy Pimblett Submission (Heelhook) 1 7:42
Middleweight 83.9 kg GI   Tommy Langaker def.   Marcos Tinoco Decision (Split) 1 15:00
Catchweight 103 kg NO-GI   Nick Rodriguez def.   Ben Dyson Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Catchweight 74 kg NO-GI   Liam Cann def.   Chris Fishgold Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00

Polaris 12

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Polaris 12
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateNovember 30, 2019
VenueInternational Convention Centre Wales
City  Newport, Wales

Polaris 12 was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on November 30, 2019, at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport, Wales.

Background
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João Miyao has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled Polaris Bantamweight Championship bout against Ashley Williams due to an injury, Azize Hlali has stepped in as a replacement. Unfortunately, Hlali has been unable to compete. Williams instead faced Richard Alarcon, who stepped in on a weeks notice for this encounter.[14]

Fight Card
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Polaris 12
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Catchweight 104.3 kg NO-GI   Nick Rodriguez def.   Luke Rockhold Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Bantamweight 61 kg NO-GI   Ashley Williams def.   Richard Alarcon Submission (Armbar) 1 1:39 For the inaugural Polaris Bantamweight Championship
Catchweight 80 kg GI   Tommy Langaker def.   Gilbert Burns Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
W.Catchweight 57 kg NO-GI   Michelle Nicolini def.   Vanessa English Submission (Toe Hold) 1
Catchweight 104 kg NO-GI   Devhonte Johnson def.   Arya Esfandmaz Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00
Welterweight 77 kg NO-GI   PJ Barch def.   Marcin Held Decision (Unanimous) 1 15:00

2020 in Polaris

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Polaris 13: UK Grand Prix

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Polaris 13: UK Grand Prix
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateApril 4, 2020
VenueInternational Convention Centre Wales
City  Newport, Wales

Polaris 13: UK Grand Prix was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on July 11, 2020, at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport, Wales.

Background
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Differing from the previous Polaris events, the event was a one-night tournament with all eight competitors weighing in at under 90 kg.[15]

Fight Card
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Polaris 13
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Absolute Superfight NO-GI   Jed Hue def.   Dinu Bucalet Kimura
Opening Round NO-GI   Taylor Pearman def.   Nastasa Silviu Georgian Judge's Decision
Opening Round NO-GI   Frederic Vosgrone def.   Tom Breese Points
Opening Round NO-GI   Ross Nicholls def.   Dominic Dillon Points
Opening Round NO-GI   Bradley Hill def.   Shane Curtis Rear-Naked Choke
Semi-Final Round NO-GI   Frederic Vosgrone def.   Taylor Pearman Points
Semi-Final Round NO-GI   Ross Nicholls def.   Bradley Hill Judge's Decision
Final Match NO-GI   Frederic Vosgrone def.   Ross Nicholls Points

Polaris 14: Squads

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Background
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Polaris 14: Squads was the first event of the promotion's new format that featured two teams of eight grapplers, four under 75 kg and four under 95 kg on each team. They competed across an eighty-minute time period, split into two halves.[16] The first event of its kind to use this unique ruleset, it saw UFC veterans and elite BJJ black belts representing Team UK and Ireland,[17] and Team Europe.[18] The event also featured a non-title superfight between Ffion Davies and Magdalena Loska.[19]

Team UK and Ireland
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-75kg
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Ashley Williams

Tom Halpin

Dominic Dillon

Jed Hue

-95kg
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Darragh O'Connail

Bradley Hill

Kieran Davern

Taylor Pearman

Team Europe
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-75kg
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Mateusz Szczeciński

Tommi Pulkkanen

Kamil Wilk

Dinu Bucalet

-95kg
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Eduardo 'Teta' Rios

Marcin Held

Tarik Hopstock

Santeri Lilius

Results
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After a total of seventeen matches, Team UK & Ireland won the event 1–0. Fifteen of the matches ended in a draw and double-elimination, with the only submission coming from Tom Halpin. He submitted Dinu Bucalet via Triangle Choke late in the first half. The main event superfight saw Ffion Davies defeat Magdalena Loska via Rear-Naked Choke.[20]

Polaris 15: Squads 2

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Background
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Polaris 15: Squads 2 changed the format slightly from their first Squads event, with this edition being contested in the gi instead[21] and the presence of Team UK instead of the addition of Ireland.[22] Team Europe remained unchanged, although the lineup for both teams was drastically different from the first event, owing to the switch from no gi to gi.[23] The superfight for this event featured a contest for the promotion's vacant Featherweight Championship between former Squads teammates, Ashley Williams and Tom Halpin.[24]

Team UK
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-75kg
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Bryn Jenkins

Adam Adshead

Tyrone Elliott

Sam Gibson

-95kg
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Arya Esfandmaz

Bradley Hill

Jamie Paxman

Marcos Nardini

Team Europe
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-75kg
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Espen Mathiesen

Tommi Pulkkanen

Leon Larman

Dinu Bucalet

-95kg
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Adam Wardzinski

Tommy Langaker

Luca Anacoreta

Max Lindblad

Results
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After a total of twenty-two matches, Team Europe won the event 9–0. Eight of the matches ended in a finish, with the remaining fourteen being declared a draw and Team Europe being awarded a bonus point as Bryn Jenkins was forced to withdraw after half-time due to an injury. Tommy Langaker submitted Bryn Jenkins via Armbar, Marcos Nardini via Triangle Choke, and Sam Gibson via Cross-Collar Choke. Leon Larman submitted Tyrone Elliott via Bow and Arrow Choke, and both Adam Adshead and Sam Gibson via Collar Choke. Dinu Bucalet submitted Tyrone Elliott via Ezekiel Choke and Luca Anacoreta submitted Jamie Paxman via Reverse Triangle Choke.[25] The superfight between Ashley Williams and Tom Halpin went the full fifteen minutes before Williams was declared the victor by decision, making him the first three-weight champion in Polaris history.[26]

2021 in Polaris

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Polaris 16: Squads 3

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Background
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Polaris 16: Squads 3 was an event that took place on August 7, 2021. This event saw a return to the competition being contested without the use of a gi, and will also be the first time that Team USA will appear, competing against Team UK & Ireland.[27] Darragh O'Connail returned to serve as captain for Team UK & Ireland, while Geo and Richie Martinez took up positions as Co-Captains for Team USA.[28] This event was also the first of the Polaris Squads events to feature preliminary matches as well as a superfight for the promotion's Heavyweight title, with the running order as follows:

Preliminary Matches
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Jack Sear v Ciaran Brohan

Walli Abdullah v Ollie Bates

Libby Genge v Bryony Tyrell

Charlie Baker v Mason Guard

Superfight
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Nastasa Silviu Georgian v Kyle Boehm

Team UK and Ireland
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-75kg
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Jed Hue

Ellis Younger

Ross Nicholls

Darragh O'Connaill

-95kg
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Dan Strauss

Bradley Hill

Kieran Davern

Ben Dyson

Team USA
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-75kg
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Geo Martinez

Adam Benayoun

Nathan Orchard

Nick Ronan

-95kg
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Roberto Jimenez

Jon 'Thor' Blank

Richie 'Boogieman' Martinez

Hunter Colvin

Results
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After a total of twenty-seven matches, Team USA won the event 7–0. Three of the matches ended in a finish, with the remaining twenty-four being declared a draw. Nathan Orchard earned three points by submitting Kieran Davern with a modified twister, Roberto Jimenez earned a point by submitting Bradley Hill with a rear-naked choke, and Geo Martinez earned three points when Dan Strauss was injured during their match and could not continue. The superfight ended with Kyle Boehm submitting Nastasa Silviu Georgian with a belly-down heelhook in less than a minute to become the Polaris Heavyweight Champion.[29]

Polaris 17

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Background
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For the first time since Polaris 12, the promotion returned to the superfight format with the event held October 9, 2021 in the Central Hall, Southampton, UK. Craig Jones defended his Polaris Middleweight title and Kendall Reusing capturing the Women's inaugural Polaris Openweight title.

Fight Card
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Polaris 17
Weight Class Method Time Notes
Middleweight (83.9 kg) NO-GI   Craig Jones def.   Davi Ramos Judges Decision 10:00 For the Polaris Middleweight title
Women Openweight (+55 kg) NO-GI   Kendall Reusing def.   Venla Luukkonen Submission (Armbar) 4:28 For the inaugural Polaris Openweight title
Catchweight (80 kg) NO-GI   Jed Hue def.   Kody Steele Judges Decision 10:00
Lightweight (77 kg) NO-GI   Mateusz Szczecinski def.   Ellis Younger Submission (Ankle Lock) 3:22
Middleweight (85 kg) NO-GI   Tarik Hopstock def.   Fred Greenall Judges Decision 10:00
Catchweight (70 kg) NO-GI   Kamil Wilk def.   Robert Degle Judges Decision 10:00

Polaris 18

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Polaris 18
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateNovember 27th, 2021
VenueInternational Convention Centre Wales
City  Newport, Wales
Background
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Polaris 18 took place at ICC Wales on 27 November 2021.[30]

Fight Card
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Polaris 18
Weight Class Method Time Notes
Featherweight (66 kg) GI   Ashley Williams def.   Paulo Miyao Judge's Decision 10:00
Welterweight (77.1 kg) NO-GI   Jed Hue def.   AJ Agazarm Judge's Decision 10:00
Light-Heavyweight (90 kg) GI   Igor Tanabe def.   Tommy Langaker Bow & Arrow Choke
Welterweight (77 kg) NO-GI   Steven Ray def.   Craig Ewers Twister
Welterweight (77 kg) GI   Leon Larman def.   Bryn Jenkins Judge's Decision 10:00
Middleweight (84 kg) NO-GI   Lloyd Cooper def.   Tom Barry Split Decision 10:00

2022 in Polaris

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Polaris 19

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Polaris 19
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateMarch 26th, 2022
VenueSouthampton Central Hall
City  Southampton, England
Background
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Polaris 19 is a professional grappling event that took take place on 26 March 2022, in Southampton, England.

Fight Card
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Results[31][32]

Polaris 19
Weight Class Method Time Notes
NO-GI   Roberto Jimenez def.   Magid Hage Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 3:13
Lightweight NO-GI   Ashley Williams def.   Jack Sear Unanimous Decision
Openweight NO-GI   Kendall Reusing def.   Amanda Leve Forfeit due to Injury 5:05 for the inaugural Women's Openweight title
NO-GI   Owen Livesey def.   Frederic Vosgrone Unanimous Decision
NO-GI   Eoghan O'Flanagan def.   Valentin Fels Unanimous Decision
NO-GI   Margot Ciccarelli def.   Ashley Bendle Unanimous Decision

Polaris 20: Squads 4

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Polaris 20
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateJune 25th, 2022
VenueInternational Convention Centre Wales
City  Newport, Wales
Background
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Polaris 20: Squads 4 is a professional grappling event that took take place on 25 June 2022, in Newport, Wales. This was the fourth edition of the Squads format that featured Team USA defending their status as champions against Team Brazil.

Superfight
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Demian Maia v Benson Henderson

Team USA
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-75kg
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Geo Martinez

Keith Krikorian

Nathan Orchard

Nick Ronan

-95kg
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Mason Fowler

Richie 'Boogieman' Martinez

Jon 'Thor' Blank

Hunter Colvin

Team Brazil
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-75kg
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Luiz Paulo

Fabricio Andrey

Marcelo Fausto

Diogo Reis

-95kg
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Kywan Gracie

Igor Tanabe

Isaque Bahiense

Mica Galvao

Results
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After a total of twenty-six matches, Team Brazil won the event 2-1.[33] Three of the matches ended in a finish, with the remaining twenty-three being declared a draw. Mason Fowler submitted Kywan Gracie with an armbar to register the first point of the match, and the only point for Team USA. Mica Galvao then submitted Keith Krikorian with an armbar in order to bring the score to 1-1, before he submitted Krikorian once again with a triangle choke in order to take the score to 2-1. The superfight ended with Demian Maia defeating Benson Henderson by Decision.

Polaris 21: Grapple Island

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Polaris 21
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateSeptember 24, 2022
VenueBJJ Summer Week
City  Cagliari, Sardinia
Background
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Polaris 21: Grapple Island was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on September 24, 2022, at the end of the BJJ Summer Week in Cagliari, Sardinia. This marked the very first time that the promotion held an event outside of the UK.[34]

Results
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Polaris 21
Weight Class Method Time Notes
NO-GI   Jed Hue def.   Paul Craig Submission (Straight Ankle-Lock) 0:21
Bantamweight NO-GI   Michelle Nicolini def.   Ashley Bendle Split Decision 15:00 For the inaugural Polaris Bantamweight title
NO-GI   Owen Livesey def.   Josh Hinger Split Decision 10:00
GI   Robson Moura def.   Tom Barlow Unanimous Decision 10:00
NO-GI   Tom Halpin def.   Alessio Sachetti Unanimous Decision 10:00
GI   Espen Mathiesen def.   Luca Anacoreta Submission (Bow & Arrow Choke) 1:52
NO-GI   Alberto Buriasco def.   Shane Curtis Unanimous Decision 10:00

Polaris 22: Middleweight Grand Prix

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Polaris 22
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateNovember 5, 2022
VenueSouthampton Central Hall
City  Southampton, England
Background
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Polaris 22: Middleweight Grand Prix was a grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on November 5, 2022. The event featured several superfights along with a middleweight grand prix that saw the winner crowned the new Middleweight world champion.[35] Oliver Taza, Jed Hue, Mateusz Szczecinski, Roberto Jimenez, Hunter Colvin, Alan Sanchez, Owen Livesey, and Shane Fishman all competed in the tournament.[36]

Fight Card
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Polaris 22
Weight Class Method Time Notes
Opening Round NO-GI   Hunter Colvin def.   Owen Livesey Rear-Naked Choke 9:27
Opening Round NO-GI   Roberto Jimenez def.   Shane Fishman Points (9-2) 10:00
Opening Round NO-GI   Jed Hue def.   Alan Sanchez Points (4-0) 10:00
Opening Round NO-GI   Oliver Taza def.   Mateusz Szczecinski Unanimous Decision 10:00
Semifinal NO-GI   Roberto Jimenez def.   Hunter Colvin Triangle Choke 7:58 Awarded 'Match of the Year' at the Jitsmagazine 2022 BJJ Awards.[37]
Semifinal NO-GI   Jed Hue def.   Oliver Taza Points (1-0) 10:00
Final NO-GI   Roberto Jimenez def.   Jed Hue Arm-triangle Choke 9:55 for Polaris Middleweight world title
NO-GI   Ashley Williams def.   Carlos Condit Heelhook 4:14
GI   Ben Robson def.   Claudio Brudny Unanimous Decision 10:00
NO-GI   Owen Jones def.   Anton Defreitas Armbar 0:42
NO-GI   John Hathaway def.   Matt Inman Split Decision 10:00
NO-GI   Violet Bennett def.   Emily Eyles Armbar 4:23
NO-GI   Jack Sear def.   Dani Khalid Split Decision 10:00
GI   Nathan Johnstone def.   Dominic Dillon Toehold 1:29
NO-GI   Finlay Nixon def.   Justin Moore Heelhook 1:48
NO-GI   Mo Coles def.   Gavin Stewart Reverse Triangle Choke 7:14

2023 in Polaris

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Polaris 23: Women's Under 66kg Grand Prix

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Polaris 23
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateMarch 11, 2023
VenueDoncaster Dome
CityDoncaster, England
Background
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Polaris 23 was announced in December, 2022, when the promotion confirmed that the event would feature a grand prix tournament in the women's 66 kg division.[38] The main event was announced as Owen Livesey v Chris Weidman, and the tournament was scheduled to feature Ffion Davies, Maggie Grindatti, Giovanna Jara, Amy Campo, Brianna Ste-Marie, Julia Maele, and Elisabeth Clay.[39] Jara missed weight by 0.9 kg prior to the event and she was allowed to compete, although she was not eligible to win the title in the event that she won. Elisabeth Clay won the tournament and was crowned the under 66 kg champion.[40]

Fight card
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Polaris 22
Weight Class Method Time Notes
NO-GI   Owen Livesey def.   Chris Weidman Unanimous Decision 15:00
Opening Round NO-GI   Ffion Davies def.   Giovana Jara Points (4-1) 10:00
Opening Round NO-GI   Elisabeth Clay def.   Joanna Dineva Reverse Triangle Choke 8:57
Opening Round NO-GI   Amy Campo def.   Julia Maele Rear-naked Choke 5:45
Opening Round NO-GI   Brianna Ste-Marie def.   Maggie Grindatti Armbar 5:29
Semifinal NO-GI   Elisabeth Clay def.   Ffion Davies Toehold 2:59
Semifinal NO-GI   Amy Campo def.   Brianna Ste-Marie Rear-naked Choke 9:52
Final NO-GI   Elisabeth Clay def.   Amy Campo Points (1-0) 10:00 for Polaris Under 66 kg world title

Polaris 24

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Polaris 24
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateJune 3, 2023
VenueFairfield Halls
CityCroydon
Background
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Polaris 24 was a professional grappling event held by Polaris Pro Grappling on June 3, 2023.[41] It was first announced in January 2023 and the promotion confirmed that a men's under 70 kg tournament would take place at the event.[42] During the live broadcast of Polaris 23 the main event was revealed to be a lightweight title-fight between Ryan Hall and the reigning champion Ashley Williams.[43] Both men withdrew from the event and the title was vacated, with Ethan Crelinsten and Nathan Orchard competing for the vacant belt in the co-main event instead.[44] Jed Hue and Mateusz Szczecinski were also booked to compete for the vacant welterweight title in the main event.[45] The men's tournament was postponed and there were a number of superfights booked for Polaris 24 instead.[46]

Results
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Polaris 24
Weight Class Method Time Notes
Welterweight NO-GI   Mateusz Szczecinski def.   Jed Hue Submission (Straight Ankle-Lock) 0:21 For the vacant Polaris Welterweight title
Lightweight NO-GI   Ethan Crelinsten def.   Nathan Orchard Unanimous Decision 15:00 For the vacant Polaris Lightweight title
NO-GI   Dinu Bucalet def.   Ollie Webb Split Decision 10:00
NO-GI   Martina Zola def.   Rosie Clarke Unanimous Decision 10:00
NO-GI   Eoghan O'Flanagan def.   Hunter Colvin Unanimous Decision 10:00
No-GI   Jason Rau def.   Matty Holmes Submission (Armbar)
NO-GI   Keith Krikorian def.   Tom Halpin Submission (Rear-naked Choke)

Polaris 25: Absolute Grand Prix

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Polaris 25
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateSeptember 30, 2023
VenueTBC
CityEbbw Vale
Background
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Polaris announced that an absolute grand prix had been scheduled for their 25th event, with 8 men competing for a $30,000 grand prize.[47] The promotion also scheduled a Contenders tournament on August 26, 2023 to determine the final entrant into the tournament.[48] Marcin Maciulewicz won that tournament and became the final entrant.[49]

Aljamain Sterling was originally booked to compete against Nathaniel Wood in the main event superfight.[50] Wood withdrew from the match and was replaced by Mike Grundy instead.[51]

Fight Card
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Polaris 25
Weight Class Method Time Notes
Main Event NO-GI   Aljamain Sterling def.   Mike Grundy Decision
Final NO-GI   Kaynan Duarte def.   Fabricio Andrey Rear-naked Choke Duarte wins the absolute grand prix[52]
Semi-final NO-GI   Fabricio Andrey def.   Giancarlo Bodoni Points (1-0) Won 'Match of the Year' at JitsMagazine BJJ Awards 2023[53]
Semi-final NO-GI   Kaynan Duarte def.   Izaak Michell Points (3-1)
Opening Round NO-GI   Fabricio Andrey def.   Owen Livesey Points (1-0)
Opening Round NO-GI   Giancarlo Bodoni def.   Marcin Maciulewicz Rear-naked Choke
Opening Round NO-GI   Izaak Michell def.   Roberto Jimenez Points (2-0)
Opening Round NO-GI   Kaynan Duarte def.   Jason Rau Rear-naked Choke

Polaris 26: Jones v Meerschaert

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Polaris 26
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateNovember 5, 2023
VenueSouthampton Central Hall
CitySouthampton
Background
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Polaris announced that Craig Jones will be competing against UFC middleweight veteran Gerald Meerschaert in the main event.[54] They later confirmed that Kendall Reusing will be making her return to professional grappling after over a year away due to injury, and she will be defending her openweight title against Leticia Cardozo.[55] Molly McCann is also scheduled to make her professional grappling debut against Julia Scardone.[56]

Fight Card
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Polaris 25
Weight Class Method Time Notes
Light-heavyweight NO-GI   Craig Jones def.   Gerald Meerschaert Rear-naked Choke
Openweight NO-GI   Kendall Reusing def.   Leticia Cardozo Decision Reusing retains the women's openweight title
NO-GI   Molly McCann def.   Julia Scardone Armbar
NO-GI   Tommy Langaker def.   Oliver Taza Decision
NO-GI   Owen Jones def.   Bart Dubbeldam Decision
NO-GI   Marcin Maciulewicz def.   Max Bickerton Decision
GI   Luiz Finnochio def.   Nathan Johnstone Decision
NO-GI   Nia Blackman def.   Amanda Pamela Nicole Decision
NO-GI   Phil Harris def.   Mark Phung Decision
NO-GI   Dominic Dillon def.   Claudio Brudny Reverse Bulldog Choke
NO-GI   Kerry Isom def.   Jade Barker Decision
NO-GI   Sam Crook def.   Mike Parry Decision
NO-GI   Justin Moore def.   Matthew Fitz-James Arm-triangle Choke
NO-GI   Jack Hassard def.   Abraham Dannan Decision
NO-GI   Franck Takadjou def.   Archer Colaco Decision

2024 in Polaris

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Polaris 27: Welterweight grand prix

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Polaris 27
PromotionPolaris Pro Grappling
DateMarch 23, 2024
VenueInternational Convention Centre Wales
CityNewport, Wales
Background
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Polaris announced that Polaris 27 would feature a welterweight grand prix tournament with a grand prize of $20,000.[57] Ashley Williams vacated the featherweight title so that Owen Jones and Gabriel Sousa could compete for it in the main event,[58] although both men withdrew and were replaced by Keith Krikorian and Cameron Donnelly. Ffion Davies also defended her flyweight title against Brianna Ste-Marie,[59] while UFC veterans Nathaniel Wood and Alex Caceres were booked to compete in a superfight.[60]

Fight Card
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Polaris 27
Weight Class Method Time Notes
Main Event NO-GI   Ffion Davies def.   Brianna Ste-Marie Unanimous Decision For the flyweight title
Final NO-GI   PJ Barch def.   Levi Jones-Leary Points (2-0) Barch wins the welterweight grand prix[61]
Semi-final NO-GI   Levi Jones-Leary def.   Jozef Chen Points (1-0)
Semi-final NO-GI   PJ Barch def.   Espen Mathiesen Heel Hook
Opening Round NO-GI   Jozef Chen def.   Harrison Woods Kimura
Opening Round NO-GI   Levi Jones-Leary def.   Shane Curtis Rear-naked Choke
Opening Round NO-GI   Espen Mathiesen def.   Max Hanson Unanimous Decision
Opening Round NO-GI   PJ Barch def.   Luiz Paulo Split Decision
Featured Prelim NO-GI   Nathaniel Wood def.   Alex Caceres Rear-naked Choke
Featured Prelim NO-GI   Keith Krikorian def.   Cameron Donnelly Armbar For the featherweight title

Awards

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In 2020, Polaris won "Promotion of the year" at the JitsMagazine BJJ Awards.[62]

In 2023, Polaris won "Promotion of the year" at the JitsMagazine BJJ Awards.[63]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Polaris About Us". Polaris Pro Grappling. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
  2. ^ "Polaris 1". Polaris Grappling. 26 October 2017. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  3. ^ "Polaris 2". Polaris Grappling. November 2017. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  4. ^ "Polaris 3". Polaris Grappling. November 2017. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  5. ^ "Polaris 4". Polaris Grappling. November 2017. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  6. ^ "Polaris 5". Polaris Grappling. November 2017. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  7. ^ "Polaris 6". Polaris Grappling. 14 November 2017. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  8. ^ "Polaris 7". Polaris Grappling. 2 May 2018. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
  9. ^ "Polaris 8". Polaris Grappling. 25 September 2018. Retrieved 2018-11-30.
  10. ^ "Jake Shields To Face Rafael Lovato Jr. At Polaris 9". jiujitsutimes.com.
  11. ^ "Polaris 9: Jake Shields versus Rafael Lovato Jr set for main event". fansided.com. 15 February 2019.
  12. ^ "Ffion Davies vs. Gezary Matuda set for Polaris title fight". bloodyelbow.com. 24 January 2019.
  13. ^ "Polaris 9 Results". bjjheroes.com.
  14. ^ "Joao Miyao OUT of Polaris 12 – Richard "Red" Alarcon IN". attacktheback.com. 20 November 2019.
  15. ^ "Polaris Announces Absolute Grand Prix". sherdog.com. January 22, 2020.
  16. ^ "Rules and First Competitor Announced for Polaris Squads". 19 August 2020.
  17. ^ "Full Polaris Squads Team UK and Ireland Lineup Announced". 3 September 2020.
  18. ^ "Polaris Squads Lineup Finalized with Team Europe Announcement". 4 September 2020.
  19. ^ "Polaris Squads Adds Ffion Davies v Magdalena Loska Superfight". 8 September 2020.
  20. ^ "Polaris Squads: Live Results, Discussion and Play by Play". 27 September 2020.
  21. ^ "The Second Polaris Squads Event Will be in the Gi". October 2020.
  22. ^ "Team UK Finalized for Polaris Squads 2". 23 October 2020.
  23. ^ "Team Europe Announced for Second Polaris Squads Event". 21 October 2020.
  24. ^ "Ashley Williams vs. Tom Halpin Set for Polaris Squads 2". 27 October 2020.
  25. ^ "Polaris Squads 2: Live Results, Discussion and Play by Play". 7 November 2020.
  26. ^ "Ashley Williams Becomes First Ever Polaris Triple Champion". 7 November 2020.
  27. ^ "Team USA Takes on Team UK & Ireland at Third Polaris Squads". 12 March 2021.
  28. ^ "Team Captains Announced for Polaris Squads 3". 9 April 2021.
  29. ^ BjjTribes (2021-08-08). "Polaris Squads 3 UK & Ireland vs USA results & review". BjjTribes. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  30. ^ "Polaris 18 Results". bjjheroes. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  31. ^ "Polaris 19 Results, Jimenez, Reusing, And Williams Win In England". BJJ Heroes. 2022-03-26.
  32. ^ Freeman, Nate (2022-03-26). "Polaris 19 Results - Jimenez vs Hage". MMA Sucka.
  33. ^ "Polaris 20 Full Results and Review". 28 June 2022.
  34. ^ "Polaris 21 Full Results and Review". 25 September 2022.
  35. ^ "Polaris 22: Middleweight Grand Prix Full Results and Review". 6 November 2022.
  36. ^ "Full Lineup Confirmed for Polaris 22: Middleweight Grand Prix". 23 October 2022.
  37. ^ "The Jitsmagazine 2022 BJJ Awards". January 2023.
  38. ^ "Polaris Announces Under 66kg Women's Grand Prix". 18 December 2022.
  39. ^ Rogers, Kian (25 January 2023). "Polaris 23 To Feature Chris Weidman v Owen Livesey And Incredible Grand Prix Lineup". JitsMagazine. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  40. ^ "Polaris 23 Full Results And Review". JitsMagazine. 12 March 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  41. ^ "Polaris 24 Full Results And Review". Jitsmagazine. 4 June 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  42. ^ Lindsey, Alex (31 January 2023). "Men's Under 70kg Grand Prix Announced For Polaris 24". JitsMagazine. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  43. ^ Lindsey, Alex (11 March 2023). "Ryan Hall To Face Ashley Williams At Polaris 24". JitsMagazine. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  44. ^ de Souza, Diogo (18 May 2023). "Replacement Main Event Booked For Polaris 24". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  45. ^ Lindsey, Alex (24 March 2023). "Jed Hue And Mateusz Szczecinski To Fight For Welterweight Title At Polaris 24". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  46. ^ Lindsey, Alex (19 April 2023). "Keith Krikorian And Tom Halpin To Clash At Polaris 24". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  47. ^ Jones, Phil (17 June 2023). "Polaris Announces Absolute Grand Prix". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
  48. ^ Lindsey, Alex (17 August 2023). "Polaris 25 Absolute Grand Prix Lineup Confirmed". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  49. ^ "Marcin Maciulewicz Wins Polaris Absolute Grand Prix Contenders Tournament 2023". Jitsmagazine. 30 August 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  50. ^ Blackett, Todd (9 September 2023). "Aljamain Sterling To Face Nathaniel Wood In Polaris 25 Superfight". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  51. ^ Jones, Phil (19 September 2023). "Aljamain Sterling Gets New Opponent For Polaris 25". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
  52. ^ "Polaris 25 Live Results, Play-by-play, Analysis, Highlights, More". Jitsmagazine. 30 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  53. ^ "The JitsMagazine 2023 BJJ Awards". Jitsmagazine. 2 January 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  54. ^ Blackett, Todd (10 October 2023). "Craig Jones Faces Gerald Meerschaert In Polaris 26 Main Event". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  55. ^ Burne, Kathrine (12 October 2023). "Kendall Reusing To Defend Title Against Leticia Cardozo At Polaris 26". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  56. ^ Phillips, Sabrina (14 October 2023). "UFC Veteran Molly McCann Set To Make Debut At Polaris 26". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  57. ^ Jones, Phil (3 January 2024). "Welterweight Grand Prix Announced For Polaris 27". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  58. ^ Jones, Phil (30 January 2024). "Owen Jones Faces Gabriel Sousa For Featherweight Title At Polaris 27". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  59. ^ Williams, Jackson (17 February 2024). "Ffion Davies Set To Defend Title Against Brianna Ste-Marie At Polaris 27". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  60. ^ Jones, Phil (7 February 2024). "UFC Veterans Nathaniel Wood And Mason Jones To Clash In Polaris 27 Superfight". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
  61. ^ "Polaris 27: Welterweight Grand Prix Live Results, Play-by-play, Analysis, Highlights, More". Jitsmagazine. 23 March 2024. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  62. ^ "The Jitsmagazine 2020 BJJ Awards". 2 January 2021.
  63. ^ "The JitsMagazine 2023 BJJ Awards". Jitsmagazine. 2 January 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
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