Before the prestigious Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) Submission Wrestling World Championship became synonymous with elite-level grappling, there was an event in 1997 that set the stage for the future of professional grappling. This event, known as “The Contenders,” was the first of its kind to pitch various martial artists against elite U.S. wrestlers in a Pay-Per-View format.
The Genesis of The Contenders
Organized by John Peretti, a martial artist and promoter known for his work with Battlecade: Extreme Fighting, The Contenders was inspired by his deep knowledge of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a desire to showcase grappling arts in a new platform. This event was held a year before the inaugural ADCC in 1998 and aimed to answer a burning question in the martial arts community: Can martial arts-based grappling styles defeat traditional Greco or freestyle wrestlers?
The Format and Fight Card
The event, held in Sioux City, Iowa, featured a seven-match card. Each match consisted of five 3-minute rounds, with points awarded for throws, takedowns, sweeps, and getting to the opponent’s back. The roster included notable fighters such as Tsuyoshi Kosaka, Frank Shamrock, Dan Henderson, and Carlos Newton.
Notable Matches and Outcomes
- Tom Erikson vs. Tsuyoshi Kosaka: Erikson won by points off of a guard pass.
- Frank Shamrock vs. Dan Henderson: In a quick finish, Shamrock secured victory with a heel hook in about 56 seconds.
- Townsend Saunders vs. Andre Pederneiras: Saunders won via decision based on passing attempts and control.
- Mike Van Arsdale vs. Renato Verissimo: Van Arsdale won in a technical match with superior strength and agility.
- Joao Roque vs. Dennis Hall: Roque utilized strategic sweep and submission attempts to win.
- Carlos Newton vs. Chris Barnes: Newton used an arm block from the guard to tie the points.
- Matt Hume vs. Kenny Monday: Hume secured victory for the martial arts team with a toe hold submission.
The Impact and Legacy
The Contenders was groundbreaking in bringing high-caliber athletes together in a professional no-gi format. It was a dream platform for grapplers to compete and earn prize money without venturing into MMA. Though it was a one-off event, it significantly contributed to professional grappling, inspiring later events like ADCC.
The Contenders and Modern Grappling
Today, the debate between grappling styles continues, with more crossover matches and events blending wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu. While the original Contenders event has not been replicated, its spirit lives on in competitions like ADCC, where grapplers from various backgrounds test their skills against each other.
“The Contenders” event in 1997 was a milestone in the history of professional grappling, setting a precedent for future events. It showcased the thrilling potential of style-versus-style matchups and laid the groundwork for the rise of events like ADCC, further cementing the legacy of grappling in the world of combat sports.
