In a late but impactful shake-up ahead of the Craig Jones Invitational 2 (CJI 2), Team Misfits Australasia will no longer be featuring Levi Jones-Leary in their lineup.
The ADCC veteran and under 80kg finalist from the first CJI has been forced to withdraw, reportedly due to injury.
His spot will be filled by Kenta Iwamoto, one of Japan’s most accomplished grapplers and a three-time ADCC Trials winner.
The news was confirmed by teammate Lucas Kanard:
Yeah, it’s really gutting news.
Levi (Jones-Leary)’s going to have to pull out.I think he’s injured and he’s going to have to take some time off, and we’ll just have to carry the flag for him.
Like I think we’re more than capable of it.I trained with Levi for years. I was so pumped to be on a team with him, right?
But since he’s not there, we’ll just carry him with us.
However, Iwamoto brings a very different and equally formidable style to the table, known for his aggressive wrestling and relentless pressure passing.
It’s a change in dynamic, but one that could play to the team’s strategic advantage.
Kanard acknowledged the contrast:
It’s a bummer not to have Levi, but we’ve essentially got the opposite.
So where Levi was berimbolos and guard play, Kenta is going to be all wrestling and passing and I’m excited.
I’ve been in a team with him before in AIGA and his work-ethic is so impressive, man.
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