Karate Combat’s Pit Submission Series 4 event took place on April 20 in Dubai.
And, well, it showcased three great submission-only bouts!
Here’s how the matches went down.
It was a night full of excitement, as well as upsets.
ZAYED ALKATHEERI VS OSAMAH ALMARWAI
The first match was between two standout talents from the Middle East: 2022 IBJJF no-gi world champion Osamah Almarwai and UAE star Zayed Alkatheeri.
Almarwai predominantly launched his offensive from his back, diligently seeking entries to the legs via K-Guard and using techniques from his Closed Guard.
Alkatheeri, however, demonstrated defensive skills from the top position and came close to executing several guard passes.
Notably, Alkatheeri went for an Armbar attempt, making Almarwai roll out in an escape attempt…
And it was precisely due to this near submission attempt that Alkatheeri secured the judges’ decision.
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POUYA RAHMANI VS. KAYNAN DUARTE
Beach wrestling world champion Pouya Rahmani secured an upset decision victory over two-time ADCC world champion Kaynan Duarte!
Duarte was trying to scout for offensive opportunities from his guard, but Rahmani effectively countered with a defensive approach, utilizing his weight to apply pressure or swiftly disengaging from the guard.
And it was Rahmani’s defensive tactics that earned him the favor of the judges.
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CRAIG JONES VS. RINAT FAKHRETDINOV
The evening’s final grappling match saw two-time ADCC silver medalist Craig Jones face off against UFC’s Rinat Fakhretdinov.
With the clock ticking down, Jones set up a tight Triangle Choke.
And, although Fakhretdinov initially appeared to be unconscious, the referee halted the match momentarily before determining Fakhretdinov could continue.
However, Jones transitioned to mounted Triangle and, this time around, Fakhretdinov was truly out.
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