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How AJ Agazarn Exposing Metamoris United The BJJ Community

How AJ Agazarn Exposing Metamoris United The BJJ Community

 

 

AJ Agazarm is just one week away from one of the biggest tests of his grappling career: facing former Strikeforce champion Jake Shields at Europe’s premiere submission only event, Polaris 3 Jiu-Jitsu Invitational which is set to take place in Poole, England on April 2 and will be available on pay-per-view. Live tickets are on sale here: http://goo.gl/OizbPe

This will be a no gi bout. AJ Agazarm is one of the best American BJJ black belts on the competition circuit. A former D1 wrestler at Ohio State University, Agazarm switched to BJJ and started winning everything. His most notable title is that of World No Gi champion at black belt in 2014. He has participated in the first 2 editions of Polaris.

Shields as a BJJ black belt but is also a high level Wretsler although not at the level of Ben Askren (Agazarm’s original opponent). Shields began amateur wrestling at age nine. He has competed in over 601 folk, freestyle, and submission wrestling matches. Shields was a four-year varsity wrestler and state qualifier at Calaveras High School, finished 2nd place at the Amateur Athletic Union National Freestyle Championships, qualified for U.S.A./ FILA Nationals & World Team Trials in both the junior & university men’s divisions. He is also a two time All American wrestler from Cuesta College, placing 4th in the state tournament in the 177 lb weight class in 1997 and 3rd in the 197 lb weight class a year later.

 

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Agazarm was also in the news for the past few months because of his situation with Metamoris where he faced ex UFC fighter Karo Parisyan at Metamoris Underground last August. More than 7 months later, he still hasn’t been paid by Metamoris. He tackled the matter by taking over Metamoris’ instagram account and making the case public. Ralek Gracie responded with threats of legal action. In the meantime, Metamoris announced a new event with hopes of covering their debts with new PPV revenue, however news has come out that many athletes including their headliner Marcus Buchecha had not yet agreed on terms and hadn’t signed the contract.

BJJEE.com spoke with Agazarm and discussed the Polaris bout, his thoughts on that organisation and professional Jiu-Jitsu, his beef with Metamoris and wether they have paid what they owed him, the up and coming Berkut promotion and much more.

 

1. AJ what is the current situation between you and Metamoris?

Metamoris has custody of my content (my performance) which, as an athlete is my only commodity. They have not compensated me, and are currently promising what they still owe me to other athletes, who before long will be in the same position I am.

2. What do you think of Metamoris 7 as an event and how do you think the BJJ community will respond to it?

It’s important for the community to know that Metamoris 7 is planning a new event without rectifying balances due for previous events. Additionally, I would be weary as a fan to purchase tickets for this show knowing athletes on its advertised card are not yet contracted.
It’s important for us athletes to stick together. Otherwise, the financial and political greed of promoters and organizers will take over.

3. What are the positives and negatives that we the BJJ community should take away from this whole fiasco?

Shakespeare said, “A fool, and his money, are soon parted.”
Modern Metamoris translation is “a fool, and your money, are soon partners.”

Positive takeaways are:
It is allowing and opening up dialogue on important topics in our community.
It’s about empowering athletes to take on these situations, to own their own content, and to preserve their brand.
Through this dialogue it will allow an opportunity for those who are doing right and doing good for the community to shine.
It will allow more resources to go to those organizations instead of being squandered with those whose primary concern is greed and personal gain.

Negatives are:
It creates a gossipy vibe in the community which nobody wants. Instead of having conversation about what next great match somebody is going to have, we are siting here talking about this guy.

4. How do you compare an organisation such as Metamoris and Polaris where you will competing for the third time against Jake Shields?

Polaris philosophy supports the Jiu Jitsu community; Metamoris philosophy supports Ralek Gracie’s Realator.

5. What can you tell us about your experience of competing in Berkut and training in Chechnya?

1st class promotion. Top tier athletes.

6. How do you see Berkut growing and what can they bring to the table for professional BJJ?

Berkut is logistically faced at the crossroads of the European and Asian worlds and their approach makes it easy to envision them utilizing great talent from around the world to put on great fights.

7. What can we expect from your match with Jake Shields?

Jake doesn’t know it yet, but I’m planning his surprise retirement party after I choke him unconscious I’ll put his little paper party hat on.