Brand new black belt John Combs does everything in life at 100 mph, and his jiu-jitsu is no different. 

A former All-American wrestler who made the switch to gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu, Combs' style resembles that of an out-of-control bowling ball rolling down a hill. It's unpredictable, dangerous, and absolutely impossible not to watch. 



Combs will be one half of an exciting superfight when he faces 10th Planet soldier Richie "Boogeyman" Martinez at the GT Open in Guatemala on Saturday, October 1. The two grapplers couldn't have more diametrically opposed games, so how is Combs preparing for the unorthodox 10th Planet style? 

"I've faced a few 10th Planet grapplers before and I've done well. That said, he is one of the best from their lineage. I have the tools to take apart his weapons if necessary," Combs said. 

I won't feel concerned about facing someone with a different style of BJJ. I'll fight this match like any other, with the only exceptions being to stay out of closed guard and go on the run the second I sense him attacking my feet.

 

John Combs putting his infamous guillotine choke to work at the LA Grand Slam.
Combs has been training full-time since his breakout performance at the Copa Podio Middleweight GP in July. He claims he didn't even know how to do a heel hook until after Worlds this year. 

It's not the only adjustment he's made to his live training: He's been starting rounds inside the rubber guard to prepare for the match and has diversified his leg lock attacks to go up against the heel hook-savvy Martinez.

"I feel that I've prepared well for the problems that his style presents," Combs said. 

The match will take place under EBI rules, which definitely presents a challenge for Combs. Martinez is an EBI champ, and this is the first time Combs has competed in this format. 

"I suspect that Richie will try to outlast me then beat me in the overtime," Combs said. 

I must finish him in regulation. I've prepared for the OT rounds and I'll fight as hard as possible if we end up there, but I think that's the Boogeyman's clearest way to upsetting -- I mean beating -- me…

You can watch this match and all of the other superfights from GT Open on FloGrappling soon!

Free Match: John Combs vs Hayward Charles, Fight To Win Pro 7