Among three of the Americans set to compete at the 2017 Marianas Open this weekend is heavyweight Tanner Rice. Having had battles with some of the toughest names over the years in both division and absolute, he has been on a grinding path to greatness.

This weekend we will see even tougher match-ups for Tanner with Felipe Pena as his potential second match in the bracket. Should he win the heavyweight division with three matches he'll face the winner of the lightweight division for a maximum prize of $10,000. So long as he can "maintain his focus', he says he'll be ready for victory.


Tanner Rice in action at Five Grappling. Photo: Chase Smith / FloGrappling

Rice was a young black belt being promoted at the age of 19. Already known as one of the USA's best talents, with five years of experience behind him he keeps improving. Between his 2013 match win against Augusto 'Tanquinho', to reaching the finals of the 2017 Euros and Pans, his game and style are coming together. 

Just based on his performances between Europeans and Pans this year (and using Lo, who he fought both times, as a measure) he visibly improved. 

Rice went from getting his guard passed and submitted in January, to aggressively sweeping Lo in the first few minutes and only losing by two points -- a much smaller margin.

Watch: Tanner Rice vs Leandro Lo IBJJF 2017 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship

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He says he can feel that he's on the rise and is narrowing down the factors that are preventing him from turning a silver into a gold or in this case, earning a hefty paycheck. "I feel like it's kinda mental from here on out," says Tanner.

I know how to train, I know how to push myself, I know how to stay strong and get stronger. Now I just need to learn how to concentrate during the finals and steal the show.

At the Marianas Open, Tanner could face returning 2016 champion Pena. The main thing stopping him is his own mind. Just like most athletes, he says he does much better when he cares less -- ti's the desire of wanting something so bad that causes his focus to waver but the more relaxed atmosphere of Guam could see a more concentrated Tanner.

And while he isn't always the one people bet on most, he's not concerned: "I don't mind being considered an underdog; if that's the case then hopefully the underdog steals the show this weekend. 

Watch the 2017 Marianas Open LIVE or On Demand ONLY on FloGrappling!

How to watch Marianas Open X

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