By Michael Sears

The fifth and final Grand Slam of the 2017-2018 UAEJJF season came to a close on Sunday night in London, with over $125,000 in cash prizes on the line and up to 200 ranking points. The Copper Box Arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park hosted two days of nonstop action, culminating in the black belt finals. The UAEJJF season wraps up at the Abu Dhabi World Pro on April 24-28. Here is a recap of the men’s final matches.

56kg (decided Saturday)

Gold: Jose Lima – Brazil - GFT

Silver: Joao Kuraoka – Japan – Axis 

Bronze: Andrea Verdemare – Italy – Flow

The 62 kg bracket was a three-man round robin, with Jose Lima winning his fourth Grand Slam of the season and maintaining his third place in the rankings.

62kg

Gold: Hiago George – Brazil – Cicero Costha

Silver: Wanki Chae – South Korea – John Frankl

Bronze: Pedro Dias – Brazil – Cantagalo Team

The 62kg final was highlighted by fourth-ranked black belt Hiago George chaining together guard passing sequences, probing the defenses of Chae’s guard until a long step eventually worked. George secured side control to get the three passing points.

Final: Hiago George defeats Wanki Chae 3-0

69kg

Gold: Paulo Miyao – Brazil – Cicero Costha

Silver: Victor Moraes – Brazil – Cicero Costha

Bronze: Maximiliano Campos – Brazil – Checkmat

No closeouts allowed in UAEJJF, so the Cicero Costha teammates are forced to fight. Miyao threatens with passing attempts, eventually, Moraes turtles and Miyao gets the tap with a collar choke.

Final: Paulo Miyao defeats Victor Moraes by choke from the back 4:28

77kg 

Gold: Jaime Canuto – Brazil – GFT

Silver: Marcos Costa – Brazil – UAEJJ

Bronze: Rafael Mansur – Brazil – NS Brotherhood

Canuto got to closed guard early and immediately attacked an armlock. Costa showed great defense, lasting about three minutes in the hold before escaping. Canuto would then transition from lapel guard to single leg x, a near sweep holding both pants gets the winning advantage.

Final: Jaime Canuto defeats Marcos Costa by 0-0, 1-0 advantages

Canuto on the tournament, “I felt like I’m far away from my best shape, but I got a good result. I’m really excited to work hard on my next challenge, you expect a well prepared Jaime Canuto in the future. World Pro I will be 100 percent.”

85kg

Gold: Isaque Bahiense – Brazil – Alliance

Silver: Charles Negromonte – Brazil – Roger Gracie

Bronze: Igor Souza – Brazil – PS One

Sixth-ranked Isaque pulled guard, spun under to 50/50, swept, then hit a toehold up 2-0. Third Grand Slam gold of the season for Isaque.

Final: Isaque Bahiense defeats Charles Negromonte by toe hold 1:47

94kg 

Gold: Jackson Souza – Brazil – Checkmat

Silver: Paulo Pinto – Brazil – Commando Group

Bronze: Adam Wardzinski – Poland – Checkmat

A hard-fought match between Jackson and Paulo Pinto, who defeated second-ranked Adam Wardzinski on Saturday. Jackson pulled guard and hit an early hook sweep to take the lead 2-0. The men ended up back on their feet, a failed takedown by Pinto put Jackson in top side control where he rode out the 2-0 victory.

When asked about how it felt to compete in London, Souza said, "Fighting in London is like fighting in Brazil. Since I moved to London I feel very welcome here. It's now my home turf. I was feeling good in each match and in two of my matches I managed to submit my opponent. In the final, I had help from my team Checkmat Fightzone London and from all my other friends who were there attending and watching all the fights."

Final: Jackson Souza defeats Paulo Pinto 2-0

110kg

Gold: Thiago Sa – Brazil – Checkmat

Silver: Gerard Labinski – Poland – NS Brotherhood

Bronze: Antonio Junior – United Kingdom – Roger Gracie

Sa scored on an early foot sweep to go up 2-0. Labinski would quickly fire back with a backroll to come on top and tie it at 2. Both men traded 50/50 sweeps. Sa was awarded a unanimous decision by the referees.

Final: Thiago Sa defeats Gerard Labinski 4-4 referee decision