Erberth Santos faced down a stacked field of heavyweight grapplers to take first place at King of Mats in Los Angeles and win $10,000. 

The Brazilian black belt overcame a number of issues including last minute travel problems, insufficient training circumstances and a tough year of inconsistent performances. 

"The start of the year was very frustrating for me, because I had to take on my own team, become a manager and a teacher, I used to be just an athlete. Now I'm really focused and I think I'm ready for 2019." 

The event was set up so that the participants competed in a round robin of five people, with the top two places in each group moving into the semifinals to fight for the grand prize. 

Erberth had five matches to win gold. He beat Polish black belt Gerard Labinski by points and submitted both Rudson Mateus (toe hold) and Alexandro Ceconi (wristlock). 

Santos had to face off with Jackson Sousa twice, first in the group stage and again later in the final. Santos earned wins via an advantage in the first encounter and got a judges' decision in the second. 

There have been many questions about Erberth's focus and he's eager to shut up the doubters. 

"I proved it here, at the Grand Slam yesterday and the King of Mats today. You can say this business is really easy. The wolf is back."

Watch Erberth Santos's title run 

Erberth Santos def Gerard Labinski 2-0 – watch video

Erberth Santos def Rudson Mateus via toehold – watch video

Erberth Santos def Jackson Sousa 2-2, 1-0 adv – watch video

Erberth Santos def Alexandro Ceconi via cross choke – watch video

Erberth Santos def Jackson Sousa via decision– watch video