Fight 2 Win crowned a a new super-heavyweight champion on Saturday, February 16 at their event in Rio Rancho, NM. 

Mahamed Aly's F2W debut could not have gone better, as the Team Lloyd Irvin rep faced off with Max Gimenis of GF Team in the main event. 

The submission-only gi match was not the first time they had faced off: Gimenis had beaten Aly on points last summer in their first encounter, and Aly submitted Gimenis with a toehold in their second meeting, a match in October of 2018. 

Aly's status as the FloGrappling Black Belt of the Year, 2018 IBJJF World Champion and no.1 position in the FloGrappling ranking– in addition to their tit-for-tat results– ensured that Gimenis would be gunning for his opponent. The GF Team man-mountain, incidentally also making his F2W debut, has been quietly establishing himself as a name to watch but has yet to break through to the upper echelons of the rankings. A win over Aly would do that. 

Known for his dynamic style and explosive movements, Aly played it cool in the opening stage of this match. It wasn't long before he dived down for a fireman's carry, dumping his opponent on the mat. Gimenis was able to fight up to his feet, but Aly went on the attack. He used his speed advantage and mixed lower body attacks with a collar drag that put Gimenis down and gave Aly top position. From top, Aly cycled through positions but Gimenis proved adept at getting to his knees and nearly reversing position. 

The finish came via a cross choke from top position after Gimenis went for a collar drag. Aly rode the attack, spun to the back and methodically worked from the top half guard to force the submission. 

Aly is known for many things: a World champion, a big-hearted supporter of various social projects, and a prolific YouTuber (who recently launched a new channel with English videos), and he can now add Fight 2 Win champion to his list of achievements. 

Click to access every match from Fight 2 Win 102

WATCH: Mahamed Aly vs Max Gimenis

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