KASAI have announced that Kaynan Duarte will face Yuri Simoes in the main event at 'KASAI Pro 6’ on Saturday, August 17th at the Showboat Atlantic City Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ. 

The show will also feature KASAI's inaugural World Bantamweight (135lb) Championship Tournament, as well as numerous compelling superfight matchups, which will be announced shortly.

"We are looking forward to Kaynan's first return to the KASAI stage after winning our World Lightweight tournament in April,” said KASAI President Rolles Gracie. "We think Yuri is the perfect opponent because both guys are exciting, aggressive, at the top of their games, and they both know how to win.”

Kaynan Duarte is a black belt under Andre Galvao of the Atos Jiu Jitsu Academy in San Deigo, CA. He is the KASAI World Light Heavyweight Champion, a title he won at ‘KASAI Pro 5’ in April of this year. The young rising star is also an Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Champion, ACB World Champion, and most recently, the 2019 IBJJF black belt World Champion.

Yuri Simoes is a black belt representing Caio Terra Association. Yuri took the Grappling world by storm when he conquered the ADCC 88kg and 99kg World Championships (2015, 2017). He is also a two-time IBJJF black belt Absolute No-Gi World Champion, a two-time Pan American Champion, as well as a CJJ Absolute Champion.

In addition to Duarte vs. Simoes, Matheus Diniz will be facing off against Josh Hinger. ‘KASAI Pro 6’ will also feature its World Bantamweight Championship Tournament. Five competitors have already been signed to compete in this event in addition to the Pro Qualifier winner. they include:

• Geo Martinez
• Joao Miyao
• Jon Calestine
• Ethan Crelinsten
• Ashley Williams
• Richard Alarcon (Pro Qualifier winner)

“We are assembling the top Bantamweights in the world to vie for this belt" said KASAI CEO Rich Byrne. “The athletes we have lined-up are truly special. Get ready for the ‘Grappling Event of the Summer'!"

Watch KASAI Pro 6 LIVE or On Demand ONLY on FloGrappling. Tickets go on sale for the live event soon.