2021 FloGrappling Awards

Vote NOW For 2021 Match Of The Year

Vote NOW For 2021 Match Of The Year

See the six battles nominated for 2021 Match Of The Year, and the credentials that made them shine above the rest.

Jan 10, 2022 by Corey Stockton

Voting is now open for the 2021 FloGrappling Awards. Read below to find out which six matches have been nominated for Match Of The Year, and click here to cast your ballot.

Kade Ruotolo vs Ethan Crelinsten | WNO: Rafael Lovato Jr. vs Gilbert Burns

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Kade Ruotolo defeated Ethan Crelinsten in their first encounter in 2020, but was the underdog coming into the rematch. Both athletes had something to prove. The first 90 seconds was an open scramble, a furious exchange of positions and submission attempts.

Three minutes into the match, Ruotolo attempted a darce and turned it into a vicious armbar, which Crelinsten remarkably endured and escaped.

After six more minutes of relentless activity, Crelinsten sat up, giving Rutolo his darce position once again. Crelinsten demonstrated his grit, trying to fight out. But the choke eventually earned a tap.

Estevan Martinez vs Cameron Mellot | Emerald City Invitational 2

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Martinez and Mellot were two of the smallest competitor’s in Emerald City’s 145 lb tournament, but that didn’t stop them from putting on one of the most dynamic and exciting displays of jiu-jitsu in 2021.

The match had everything from backflip passes to aggressive back control, and was decided in EBI overtime, when Martinez rendered Mellot unconscious.

Roberto Jimenez vs Kade Ruotolo | Road to ADCC

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A back and forth exchange of dominant positions, locked in submissions and wild escapes, this match had everything. It was an all out 12-minute sprint from both competitors, which ended in a choke victory for Jimenez.

Mahamed Aly vs Fellipe Andrew | IBJJF Heavyweight GP

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What happens when the thunderous takedowns and passing of Mahamed Aly meets the incessant attack game of Fellipe Andrew? A high scoring, tooth and nail fight ensues.

Aly earned the edge toward the end of the match, but this one was nonstop.

Victor Hugo vs Nicholas Meregali | 2021 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championships

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This match has become notorious for all the wrong reasons, as Meregali was disqualified after the fact for making an obscene gesture toward the crowd. But the actual jiu-jitsu of the match shouldn't be overlooked. A flying omoplata, several near-scores, and five advantages racked up on the biggest stage in gi jiu-jitsu put this match in contention for the best of the 2021.

Amanda Leve vs Gabi Garcia | WNO Championship

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Even the lead up to this match was noteworthy, as Amanda Leve took exception to Gabi Garcia’s absence from the weigh-ins at the press conference, leading to a heated argument before the match.

Leve put her words to action in the opening round of the WNO Championship against the division favorite, Gabi Garcia, taking Garcia’s back twice in one of the biggest upsets in grappling history.

Find out about the other award nominees, and cast your vote for the 2021 FloGrappling Awards:

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