Keenan Pours Out Heart After Win Over Meregali

Confirmed fan-favorite Keenan Cornelius opens up on his absolute quarterfinal match with heavy-hitter Nicholas Meregali at 2019 IBJJF Worlds.

One of the most anticipated showdowns of the absolute division delivered beyond expectations. Keenan Cornelius managed to derail Nicholas Meregali’s dream of a gold medal in the absolute division by beating him in a charged quarterfinal match.  

Keenan went up 2-0 thanks to his lapel trickery. Meregali chased after him for over half the match with triangle and loop choke attempts, but couldn’t secure anything on the slippery American. He racked up 8 advantages but maybe got blood hungry– he was so focused on the submission that had he sought out the sweep instead he maybe could have clawed it back. 

The crowd went crazy when Keenan won– they cheered him like he was the hero of the tournament, and even some of his former Atos teammates could be heard chanting his name. Meregali is no hero around these parts, and they relished the fact Keenan denied him a chance to make it to the absolute podium.