Renzo Gracie at Metamoris 5

SI Staff | Nov 23, 2014

Renzo Gracie at Metamoris 5 /

Renzo Gracie at Metamoris 5

Renzo Gracie poses before his Metamoris 5 Grappling match against Kazushi Sakuraba

Metamoris is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu promotion, founded by Ralek Gracie, the nephew of the first UFC champion Royce Gracie. The athletes compete in 20-minute, submission-only matches. There are no points given and if there is no submission, a draw is declared.

As onlookers entered the event they got to take in the meticulous detail that went into the design of the ambiance. A great hallway led to the gathering area.

There are few combat sports events that have as much character as a Metamoris event. Spectators are allowed access hours before the show starts, the feel is more like that of a festival or celebration of Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling than a sports venue.

A DJ plays in the gathering area of the event.

In the Arena area, the stage is an open mat, reminiscent of a sumo dohyo. Unlike other combat sports that have a ring with ropes or a cage, Metamoris is completely open, allowing no obstructions for the spectators.

Drummers play during the matche. The beat changes with the action, and as a submission gets close the crowd is rallied by the sound.

Renzo is known for his comical stories; they're reportedly even more hilarious in Portuguese.

Renzo ponders a strategy for the match.

Renzo inbetween warmup drills with Garry Tonon (black and white trunks)

Renzo warms up with Garry Tonon.

Renzo trains with his nephew just before the match

Most competitors get ramped up with music, or get themselves into a serious "fight mode". This is what Renzo was doing 10 minutes before his match

Renzo with his famous smile.

Renzo was asked "are you ready." His reply, "I'm always ready."

It's go time; Renzo is the first to walk out for the match.

Kazushi Sakuraba is considered to be one of Japan's greatest mixed martial artists. He is currently a pro wrestler in Japan.

Sakuraba's mysterious demeanor is what contributes to much of his draw. His skills, however, are very clear. He once fought Royce Gracie for 90 minutes in a mixed martial arts bout.

Renzo prepared for battle in the packed arena.

The match begins between Renzo Gracie and Kazushi Sakuraba

The match was very close for the first half.

The turning point in the match was when Renzo reversed his position and passed Sakuraba's guard.

The move allowed Renzo the get a dominant position and try for a submission.

Renzo checks the clock to see how much time is left in the match.

Renzo sets up a choke for a submission.

Renzo tries to complete a choke.

With seconds left, the choke is unsuccessful and the matches is stopped by the referee.

Renzo jokes as he plays at finishing the submission after the fight.

The match is called a draw since neither opponent was able to get a submission.

The respect is shown between both competitors.

Renzo acknowledges the crowd.

Renzo talks about the importance of submission grappling for the sport of Jiu-Jitsu and about his upcoming competition with UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes in early 2015.