UPSETS IN ABU DHABI: MACKENZIE AND BUCHECHA MISS ABSOLUTE FINALS

Both reigning absolute black belt champions, Marcus Buchecha and Mackenzie Dern, will not compete in the 2016 World Pro finals. Buchecha pulled-out of the absolute division at the eleventh hour, while Mackenzie lost narrowly to rising star, Tayane Araujo, in the preliminary rounds.

It was a day of upsets on day two of the Abu Dhabi World Pro. GF Team member - and relatively new black belt - Victor Honorio, turned a few heads after eliminating Leandro Lo, only to be on the receiving end of a double DQ against Erberth Santos. Santos had previously put on an impressive performance in defeating Andre Galvao. UAE JJ Team member, Jose Junior, had one of the best days of his career in beating an array of stars and booking his place in the final. Junior will be facing Felipe Pena, who sealed victory over Alex Trans in the semi final (Trans had previously eliminated Keenan Cornelius).

In the Women’s division, Bia Mesquita will feature in the absolute final after beating the likes of Luiza Monteiro and brown belt star, Talita Alencar, on route. However, it was Alliance’s Tayane Araujo that grabbed the headlines after eliminating one of the favourites, Mackenzie Dern. Despite the obvious size difference, Araujo pulled guard and swept Mackenzie early in the fight, which she went on to win on points. The final will be contested between Bia Mesquita and Tayane Araujo.