The Emerald City Invitational Absolute Division is just a matter of weeks away and now the promotion has confirmed the full lineup for the tournament. The event is set for November 5th and it will see the first openweight champion crowned, as a mixture of veteran competitors and exciting young prospects will battle it out for the title. Alongside this eight-man tournament, the event will also feature several single matches both during the preliminary card and as superfights as well.
One of John Danaher’s latest talents, the gigantic Daniel Manasoiu, stands out as one of the most interesting prospects competing in the division, although he may come up against an old foe during his climb through the bracket. Andrew Tackett will also be competing in the Emerald City Invitational Absolute Division, and he actually previously overcame the 100lb weight difference in order to submit Manasoiu during the Who’s Next tournament. Manasoiu isn’t the only athlete that will have size on his side though, as Franco Pana will also be competing in the division.
Devhonte Johnson will be representing Unity at the event after his attempt to win ADCC 2022, while Maxim Cote earned his place in the Emerald City Invitational Absolute Division by submitting every single one of his opponents at a qualifier event. One of the top ten ranked 185lbs no gi grapplers on the planet right now, Sean Yadimarco, is also in attendance after he stepped up on short notice to replace an injured Haisam Rida. The final two competitors will both be representing 10th Planet just a matter of weeks after they compete at EBI 20: The Absolutes, ADCC veteran Kyle Boehm and rising star Pat Shahgholi.
The full Emerald City Invitational Absolute Division, including all of the above athletes included in the lineup, will be available to watch live on November 5th on FloGrappling, click here to subscribe and watch.