The Arena- Chapter 2

Unedited since 1999, as it was first written

Chapter 2: Sweat on the Mat

Sweat in the Gym; don’t bleed on the Street.
Joe Frazier,
World Heavyweight Boxing Champion
1968-1973

New Amsterdam Muay Thai and Arena Combat Stable, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Europe.

With ferocity and intensity the powerfully built Dutch fighter slammed his muscular shins into the ultra strong and absorbent Strike shield. His powerful legs shaped like giant fleshy teardrops delivered an incredible dosage of damage and pain. Again he fired a potent round kick into the kick shield; the smaller man dressed in Thai boxing shorts rocked back with the impact as he braced himself each time for the kicks. The man kicking the shield a accomplished and strong fighter, Hans Nimegen the World Heavyweight, European and Dutch Muay Thai Kickboxing champion, and now the reining European Shooto champ as well as last years K-1 Grand Prix champion. The Shooto style events, although not as popular as the Arena events, followed a similar format. Opponents though were restricted by a lot more rules, for example the combatants are not allowed to use clenched fist strikes to the head, everything else is allowed striking wise, except of course for head butting, groin striking and gouges. On the ground no strikes are allowed, both competitors must be actively working other wise the referee will start them both standing again. This format although not perfect was ideal for Han’s to showcase his skills against Shooto legends. In his first match, taken to the ground easily by the former Japanese pro-wrestler Jigoro Uke, Hans was forced to use one of his rope escapes. This is when one opponent has the other in a submission move that they can not escape; therefore they must tap the ropes with their arms or legs in order to be freed. The fighter who used the rope escape looses a point. Hans after escaping immediately knocked out his opponent with a powerful roundhouse kick followed by a knee to the head combination.
Members of the various news and media agencies crowded the outside of the ring, their heads covered by the compact recording and transmitting devices. The recorder seeing and sending everything that the carrier hears and sees via satellite to the media outlets and then straight into the people’s homes. Han’s stopped his kicking and began to throw some fast and swift boxing combinations, his hands slicing the air. Han’s trainer Willem Pronk began talking to the media people.
“ So what do you think of the World champ, eh?” smiled the greying Willem.
His sweatshirt draped over his broad shoulders with wet patches soaking his armpits and back. In his younger years Willem had also been a Muay Thai champ, not as heavy as Han’s Willem once dominated the middleweight ranks.
“ Is it true Mr Nimegen will be fighting in the Arena’s soon?” Asked a blonde haired female reporter.
Willem smiled his long devious yet comforting grin “Perhaps, that all depends on how well the negotiations go. He is the champ after all so we expect them to pay him like one”
“ With his limited ground skills how do you think he will go against some of the Grapplers, and will there be any ground training in the Champs immediate future?”
Asked another female reporter, her Asiatic features afforded her incredible beauty.
“ No I can not see this being a problem. He is a Muay Thai fighter, he practices the art of Muay Thai, that in it’s self is perfect. I can not see any of these grounders taking my man down. If they hypothetically do he will be fighting all the way, and that is when they will be knocked out. And no he will not be doing any ground work, strictly none. We are going to win this so called Championships with pure Muay Thai.” Said Willem with confident authority.
The same Asian reporter smiled and asked, “ What of his earlier Shooto performances against the Japanese fighter Uke? He managed to get Han’s down with a not so strong takedown, and Mr Nimegen was unable to counter it.”
Willem smiled again, this time he looked up to Hans who was still shadow boxing in the centre of the large ring. “ That was then, this is now. We have worked on that game plan and have looked at all of the contingencies. Hans will be the first Pure Striker to win the Arena World Championships, and aint no Brazilian Monkey’s or Amerikaan Beef Cakes getting any submissions against Han’s.”
The Asian reporter smiled politely, from behind her young American newsman stepped forward.
“ How much does the champ weigh?”
“ At the moment he weighs 115 kg and is 191 cm tall, he is a well muscled power house.” Replied Willem as he pointed to Hans who had now stopped training and looked down at the numerous reporters.
“ Can we ask the champ any questions?” Asked the petite Asian reporter.
“ No he is just finishing his work out perhaps another time “ Willem replied.
“ No, I want to tell the World that I am the Best Fighter in any ring…or cage. No one can defeat me. When I fight in the Arena I will show the World how strong I am. And when they land on Mars my reign will go with them they will feel fear from me because my Reign will reach them out there.” Hans said in broken and heavy accented English.
The reporters laughed at his slight humour in a polite manner.
“ I hope you enjoyed the training and now you all will know what I am capable of”
Hans said smiling; his smile self-assured accompanied his powerful frame and build.
“Well thank you for all coming and hopefully in the future you can drop by again.” Smiled Willem as he led the Media people out away from the ring.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Rigan Gracie removed his sweat drenched Kimono as he watched the holovision he saw a tall and powerful Hans Nimegen. He smiled interesting he thought no grappling what so ever. Rigan had been following Han’s for the last few years, observing his rise in the Muay Thai ranks, and then his K-1 wins through to his impressive Shooto victories. In the Shooto events Han’s had only faired so well because his opponents were less than second class, the only high calibre opponent he faced was the 37-year-old former Greco-Roman wrestling champion Dennis Sanders. That match was rather peculiar, as Dennis walked towards Han’s without his normal low stance or any protection, and Hans simply blasted him with punishing kicks and hand strikes. After a few minutes of circling each other a knee to the face knocked out Dennis. In all four minutes Dennis did not try one take down, or even to close the distance. Instead he tried exchanging blows with the Muay Thai and Kickboxing world champion. Rigan thought this along with several others to be very odd. There was a small inquiry by several governing bodies to determine whether the fight was a ‘work’ or not, but nothing came of it.
Rigan walked towards the showers, behind him was his younger brother Robbie Gracie himself a world BJJ champion.
Way back in the late 20th century the Gracie’s had made a name for themselves, leaving Brazil as champions they began defeating established Martial Artists in the United States and the rest of the world, in few rules challenge matches. The Gracie challenge appeared when Rorion Gracie put up $100,000 for any one who could defeat him or a Gracie Jiu Jitsu representative. In 1993, Rorion helped organise the first international Mixed Martial Arts event, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, his younger brother Royce Gracie won convincingly against much larger opponents. The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu stylists dominated through the early to mid nineties, the rest of the fight world though no longer unfamiliar with their techniques began incorporating them into their own repertoire. Wrestlers were now learning submissions, Kickboxers were learning chokes and BJJ players had to learn strikes. The Gracie’s still appeared at the top of the MMA hierarchy even if most of them did not fight. Their cousins the Machado brothers for years the kings of grappling and the mats after extensive cross training began spreading into the world of MMA. And at the start of the century won several tournaments and hard fights.
Rigan Gracie who at 182 cm and 90kg one of the bigger Gracies was training hard with his lighter brother who at 75kg was incredibly fast and technical, the pair worked each others corners and served as trainer to one another in all major fights. Both former Olympic champions in the 2036 games, they now dominated the grappling world and were both cleaning up in the Arena world. Rigan who at 33 is considered to be the best fighter in the world, his jet black hair and heavy tan gives him a handsome yet common look, his body not overly bulky instead it is toned and well muscled. No one would believe him to be the best fighter in the world if they did not know better.
After Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was introduces into the Rio de Janerio Olympics in 2020, most of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world focused on the sporting aspects of the art. This however brought the technicality to a new level, but left them vulnerable in the MMA arena were generally no gi or kimonos were worn or where striking is a big part of the game. This being the cased cause several former Olympic BJJers to face defeat at the hands of second rate Arena fighters. However after a few loses the BJJ community began to re-adapt to the modern form of MMA and again slowly take reign as one of if not the top single system of fighting.

Rigan passed an older room in the large training complex, a room which floors were covered in old style mats. Where old lights hung above the ground, the room was the very place that The first Gracies trained and refined their technique. Way back in the mid to late 20th century generations of these Brazilian ‘supermen’ fought of all comers and now Rigan had the honour of continuing that tradition. He smiled proudly.
Now midway through the twenty-first century the new wave of Brazilian Grapplers live up to the name that their ancestors once trail blazed for them. Every generation facing new and harder competition as their system of fighting continues to evolve so does the rest of the world, learning and adapting to their techniques and tactics.
Now with the every growing level of competition from the world over, and with the heightened professionalism of the Arena events the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters find it every harder to hold their own. Rigan Gracie though without a doubt though continues his family legacy, with tutelage in the effective system from his family in both the Gracies and the Machado’s, he is by far the most devastating fighter to ever roll on a Brazilian or even a world mat.

Rigan now fully clothed in a pair of fawn cargo pants and a loose open neck shirt looked at a travel guide, in his lap rested a passport and his airline tickets. The travel guide its interactive contents flashing lightly as he pressed one of several options on the soft glossy papers touch screen. Up flashed a short video highlighting the United Arab Emirates, the soft voice of the narrator explained about the nation's history and attractions.
“ The capital, Abu Dhabi is the home for the World Submission Grappling Championship’s…,” said the soft voice of the brochure as it continued.
Rigan smiled he was last years heavyweight and absolute champion and this year he was also entering. Before though him and a few of his family members where going to Abu Dhabi to train as well as conduct seminars and then in a few days they would compete in the prestigious event. And hopefully thought Rigan modestly he would win again. And the way his training had been progressing, all odds where in his favour.

Adelaide, South Australia

Jack walked down the hallway towards his bedroom, in his hand he held some discs a voice caught him from behind.
“ Jack” said the old yet dignified voice.
Jack turned and smiled “ Yes Grandpa.”
“ I heard you are thinking about entering the state championships for the Arena crowd?” Asked the elderly yet still very fit older man. Jack’s Grandfather, Neil Robinson, was a former Australian Light-Heavyweight Boxing champion who also enjoyed a roll on the mat. He had spent several years of his youth training in Judo and ju-jitsu and in the last years of the 1990’s began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He had taught Jack all that he had known drilling his grandson in all aspects of the fight game.
“Yeah I am, Mr Kondo thinks that I have a good chance.” Said Jack.
“ I thought we agreed that you were going to train hard and study for two more years before you start fighting on the Arena circuit.” Replied Neil his old face weathered and wrinkled.
“ I know, but I am tired of training and fighting in local tournaments, I just think that this would be a great opportunity. I am training real hard and Mr Kondo is an awesome fighter. And he is really teaching me some new stuff.” Said Jack defensively.
“ I know how capable Yuki Kondo is and I am very proud that you are training with him. It’s just that I want you to take your career slowly and steadily, one fight at a time. Jack do me a favour, what ever happens take it slow.” His grandfather said his cauliflower ears looking even worse than what they really were in the dim light of the hallway.
“ Ok Gramps.” Smiled Jack.
“ And cut that gramps crap, I may be old but I’ll still clip you with a right hand if your not careful” Playfully replied Neil.
Jack mockingly shaped up to him, his grandfather shot a hand up to Jack’s face and ducked down low playfully shooting in on his legs. Jack backed up.
“ Hey, hey watch it I’ve got these disc’s.” Yelled Jack.
“ Ok, Ok, excuses, excuses. What are the disc’s off anyway?” Asked Neil.
“ I got these discs of Jersey Joe Walcott, Rocky Marciano, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones Jr, Michael Grant, Sugar Ray Robinson and Joe Frazier. I thought I may check them out, You got to love those old fighters.” Answered Jack.
“ Ha, old fighters I remember when half of those guys were still fighting. I’ll join you. I’ll get your grandmother to boil us up some tea.” Smiled Neil as he followed Jack to his room.

The next day saw Jack heading down to the Japanese gym, as he entered he saw outside on one of the street screen's news concerning the manned Mars mission. He stood gym bag in hand watching and listening.
“ The Euphoria II mission to Mars has run into minor incident earlier today” said a calm feminine voice. “ The missions Captain Samantha Adams was injured when during a routine systems check her safety harness loosened and subsequently she was smashed into one of the interior panelling of the shuttle.”
Jack watched and listened intently, he was interested in this Mars mission hoping that it would go well and as planned, however he knew all to well that nothing goes to as plan especially something as sophisticated or as complicated as landing on Mars.
Jack like many others across the globe was concerned; he continued his way into the academy.

Jack walked through the foyer of the impressive academy, he noticed sitting down on one of the lounges was a man of thirty, his legs crossed casually as he flicked through martial arts magazine from the early part of the century. Jack new the man from somewhere, thinking back, Jack clicked realising where he had seen him before. Tim O’grady was the man, he was a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a first degree black belt in Hapkido. It was a few years ago when Jack was 15 and was interested in training in Tae Kwon Do to help with his standing up game. Towards the end of the lesson Jack was paired of with a brown belt that would have been a few years older than Jack was. The class was set to spar, and Jack readied himself. The pair bowed and Jack lowered his stance ready as the Tae Kwon Do student bounced up and down, the brown belt flicked out a round kick, which missed Jacks head, by a half metre. Instantly Jack shot in seizing the brown belt by his leg, the two went to the matted floor where Jack mounted his opponent and started to slap him lightly. While Jack was mounted on top he heard from behind him the instructor’s voice, “Stop, everybody.”
The class paused including Jack who began to stand up, Tim approached Jack adjusting his belt on his blue gi as he got closer he said, “ In my Dojang we do not promote going to the ground, it is unrealistic as to the realities of real fighting. Lance could you tell him why?” He said asking the brown belt who was in the process of adjusting his uniform.
“ Yes, sensei, because you are vulnerable on the ground and when you try taking someone down they can knock you out on the way in.” Said the Brown Belt.
Jack smiled, “ You are vulnerable standing while you chuck flick kicks also and if you are so vulnerable on your way in then how come, uh…Lance didn’t even tag me?”
Tim stepped closer, clearly he was far from being amused, “ Perhaps you would like to test how effective your ground skills are against me” Said Tim.
Jack nervously nodded, “ok”.

The two stepped onto the centre of the mat as a large crowd gathered on the outside. The Tae Kwon Do instructor loosened his shoulders and asked Jack, “ Are you ready?”
Jack simply nodded, the two instantly prepared for combat, Jack lowered himself in a semi wrestlers crouch with his hands held high, his right fist cocked by his head as his left hand was outstretched ready to pounce. The Tae Kwon Do instructor in his blue uniform adopted a mobile stance with his hands held out ready, his momentum bouncing back and forth from leg to leg. The Instructor snapped out a quick roundhouse kick, Jack backed up avoiding it, the instructor then quickly stepped in fast trying to catch Jack with a reverse punch, as he threw it, Jack slipped to his outside and clinched. He had timed it well, the instructor without the distance was hopeless, Jack placed one of his legs behind the instructors and took him down. Landing in a side control position, Jack immediately changed his base and mounted the instructor. In desperation the instructor bucked and heaved, even trying to reach for Jacks face, as he did so, Jack grabbed the instructors arm and swiftly pivoted on his chest, dropping back with the Instructors arm between his legs. Jack quickly raised his hips and hyper-extended the Tae Kwon Do instructor’s elbow, the pain set in and instantly he tapped, his pride clearly damaged. Jack helped the instructor up, but his assistance was not welcomed. The instructor his pride bruised looked steadily into Jack’s eyes, “Could you please leave and never come back here, you are not welcome here.”
Jack nodded and looked around “OK” he said leaving without protest or aggression.
Now this same instructor was at Yuki’s academy, it did not really make sense, this was a realistic fighting academy the instructors was a generic commercial establishment, he was a instructor in Tae Kwon Do or Take Your Do as Jack liked to call it. Perhaps the instructor was interested in actually learning how to fight.
Jack smiled, “G’day, long time no see…”
Tim looked up, ”Oh hello how are you?”
“ I’m well, how’s your school?” asked Jack.
“ Ok I guess” replied Tim clearly was uncomfortable.
“ So what brings you here, it’s a little different to Tae Kwon Do” Said Jack smiling politely.
“Well actually, I had a incident a few weeks ago and I decided that I was going to leave Tae Kwon Do and maybe Hapkido…” said Tim as he looked back at the magazine.
“ Ok, you were good at them, you had a good school and your enrolment must have pretty good why the sudden change.” Enquired Jack.
“ Lets just say I was shown the Ins and Outs of a street fight, and nothing I did really came off. “ Tim said clearly upset as he told Jack.
“ What happened, you didn’t get to badly injured did you?”
“ No, Oh no, only my pride and a few bruises here and there. I was jumped by this guy, he knocked me against this wall and was holding me pretty tightly, I executed a counter but it didn’t work, he backed up ready to finish me of and I threw a side kick at his chest, but he caught it. The next thing I know I am on my ass with this huge behemoth drilling me with punches.” Tim said smiling mildly.
“ What did he do it for? Was it your money or something?” Jack asked as he looked down at Tim.
“ I have no idea why this guy attacked me that’s it you see I was walking to my car, and the next thing I know I’m being attacked, luckily for me a security guard grabbed him.” Tim said shaking his head in disgust, disgust at himself.
“ You know for years I was so assure of myself, even after you beat me that day, I just put that down to bad luck, you know, excuses, but when this guy attacked me I was literally helpless. Twenty years down the drain, you know I think about all those people who I trained. They trusted me, and I betrayed that, I sincerely believed in my training and what I had been taught. I threw my belts away and decided to shut down the school. I heard about this guy’s rep and thought after some serious thinking that I should just start from scratch, just this time with something effective. I don’t know man, It’s so screwed up.”
“ That’s ok, hey its ok, well you should love it here we do stand up and ground techniques, striking and grappling. Self Defence and Arena fighting.” Jack said as Tim stood.
“ Well I hope this Yuki guy doesn’t mind a former Tae Kwon Do instructor who has finally seen the light.” Smiled Tim.
Jack thought to himself, this guy was a true warrior, he is honestly committed to the martial arts. He learnt that what he had been doing was wrong and now, after years of dedication to his particular field he was willing to start all over again. Jack knew how this took true humility and courage. It’s hard to admit that you are wrong, but sometimes we must be confronted with the reality of our mistakes. Jack had figured this guy out all wrong, now he had a new respect for him. Jack was looking forward to training with Tim.
“Well we better on head in,” said Tim anxious yet excited at the same time.

After the intense session, Jack walked over to the change rooms his body sapped of energy and coated in sweat. Yuki’s voice stopped Jack from having a nice hot shower.
“Jack you need to come here for a moment please”
Jack turned around and smiled. “Sure thing Boss”
Jack walked up to the short Japanese coach and rested his arms on his hips.
“You take a drink and get back into the ring ok” said the short warrior.
“Ok” nodded Jack.
Jack rested against the ropes, Tim watched on laughing.
“I hope you have a second wind ready kid”
Yuki climbed through the ropes and threw a pair of arena style fingerless gloves to Jack, Yuki himself already wearing a pair.
“Ok, Jack you must learn to get endurance up and fight different opponents, small men are just as hard as big men.”
“Especially when that small man is a former Arena champion” joked Jack.
Yuki and Jack stepped into the centre of the ring, each circling the other.
“I’ll go easy on you” smiled Yuki who immediately shot in with a nasty Japanese Double Leg take down. Driving his head into Jack’s stomach as his muscular arms seized jacks leg’s, jack immediately attempted a sprawl though Yuki was to fast and agile, as Jack rolled to his side, Yuki seized his right leg tight to his chest. Jack sat up wrapping Yuki into his half-guard.
“Make sure you are really tight” Yuki said as he broke out of the guard.
Now in side control position Yuki kept Jack pressed against the canvas, Jack rolled trying to escape, Yuki reached up his forearm catching Jack’s neck.
“Protect your neck and keep tight”
Jack immediately tucked his neck avoiding the potential choke. Yuki grabbed Jack’s right arm and locked it up; Jack immediately realised what he was doing and resisted to the best of his abilities. Yuki applied the figure four-arm lock and immediately jack tapped.
Yuki rolled of from the top of Jack and while Jack layed there smiling.
“Ok old man you want me to be tighter”
Yuki nodded and laughed. “Old man, Ill show you an old man”
The two immediately began circling and Yuki shot in seizing Jacks right leg and driving him to the mat, Jack caught him in a half guard but after a few seconds Yuki passed it with ease. The pair grappled for a long time, both drenched in sweet. Jack learning every thing he could from this great fighter.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates


Thousands of spectators, members of press and fighters alike crammed into the large building of the Abu Dhabi Combat Club, its lush interior was a testament to the wealth of the nation. The first Abu Dhabi Submission Grappling Championships where held way back in 1998 and every year since Grapplers from all over the world had attended and fought for a lucrative purse. It was a place for Mixed Martial Artists and Grapplers to test their mettle in a pure submission grappling competition. This Rigan Gracie was again a hot favourite to win his weight division as well as the absolute division; he was going to face a tournament filled with very capable competitors. Rigan walked over to a large stand where a few other fighters were signing autographs when he passed the Olympic gold medallist for Heavyweight Freestyle Wrestling, Terry Samson. The muscular and broad American Wrestler smiled at Rigan.
“Hey Higan how are you?”
“Terry, looks like your fans follow you every where” smiled Rigan as the pair embraced in a friendly hug.
“Hows Christine?” Rigan asked referring to Terry’s pregnant wife, and manager.
“She’s well, back in the hotel room you should see her now, she looks really bloated. I’ll tell her you said hi.” Terry answered signing another autograph as he did so.
“The knee is auk for tomorrow, I wouldn’t want you to have any excuses for when I tap you.” Rigan smiled, his musical Portuguese accent adding extra humour to the comment.
“Yeah right, its ok, you’re not tapping me pal, first you have to get past Yuri”
Replied Terry referring to Rigan’s first opponent a chunky Russian Sambo expert and wrestler Yuri Eremenko.
“True but he will probably try stalling like he did last year against Justin”
Replied Rigan.
A cluster from various news groups approached the pair and started filming them. Rigan and Terry turned to the group striking some poses for the miniature camera’s, that rested on the crewmember’s heads.
After the reporters asked the pair a few questions, Terry and Rigan left each to their respective tables. The meeting was for the fighters to get together for the official rules announcement and to announce whom would be fighting whom and when. Although the fighters knew this well in advance it was more a media exercise.

Later on that night Rigan spoke with his brother in his room, the pair played a game of chess a tradition passed down generation to generation. Cool and composed the pair laughed at each other’s jokes as the holovision played in the background. Both Gracie’s looked up when the narrator of the sports programme announced the entering of a few fighters from Yuki Kondo’s new stable in Southern Australia. The hologram played highlights of Yuki’s career. On the larger hologram a reporter asked Yuki a few questions while several of his students trained in the background.
“Mr Kondo how do you feel your fighters will go in the State Arena championships? How about the new comer Jack Robinson, he has not even had a professional fight?“
Asked a reporter.
“Jack will do great just watch, all my fighters will go very well, even in defeat they would have gone well” Yuki answered his hands behind his back as he spoke.
“Who do you feel will win the absolute division in the Abu Dhabi tournament tomorrow?” asked a tall female reporter.
Yuki smiled and looked at the cameras.
“Rigan Gracie without a doubt, I think he will submit his opponents quickly. He is very good grappler and fighter.” Yuki nodded as he turned to face his fighters.

Rigan smiled, “ Looks like I better win tomorrow.”
His brother slapped him playfully on his shoulder and laughed.
Both of them played one more game and then went to bed, tomorrow they had a big day.

Several squares of mats covered the floor of the giant facility, above each grappling square hung a holographic projector which showed the action of the match which would be fought below. It was two hours before the event would begin, already the crowds had began to fill the stands surrounding the matts, as well as various officials standing about looking semi-important. At the very tops of the stands hung bubble like ‘boxes’ where the distinguished sat, each seat in the VIP boxes had a small holovision in front of it. The Holovision allowed the viewer to watch whichever match was being fought, as well as let them see the match from whatever angle and from what distance they desired. Hundreds of miniature cameras were situated throughout the Abu Dhabi Combat Club battle area. Even the match referee’s had very small camera’s attached to there hats the camera was no bigger than a fingernail it was almost impossible to see as it blended cleverly with the design of the referee’s peaked cap.

The Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling Championships had a long history which stemmed right back to 1998, when prince Tahnoon a avid grappling fan started the inaugural games by inviting the world’s top grapplers to his home to compete for a purse in six classes. Those classes were the under 65kg category, 67-77kg category, 77-87kg category, 88-98kg category, the over 99kg category and the absolute division. The absolute is for grapplers of all weights to compete in a open weight bracket, so usually losers or even winners from the other categories decide to grapple to make extra money or to better there reputation. The absolute category had become the main bracket with the world’s media mostly focusing their attention on this category. Needless to say the prize at the end of the Absolute was well worth it, the winner receiving 500,000 United Nation Credits and with every victory by submission an additional 10,000 was to be included. The winners of the other categories received a purse of 300,000 and the bonus per submission was also the same. All of that UNC was enough to drive the worlds best into stiff competition; also victory in Abu Dhabi ensures a higher money purse in the Arena games. Which is the reason a lot of the younger fighters were competing. For the veteran and big name grapplers Abu Dhabi was a place to sharpen ones skills, too compete with some top grapplers as well as to make some money.

As the crowd watched on as the competition area was being cleared a loud announcement boomed out.
“Welcome to the 42nd Annual Abu Dhabi Games.”
The crowd cheered as the excitedly awaited the fighters to be introduced.
The fighters were introduced by nationality and by the category, which they would compete in. With the lighter categories being introduced first.
The first country to be introduced was Algeria; it was the first time that this North African State had a competitor enter.
“ From the Republic of Algeria, Ali Amokrane, who will compete in the 77 to 87 kilogram category.”
A dark skinned Algerian girl walked out holding the national flag as Ali walked behind her dressed in a tracksuit in his nation colours of green and white.
The opening ceremony went on with fighters coming from 40 different nations with over 200 competitors (including alternates). After the ceremonies the first of the preliminary matches were to commence, on each square a preliminary from each category excluding the absolute division was to be fought.
Rigan watched from outside of the matted area as his younger brother Robbie stood across from his competitor, a muscular Ukrainian Sambo fighter. Robbie was 75kg and looked like a fighting machine, his opponent Ivan was slightly heavier at 77kg. Rigan watched intently as the match was about to commence; the referee spoke to both grapplers. Both Robbie and Ivan shook hands. A light flashed above the ring and both fighters began to circle. A majority of the crowd’s attention was focused on this match, as Robbie was a hot favourite to win in this category. Ivan however was an unknown, which meant he was more or less a wild card, to be taken seriously. All Rigan and Robbie knew about Ivan was that he was a Sambo player from the Ukraine. Sambo is a 20th Century Russian martial art, which borrows from Wrestling, Judo and folk grappling, the style favours throws and leg locks. It was not Robbie’s first encounter with a Samboist, though, he was still very cautious with this Ukrainian. Ivan moved in towards Robbie, feinting with a shoot, as Robbie reacted, Ivan advanced. The pair clinched, each reportioning for a better grip, Robbie was the victor of this little battle, he managed to get his arms tightly in a firm clinch with Ivan, Robbie turned to his side and tucked his hips against Ivan, bending his knee’s as he did so. Ivan rolled over Robbie’s back as he was being thrown; Robbie landed in a top position while Ivan was flat on his back. Robbie moved around positioning himself into Side Control Ivan resisted rolling and turning, Robbie though was to balanced, switching his base he mounted Ivan. Now on top Robbie stayed low keeping his base as solid as he could. Ivan bucked and tried dismounting the skilled Brazilian. Ivan over committed on one of his bucking attempts and Robbie capitalised, catching the Ukrainian’s left arm. Sweat made both men slippery Robbie almost lost grip of Ivan’s arm as he continued to resist. Fighting to get the submission, Robbie rolled Ivan’s arm so that it was becoming painfully cranked. Ivan could not escape no matter how hard he tried, Ivan could only do but one thing, and that was to tap. Robbie released his grip immediately, he helped Ivan up and the pair embraced, neither speaking the others language, except for the unspoken fighters bond. Rigan came onto the mat picking his brother up, Robbie had just advanced and had made 20,000 UNC and Ivan for fighting had made 10,000 UNC. Ivan left holding his sore arm and his head hung low.



Meredith Bradley watched the matches with interest and understanding; she had been a sports reporter for the National Media Service for the last five years her main focus had been on Submission Grappling events, regional and international. Her goal was to be lead commentator for NMS at the next Arena event, and things were looking up for this beautiful ambitious woman. Meredith sipped on a cup of water, as she did so she stood up to stretch her long slender legs. She noticed walking towards the change rooms Rigan Gracie he was dressed in a blue, white and green tracksuit, with the white lettering of “JIU JITSU” down the legs. Meredith left one of her camera crew and approached the muscular Brazilian.
“Rigan, can I get a quick interview?” She asked as she rushed to his side.
“Ok, Ms Bradley, fire away” He smiled beaming her a set of large white teeth.
“Ok cool, thanks.” She said, she felt like a small girl about to get the autograph of one of her favourite musicians, except this was one of her favourite fighters.
“It is a safe bet that you and your brother are going to be a dominating force in your divisions, how do you feel that other Brazilian grapplers will do in their matches namely, Saulo Britto and Flavio Bragga.”
Rigan looked down at her still smiling; he could not help but to admire her beauty.
“I think they will do pretty good, it is hard to say but Jiu Jitsu is a beautiful art which continues to grow and develop. Jiu Jitsu players are probably the only puritans still fighting these days. I mean you probably understand as, if I am not mistaken you have a purple belt under my cousin Henri.”
Meredith smiles, she was somewhat taken back that Rigan new about her Jiu Jitsu training.
“Yes and if you asked your cousin I am sure he would tell you how good a student that I am”
“Well my cousin says you are a very skilled player, I am sure you are as good at Jiu Jitsu as you are beautiful” Rigan laughed lightly, his frame swaying gently as he began to flirt lightly.
Meredith smiled she felt light headed as Rigan’s dimples showed as he smiled.
“It is a well known fact that most BJJ players and especially Gracie family members follow a set diet which is generations old, but they also follow a strict practice of no sex before a competition. Are you a traditionalist in these regards?” Meredith asked smiling cheekily at Rigan. The pair was now sitting down inside the foyer of the change rooms; Meredith had not even noticed her surroundings.
“Ah, well I follow a strict diet which ensures I have maximum energy for when I train and fight.” Rigan said his accent musically delivered the words to her.
“With the sex, well I guess that is more of an individual practice now, but let me just say I must be practicing that tradition as I have been, ah a, celibate for a while now.” He answered struggling to find the right words.
“What a shame, ooops I mean is that so, well if it helps you to win matches, not that you would need any additional help.” Meredith toyed with her hair anxiously as she looked deep into his brown eyes.
Rigan’s younger brother disturbed the moment, he called out to Rigan and the pair began to speak in Portuguese.
Robbie smiled at Meredith, she noted that Robbie was almost identical to his brother, both had the same mannerisms, and even the same charming, cute smile.
“Thank you very much Rigan and good luck” Meredith finished as she clumsily stepped backward almost tripping over on the very bench, which she was just sitting on. She regained her composure turned her recording pad of and left the change room feeling somewhat bubbly.
Rigan looked at his brother and smiled.
“What a woman, I think we may have to visit Cousin Henri’s academy when we get back” Robbie smiled and reminded him that he was fighting in 20 minutes.
Rigan smiled and thought of Meredith, he replayed the entire conversation, before he started to get his mind back into gear for fight mode.


Rigan walked towards the mat behind him his brother rubbed his shoulders and helped to get him relaxed. Rigan felt the pre-fight anxiety, no matter how many matches he has had or will have, he thought, he would always feel as though his stomach would fly away before each one. He took in focused breaths of air; he looked across the mat and saw his opponent, and the pale skinned Russian grappler, Yuri Eremenko. The fighters were introduced; Rigan stared coldly into Yuri’s eyes and readied himself. The match began; Yuri came out fast, Rigan though continued to circle stalking his opponent. Rigan could feel the coolness of the night air as it chilled his body. Yuri shot in showing little respect towards his Brazilian opponent, his shot was met with superb defence, Rigan and Yuri each held one another tightly, Rigan scooped his arms beneath Yuri’s and gained better position. Sweat began to coat their bodies as each grappler moved around, Yuri lowered himself and pushed against Rigan’s hips. He had made a mistake, and Rigan was going to capitalise on it, as Yuri tried pushing Rigan’s hips out to give himself space, Rigan swiftly cranked his arm around Yuri’s neck, tightening his grip. Yuri desperately forced Rigan to the mat even though his neck was being squeezed by Rigan’s strong arms he furiously thrashed trying to force Rigan to release his hold. Like a Python Rigan continued to starve his victims head of blood and oxygen, Yuri to proud to tap began to fall limp and drifted away from the world of the conscience, feeling his opponent’s body relax, Rigan released his grip. The referee stepped in and immediately assisted with the sleeping Yuri, who he rolled into a recovery position so that he would regain his senses quickly and safely. Rigan raised his arm in victory as his brother embraced him, kissing him affectionately on the cheek. Rigan looked around the room smiling and bowing to the crowd. His eyes, met those of Meredith, he smiled and bowed slowly. Meredith laughed, her petit body rocked backwards, she also bowed to Rigan mockingly.

Later on that night Robbie leaned into the wall of the shower cubicle as hot water massaged his body, he lazily let his weight lean into the wet tiled surface of the shower. His day dreaming was shattered by his older brother’s voice.
“Robbie has anyone called?”
“No, no ONE called, no American Reporter called, nor no one else for that matter.” Laughed Robbie as he teased his brother.
“Well if SHE does call, let me know, Ok.” Rigan replied.
“Ok well considering she has not called since the last time you asked about 10 minutes ago, what makes you think she will.” Robbie asked as he turned the shower of.
“I didn’t say she would call. Do you think she might, I mean do you think she likes me?” He asked.
“Brother, you really should not be thinking about a woman in the middle of a tournament. You may have won three matches today but you still have the final tomorrow and then the absolute matches. So maybe you should focus on that.” Lectured his younger brother.
“I know that but some one as beautiful as Meredith Bradley can not be placed at the back of your mind so easily. When the tournament is over I am going to ask her out. I might grant her a ‘special’ interview” He smiled cheekily at his brother who was now clad in a white towel, which wrapped around his waist.
“Ah women.” Cursed Rigan as he playfully strangled his brother.
Both men laughed.

Adelaide, Australia

Jack lazily sat in a chair he was watching the holograms before him, his mind was in a docile idle.
“ Retard Boy”
Jack snapped out of his state of stupor and saw his Grandpa approach holding tow cups of steaming tea. Jack’s nostrils flared, Earl Grey, his Grandpa sat next to him handing him the hot cup.
“What are you watching?” asked his Grandfather.
“Nothing really, why did you want to watch something?” Jack asked.
His grandfather moved towards the projector and inserted a small disc; the image and sound changed to an intense opening musical score which sounding rather dated to Jack.
“What is this?” asked Jack.
“It is a highlights disc it has fights and profiles on some of the best fighters ever to grace the Mixed Martial Arts. Dating from 1993-2025 “
“Excellent I didn’t know you had this.” Answered Jack his eyes glued to the image’s which appeared.
His Grandfather pressed a few digits on the remote control and immediately a list of names appeared with a small image of each fighter. Jack recognised most of the fighters, he was excited to see some of them in action, as he had only read or heard a lot of them mentioned.
“Pat Miletich, a real smart thinking mans fighter, he also trained a fair few top fighters back in the late nineties and early hundreds.” Jack’s Grandfather explained as Jack watched several snippets of Pat in action. Jack had heard of Pat, so he was familiar with him; Pat was easily one of Jack’s favourite historical lighter weight fighters.
“Many years ago I actually met Pat, at a seminar over years.” Continued Jack’s grandfather.
“By then he was a lot older, still he could beat down a lot of young and cocky fighters. He had the smarts you see the savvy.”
“You know being confident in yourself is a good thing, but overconfidence is a handicap, welcome the fear which you get, it keeps you from doing stupid things. When you face your opponent in the ring just accept that things are going to happen as they will, do what you trained to do and stay composed.” His grandpa said as he sipped the last of his tea.
“Ok pops, wanna come to Yuki’s tomorrow night?” Jack asked.
“I’ll try it depends on whether your ol' grandma lets me” He smiled.
The both stayed up for most of the night watching the hologram.

Rigan was now in the finals it had come down to him and Terry Samson the skilled American wrestler and Mixed Martial Arts fighter. Both men had fought great matches to get where they were now, Rigan had submitted all of his opponents, whereas Terry had wrestled convincingly to earn decisions in each of his matches bar one where he neck cranked his way to victory. Both men stood across from one another, Terry slick in sweat and in maroon trunks crouched ready to pounce in on Rigan. Rigan was comparitevly slender compared to his opponent his brown tanned skin contrasted with his white trunks as he also was ready to grapple his opponent. Outweighed by Terry who had some 15 kilograms on him, Rigan was still confident that he could defeat this skilled olympic wrestler. The light flashed as the referee stepped back Terry came out fast circling Rigan who patiently awaited his opponents move. Several seconds passed when finnaly Terry shot in, as he did so Rigan scooped backwards onto his backside. Terry stepped back avoiding Rigan’s guard. Terry tried to pass it but was unable, each time he did so Rigan would trap him between his legs. Now sitting up, Rigan scooped back up to a standing position.

“Thus far neither fighter has achieved any real domination of the other, Rigan continues to frustrate Terry by butt scooping as soon as the American attempts a take down. What appears to be stall tactics may very well sway in Rigan’s favour later on into the match” Meredith commentated her eyes glued to the match as it continued.

Terry finnaly shot in fast enough taking Rigan down, he scored a much needed point. He was ahead on the judges cards all he needed to do now was to hide inside of Rigan’s guard and he would win on points. Rigan though had different plans, he was hungry for a submisison, he worked his hips creating space while Terry knelt low inside of his guard. Squirming backwards Rigan pushed his left leg against Terry’s hip, the Wrestler had a very good base, he was able to compensate as the Brazilian tried to get an opening.

“Rigan seems to be very determined to either sweep Terry or to submit him from the guard it is hard to say as Rigan continues several assaults at a fast pace, Terry however still manages to defend well and is embedded deep inside of Rigan’s guard. His base and weight seems to be too strong for Rigan. Who is slowing in his attempts, as we reach the 6 minute mark of this final match in the Heavyweight division.”
Meredith continued her commentary as the match was aired live across the globe.

Terry moved up high standing up, he kept his butt far away from Rigan so that he would not be swept. The Brazilian was now stacked up, his legs still tight around the Americans waist. Both men were locked into position by the other, it was now that the subtle strategem would take place. Rigan grabbed Terry’s right ankle and twisted himself around, releasing his legs he re-attached them to Terry’s leg. Rigan was like a snake constricting himself around his helpless prey, except Terry was not such easy prey. Terry immediately turned trying to escape the hold and change in position. Terry managed to escape, he pulled his leg out forcing Rigan to scoot in raising him self up Rigan grabbed him from behind around the waist. Rigan now had Terry’s back. The crowd sighed in anticipation as Terry leant over so that the cunning Brazilian could not take him down or choke him out. Rigan however lowered himself and continued to grasp tightly against Terry. Every now and again Rigan would pull backwards against Terry’s hips but the American continued to stay balanced. Terry was a veteran Wrestler and possessed awesome balance and a strong base. Rigan placed his left arm above Terry’s shoulder the American grabbed it he twisted pulling Rigan from behind him, almost throwing him. As he did so Rigan leapt upwards onto his back and with his right arm sunk it deep around Terry’s neck. Tightly attached to his back Rigan squezzed Terry struggled and went to the ground, tapping. The crowd went ecstatic cheering excitedly as Rigan helped Terry up. Robbie came running out and hugged his brother kissing him on the cheek. Both Terry and Rigan embraced complimenting the other. It had been a strongly contested match, Terry knew he was bettered by the Brazilian, his day would come again.

Chapter 3: Against the Ropes

" When you are pinned and the other guy is going hell for leather. Take the risk and bang away back at him. If your going to lose, go down fighting."




Sydney, Australia
The event as it often does went smoothly, across the world interests were satisfied, fans were joyous or disappointed. Now one who had watched the event with keen interest was focusing on his own challenge, his step into the world of MMA. Jack shrugged his shoulders as he breathed calmly, Yuki and his grandfather stood by him speaking to him. He could not hear what they were saying, he could only hear the crowd. His eyes glazed and focused on a distant untangible point. Several matches had been fought, it was now his time. He was ready.