Grappling ace Robert Drysdale set for professional mixed martial arts debut in July!

Brazilian jiu-jitsu superstar Robert Drysdale will soon test the waters of mixed martial arts.

The Canadian-based Armageddon Fighting Championship today announced that Drysdale has signed a four-fight contract with the promotion and is expected to make his debut on July 17 at the company's third event, "AFC 3: Evolution."

An opponent has yet to be determined.

Drysdale fought one amateur contest under the Las Vegas-based Tuff-N-Uff banner and handed a then 5-0 Josh Musick a first-round defeat via armbar.

A highly decorated grappler, Drysdale got his start with the Nova Uniao team. A multiple-time world champion, Drysdale also took first place in the 2007 Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championship's absolute division.

Prior to opening his own academy in Las Vegas, Drysdale was a jiu-jitsu instructor at the famed Xtreme Couture gym. The U.S.-born Drysdale also previously operated his own gym for eight years in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Armageddon Fighting Championship held its debut event in August 2009.


With all the very top level BJJ talent coming into MMA recently,like Roger Gracie,Braulio Estima(who has signed a deal with Shine,so his debut might be delayed),Alexandre Ribeiro and now Drysdale as well as BJJ guys like Jacare and Maia,who are already establishing themselves as top fighters could this start to mean a swing back in favour of the jits guys being dominant fighters in MMA or will the guys with the wrestling base still continue to be considered top dogs?

nice post, i think that MMA is a great for both wrestlers/judoka/bjj as there are realy top level guys before that now have a chance of a payday. I think wrestlers still hold the edge at the moment as being able to dictate where a fight takes place so that you are at the greatest advantage is a huge advantage.

What weight is Drysdale?

In grappling he competes at 94 kilos, which is 205 in pounds. I think he will fight at 205 but it wouldn't be a suprise if he cut down to 185 if he finds the guys too big.

To answer your question Payne it depends. If these guys add to there game then absolutley but if they come out with just BJJ there going to look like Aoki did against Melendez. Jacare has developed his game well and it has benefitted him. Maia hasn't really and it resulted in him being KOed in 20 seconds and being made a mockery out of for 25. If Drysdale gets some striking in then we could have a real prospect.