Before Garry Tonon takes on Rousimar Palhares at Polaris 3 on April 2nd, re-watch Tonon’s career-defining win against MMA legend Masakazu Imanari at Polaris 2
2015 was the year that submission grappling began to permeate the casual MMA fan’s psyche. Independent shows like the Eddie Bravo Invitational, FIVE Grappling, and Polaris captured fans’ attentions with a series of cards featuring the big names in MMA competing against up-and-coming jiu jitsu talents. One of the most interesting matches of all that went down last year was the super fight at Polaris 2 between JMMA legend Masakazu Imanari and the rising grappling star Garry Tonon.
As for the fight itself, it was exactly as billed. From the opening exchanges onward, these two leglock specialists went int pursuit of the finish. Imanari’s old school techniques were pitted against Tonon’s new age techniques, which have been honed under the likes of John Danaher and Tom DeBlass.
Garry Tonon returns to action against another leglock specialist in just a matter of days. On April 2nd, Garry Tonon will be facing one of the most feared heel hook hunters in the game, Rousimar Palhares, in a 15-minute submission-only match.
Polaris 3: Tonon vs. Palhares airs live from Poole, England this Saturday, April 2. The main card airs on PPV with a fight time of 6:30 p.m. GMT / 1:30 PM ET.