Royce Gracie Blackbelt, Jim Hughes, & Pro Fighter Rodrigo Gracie Congratulate US MMA Open Winners: Tony Davila and Luis Rosario January 31, 2009 Union Station Hartford CT

West Hartford, CT, February 09, 2009 --(PR.com)-- "The US MMA OPEN (TM) is an opportunity for anyone in the martial art community to come and test their skills in a safe and reasonable manner" says promoter Jim Hughes. Contestants from as far away as Boston and New York met at Union Station in Hartford CT, in a full scale MMA/Grappling show, to face off in a K1 style and original UFC style tournament. Perry Siegal, Director of Events, says "We dont want to be the biggest, we just want to be the best." Competitors were assigned to pools in two different randomly assigned divisions. The Champions of the event were Tony Davila, SPringfield MA, and Luis Rosario, West Hartford CT. Each fighter caught every one of their opponents in submission throughout the preliminary trials and the finals, thus securing their titles of US MMA Open Grappling Division Champion. In addition to receiving medals, the Champions were awarded a Scottish Dirk by Jim Hughes and Pro Fighter Rodrigo Gracie. The Scottish Dirks were made by sponsor Cold Steel. The Scottish Dirk is a real weapon with historical significance back to the days of William Wallace and the Highlander's fight for freedom. It is given in honor of Grandmaster Helio Gracie and the entire Gracie family who have Scottish roots. Congratulations Mr. Davila and Rosario. The day included a special class and demonstration by West Hartford and East Windsor CT SuperKids Karate & Jiu Jitsu head coach Paul Bratslavsky. Sponsors for the event include Hot Tomatos, 106.9 WCCC, Whitford Security, Cold Steel, Coach's Tavern, and Royce Gracie MMA. The Master of Ceremony was J. Raven from WCCC More details at www dot usMMAopen dot com and www dot RoyceGracieMMA dot com.

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