Toro Cup 6 was the biggest and — in my view — best version of Toro BJJ‘s local grappling superfight cards. Featuring 22 matches, including four black belt clashes and four women’s matches, the event had something for everybody. With about 450 people in attendance, the day for a real showcase for the growth of the jiujitsu scene in the Carolinas and beyond.

We had competitor and Pedro Sauer black belt David Porter in the studio live to break down his match with CJ Murdock and to share his personal highlights from the day: that was tremendous fun, as always with Mr. Porter, and is one of two Toro Cup podcasts coming. With so many folks concentrated in one spot, we did numerous interviews we think you’re going to love — so check this episode out, and subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher if you don’t want to miss future shows! Video of the matches below.

We were able to video the majority of the matches, though sadly not all — that’s a goal for next time! Two of the nogi matches have to be considered early candidates for Match of Year. The main event between stalwart competitors Nakapan Phungephorn and Greg Walker was an instant classic, a display of technique and tenacity that resulted in a standing ovation for both participants.

Nakapan Phungephorn (BETA Academy) vs. Greg Walker (Gustavo Machado)

Another spectacular nogi match, for the inaugural Toro Cup NoGi Championship, took place between Toro Cup veteran Josh Williams and recent Projitsu standout Bobby Gurley. The match was nonstop action, and we caught the overtime points period:

In the most anticipated gi match of the day, David Porter took on CJ Murdock. You can hear Porter talk about it on this week’s show, and you can witness firsthand Murdock’s leaping kimura attacks and Porter’s back take right here:

The events just keep coming, too, with this coming weekend’s seminars with Dominyka Obelenyte. You can pre-register online for a price break, or just show up at the door with cash, check or credit card. Friday night’s seminar is women-only at Elevate MMA, and Saturday’s seminar is open to everyone and takes place at Triangle Jiu-Jitsu Academy / Cageside Fight Company (the same spot that hosted Toro Cup).

 

The next Toro Cup is slated for June 10, and will feature a rematch between Williams and Andrew Bitner, who took on late replacement Miles Bell on the Toro Cup 6 card:

Perhaps best of all, this Toro Cup benefited a great cause — the Gis for GIs Foundation — and brought the total raised for various charities to $9,300. The goal is to crack $10,000 next time, and that seems almost certain.

While we weren’t able to record all the matches this time (only 14 out of 22), we got the majority. They’re aggregated below. Enjoy, and watch for more podcasts soon!

John Schell (Rubao Carioca / Schell Shock BJJ) vs. Andrew Foster (Evolution)

Jay Yovanovich (Pendergrass Academy / Gustavo Machado) vs. Chad Stevens (Rubao Carioca / Section 8)

Isaac Rehner (BETA Academy) vs. Mike McGinley (Evolution)

Kenneth Brown (Evolve) vs. Chico Santiago (Brazil 021)

Jason Wingate (Gracie Raleigh) vs. Jeff Daughtry (Chapel Hill Gracie Jiu-Jitsu)

Taylor Sausser (Gustavo Machad0) vs. Eman Bilbasi (Team ROC Fayetteville)

Chris Lewter (Gracie Raleigh / LewtWear) vs. Alex Larmey (Swamp Fox)

Sa’idah Zeinab Durkee (The Rock BJJ / Barbosa BJJ) vs. Jordan Wise (TFTC Academy)

Cody Maltais (Elevate MMA) vs. Nick Walters (Walters BJJ / Luiz Palhares)

Brett Beaber (Lucas Lepri) v. Cory Wu (Evolution):