During his stay in Las Vegas to cover the 2015 IMMAF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) World Amateur Championships, ArabsMMA reporter Zahi Ehprem met up with Tarec Saffiedine (15-4 MMA) at the UFC Fan Expo. Tarec Saffiedine was participating in the 2015 IBJJF American Nationals taking place in The Venetian Hotel, the same venue as the IMMAF.
The American National Jiu-Jitsu Championships have become one of the most traditional grappling events in the United States. Each year, grapplers from around the world compete to be recognized as a national champion. The event has attracted grapplers from all levels, including professional mixed martial artists such as UFC welterweight Demian Maia, Shane Rice and Baret Yoshida among the list of notable alums.
The Lebanese/ Belgian UFC Fighter, who was out there with his family made sure to take part of this one way or another. Saffiedine competed as a brown belt (CheckMat) and earned third place with Daniel Hampton (Nova União) second, and Gabriel Arges de Sousa (Gracie Barra) ending first.
“I competed today at the Nationals IBJJF, happy to step on the mat again! Big thanks to my coach Ricardo Feliciano, my wife and my sponsors Clinch Gear SISU Mouth Guard
On to the next one! “
As excited as this is for Tarec, check out this short clip of his little son going at it at the UFC Expo: