Sacramento International Open Results: Mateus Rodrigues & Jaine Fragoso Win Gi and No-Gi Absolute Titles
The inaugural Sacramento Open went down on Saturday, November 11th and Sunday, November 12th at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. With gi, no-gi, and kids divisions, there were countless epic moments from the event. Alliance was the standout team in the adult divisions, winning both gi and no-gi team titles. In the kids divisions, it was Art of Jiu Jitsu that claimed the top spot, winning the overall, mighty mite, pee wee, and junior categories.
Art of Jiu Jitsu’s success wasn't limited to the kids divisions, however. 2021 brown belt World Champion Mateus Rodrigues of AOJ put on one of the best performances of his career. On Saturday, Mateus went 4-0, winning two matches at super heavyweight and two in the absolute. Sunday was another spectacular day for him, this time going 5-0 between the heavyweight and absolute no-gi divisions.
“I’m very happy with the results this weekend. It was my first time competing both days and it was definitely challenging mentally and physically but I’m definitely doing it again in the future,” commented Mateus. “It was also my first time winning double gold at black belt. I feel that things are finally getting back on track and 2024 will be the redemption year and new beginnings. Everyone can expect me at my very best for No-Gi Worlds. I will 100% win it.”
2023 Pan No-Gi Champion Jaine Fragoso had an equally impressive day in Sacramento. In the gi, Jaine won two matches in the lightweight division and two more in the open class. On Sunday, Jaine started her day in the no-gi lightweight division. After winning her first match, Jaine advanced to the final, losing to Amanda Bruse. She’d bounce back in the no-gi open class, however, winning two matches to improve her record for the weekend to 7-1.
Another notable performance from the Sacramento Open came from World No-Gi Champion Kennedy Maciel. The last time Kennedy competed in IBJJF competition was all the way back at the 2022 American Nationals in Las Vegas. He won two golds and one silver medal in his return. His gold medals came in the gi featherweight and no-gi lightweight divisions, respectively. Kennedy also competed in the absolute division, where he won two matches before dropping the final via points to Mateus Rodrigues. He'll look to add another World No-Gi title to his resume in December in Las Vegas.
Visit ibjjf.com/results for full results from the 2023 Sacramento Open.
2023 Sacramento Open team results:
1. Alliance
2. CheckMat
3. American Jiu-Jitsu Syndicate
2023 Sacramento No-Gi Open team results:
1. Alliance
2. American Jiu-Jitsu Syndicate
3. 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu