UK-based grappling promotion Polaris has just dropped a bombshell announcement that has the combat sports world buzzing with excitement. On September 30, Polaris 25 will not only feature an eight-man grand prix but also a highly anticipated superfight between former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and fellow UFC standout Nathaniel Wood.
The promotion announced the match on Instagram to reveal this epic showdown, and fans can't wait to witness the clash of these two grappling titans.
A Force to be Reckoned With: Aljamain Sterling
Aljamain Sterling, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under the legendary Matt Serra, has solidified his position as one of MMA's most formidable grapplers. With his background as a Division III collegiate wrestler, Sterling has showcased his exceptional grappling prowess in the octagon since his arrival in the UFC in 2014.
The 15-4 record he has amassed within the organization speaks volumes about his dominance. Out of those 15 victories, four have come by way of devastating submissions, including a rare Suloev Stretch finish in 2018 that left fans in awe.
His crowning moment came in 2021 at UFC 259 when he captured the bantamweight title with a disqualification victory over Petr Yan. Sterling went on to successfully defend the belt three times, displaying his skills and tenacity as a champion. However, his reign came to an end in August at UFC 292 when he faced off with Sean O'Malley.
But Sterling's grappling prowess extends beyond the MMA world. Last year, he showcased his skills in professional submission grappling, securing a victory over veteran black belt Damien Nitkin at a High Rollerz event. Although the victory was marred by controversy, it only adds to the anticipation surrounding his upcoming superfight.
Nathaniel Wood: A Worthy Challenger
Standing across the mat from Sterling will be Nathaniel Wood, an accomplished MMA fighter hailing from Morden, England. Wood has carved out an impressive career for himself, boasting a 7-2 record in the UFC and an overall career record of 20-5.
Known for his versatility and well-rounded skill set, Wood has proven time and again that he can hold his own against elite competition. As he prepares to face Sterling in the Polaris superfight, fans eagerly anticipate the clash between these two warriors.
Polaris 25 Absolute Grand Prix
Not only will Polaris 25 showcase the highly anticipated superfight between Sterling and Wood, but it will also feature an eight-man grand prix that promises to be a talent-rich spectacle.
This grand prix will bring together some of the best no-gi competitors on the planet, including ADCC champions Giancarlo Bodoni and Kaynan Duarte. Joining them will be Polaris middleweight grand prix champion Roberto Jimenez, whose skills have dazzled audiences time and again.
The current absolute grand prix line-up for Polaris 25 includes:
- Giancarlo Bodoni
- Kaynan Duarte
- Roberto Jimenez
- Eoghan O'Flanagan
- Fabricio Andrey
- Izaak Michell
- Owen Livesey
- Marcin Maciulewicz
With such an incredible line-up, fans can expect nothing short of thrilling and intense grappling action throughout the night.
Make sure to mark your calendars for September 30 and brace yourself for an unforgettable night of combat sports as Aljamain Sterling and Nathaniel Wood go head-to-head in the Polaris superfight, while the absolute grand prix showcases the world's finest no-gi competitors. This is an event you don't want to miss!
