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Guam black belt judge to scout for MMA talents
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Posted on Sep 22 2008
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Stephen P. Roberto will be the special guest referee for next Saturday’s Rites of Passage V: Raging Warriors at the Trench Tech Gym in Afetnas.
Roberto will not only be the judge but he will also scout for potential mixed martial arts talents on Saipan.
Trench Tech Inc. president and promoter Justis “Cuki” Alvarez, who is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter, confirmed Roberto is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or BJJ—the first ever Chamorro to hold the distinction.
He is set to arrive on Saturday morning as an ambassador of MMA and BJJ.
Roberto, who is a native son of Guam, is the only black belt of Chamorro heritage.
He teaches and trains fellow Chamorro islanders in the art of Jiu Jitsu.
Roberto is with Team Purebred and is connected with the Lloyd Irvin BJJ Academy.
He recently acquired his black belt after 12 years of dedicated training under the tutorship and guidance of Enson Inoue, the owner and founder of Purebred International, and Mike Fowler, the disciple and world renowned BJJ black belt practitioner from the Lloyd Irvin Academy.
Alvarez said Roberto is excited to meet MMA fighters on Saipan.
A total of 20 fights will be showcased in the Rites of Passage V: Raging Warriors, an event that caters mainly to first-time fighters and/or those who have fought and want to redeem their performance in the octagon cage.
It is the “proving ground” for young up and coming fighters looking to earn their “Rites to Pass” onto the next level.
The main event will be between Derrick “Pinchi” Rangamar of Marianas Elite and Chris “No Luv” Laayug of Trench Tech.
