Miami, FL– The grandest tournament in mixed marital arts takes place in la jaula this Sunday, when eight-men representing their country respectively will have a shot at winning $100,000 when Combate Global’s Copa Combate returns.

For the first time, fighters from Europe will be competing alongside athletes from North and South America.

This is the fourth addition. The event was first held in 2017. Winners include Levy Marroquin, Andres Quintana, and Humberto Bandenay.

This year eight countries will have representatives: Carlos Briseno, Mexico; Cristian Barraza, Chile; Frans Mlambo, Ireland; Jose Zarauz, Peru; Leo Muniz, USA; Pierre Daguzan, France; Kevin Cordero, Spain; and Luciano Ramos, Argentina.

In case any of the competitors are unable to compete due to an injury, four men will compete as alternates: Diego Manzur (Chile) vs Felipe Vargas (Colombia) and Ricky Bandejas (USA) vs Alan Cantu (Mexico).

The quarter and semi-finals will include a one five minute round fight, while the finals will be a three five minute round fight.

This year, Combate Global has held several tournaments including an all-woman tournament back in August.

Below is a preview of the quarter finals.

Mlambo (10-5) vs Zarauz (22-8-1)

Mlambo is a product of Straight Blast Gym Island (SBGI) home to Conner McGregor. His last fight was in May 2021 where he won by submission. He considers himself a striker, but the South African born fighter, who calls Ireland home says with time he has evolved into a complete fighter. Ironically, he has a loss to alternate Bandejas, where was defeated by a KO back in February of 2020.

Look for Mlambo to use his range and quick striking. His footwork could help him get to the finals.

Zarauz returns to la jaula after making his debut back in May, where he lost by TKO to Jordan Beltran. However, he bounced back by defeating his last opponent in July defeating his foe by way of unanimous decision.

He has a purple belt in jiu jitsu. Anticipate for him to use his ground game skill, which would benefit him against a lankier fighter in Mlambo. If he can pass by Mlambo, he potentially could make it to the finals.

Briseno (13-2) vs Barraza (7-3)

Briseno returns to la jaula after defeating Adam Martinez in October by way of decision. He also won back in July by decision meaning he is undefeated in 2021. The Bonebreakers standout is no stranger in tournaments, as he competed in tourneys in the amateurs levels. He said his experience will help him win the $100,000, but he has a strong task against Barraza who is coming off a submission win. Look for Briseno to use his power in striking and go for a quick knockout.

Barraza submitted Diego Silva by way of armbar in the first round in October. It put a smile on his face after suffering two back-to-back defeats in la jaula this year. In fact, his win over Silva earned him a spot in Copa Combate. He could be the biggest underdog and a win for him would be like a fairy tale come to life.

He has changed his way and has focused on his career. For a few months now, he has called Mexico his home training with the Blackxicans. He has focused a lot on his stand up, but his bread and butter is his jiu jitsu game.

Daguzan (6-5) vs Muniz (6-1)

Daguzan is 1-1 inside la jaula. His recent fight against Carlos Puente Jr. was unanimous decision victory.  In his last fight, he proved he is a game fighter and durable as he took many shots from Puente, but remained in the fight countering and show a great ground defense as he found himself in deep waters with submission. However, he overcame adversity and pulled off the win. He’ll need durability against Muniz who swings for the fences.

Muniz returned to action this year after not competing since 2015. He has two victories over Hector Fajardo by way of unanimous decision this year. Prior, his last fight was against Ricky Bandejas where he lost in 2015. He is not looking back at the past and is focused on what is in front of him proving that ring rust is a myth. He could extend his win streak to five if he were to win the tournament.

Look for this fight to deliver fireworks to set the tournament pace.

Ramos (8-6) vs Cordero (12-2)

Nick Diaz Academy fighter Ramos wants to put the hype on Cordero to rest. He is confident in what he has learned from the Diaz brother could put the fire out. Ramos has ventured in the world of boxing and his dirty boxing style similar to the Diaz brother is evident in his fight skills. But that’s not all he learned from the Diaz brother’s camp, as they are also known for the respected jiu jitsu game which he will need against the Spainard.

At only 21 years-old, the majority of his victories have come by way of submission. In fact, seven of his 12 victories are by way of submission. His latest victim was Bandejas in September. He won by triangle choke in the first round. He is the favorite to win this tournament, but Ramos will bring everything including the kitchen sink to put the breaks on the Cordero train.

Both fighters should experiment and test each other’s ground game in this quarter finals matchup.