Date: Friday, September 12, 2025
Location: San Antonio, Texas (La Quinta By Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk)
Stream: UFC Fight Pass (subscription required)
Start Time: 8:00 PM ET
Format: 16-man lightweight bracket using original EBI rules
Event Overview
EBI 25 marks the return of the legendary Eddie Bravo Invitational with one of the most stacked lightweight tournaments in recent memory. This event features a perfect blend of established elite grapplers with years of high-level experience and talented up-and-comers ready to make their mark at one of grappling’s most respected tournaments.
The tournament will use the classic EBI overtime format that made the promotion famous – if regulation ends in a draw, competitors enter the unique “spiderweb” position where they alternate between attacking and defending submissions until someone taps or escapes.
The Top Favorites
Keith Krikorian
- Background: 10th Planet black belt and one of the sport’s most active elite competitors
- Credentials: 3x ADCC competitor, Polaris champion, Grapplefest champion, CJJ featherweight champion
- Style: Breakneck pace with constant submission threats, proven success under EBI ruleset
- Why He’ll Win: His CJJ championship proves he thrives in this exact format
Gianni Grippo
- Background: Decorated veteran with over a decade at the highest level
- Credentials: Multiple-time IBJJF no-gi world champion
- Style: Superb submission defense and dominant back control
- Key Performance: His 2021 Emerald City Invitational performance where no opponent escaped his back control in overtime
- Why He’ll Win: His back control mastery is perfectly suited for EBI overtime
Ethan Crelinsten
- Background: Simple Man Martial Arts representative and arguably the field’s most accomplished athlete
- Credentials: Canadian buzzsaw known for dangerous back-takes and finishing ability
- Style: High activity rate, underrated leg lock game, wealth of EBI/CJJ experience
- Why He’ll Win: Most experienced in this exact ruleset with proven finishing ability
Dark Horses & Grapplers to Watch
Bryce Mitchell (UFC Fighter)
- Background: UFC standout making his competitive grappling debut
- Credentials: One of MMA’s top submission hunters
- X-Factor: If elite MMA fighters are hard to submit, Mitchell’s submission skills could translate perfectly to pure grappling
Ben Eddy
- Background: Innovative guard specialist and Eddie Bravo black belt
- Style: Trademark hindulotine from closed guard
- Why He’s Dangerous: CJJ veteran who understands the unique dynamics of this ruleset
Jordan Holy
- Background: Perennial tough competitor
- Credentials: CJJ Worlds finalist with experience across multiple rulesets
- Style: Well-rounded game that adapts well to different formats
Max Hanson
- Featured prominently in promotional materials
- Strong technical background expected to make noise
Complete Lineup Confirmed:
- Keith Krikorian
- Gianni Grippo
- Ethan Crelinsten
- Bryce Mitchell
- Ben Eddy
- Jordan Holy
- Max Hanson
- Plus 9 additional elite lightweights creating a 16-man bracket
What Makes EBI Special
Original EBI Rules: The tournament that revolutionized submission grappling returns to its roots with the format that made it legendary.
Overtime Drama: The unique spiderweb position creates some of the most dramatic finishes in grappling, where technical mastery under pressure determines winners.
Lightweight Division: Historically one of the most competitive and exciting weight classes in grappling, featuring the perfect blend of speed, technique, and finishing ability.
Viewing Information
- Platform: UFC Fight Pass (subscription required)
- Time: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT
- Format: Live streaming with replay available
Why This Event Matters
EBI 25 represents a return to form for one of grappling’s most influential promotions. After years of evolution in the sport, seeing elite competitors return to the original EBI format provides a nostalgic yet fresh take on high-level competition. The lightweight division has always been EBI’s most exciting, and this lineup suggests we’re in for a night of incredible technical grappling and dramatic finishes.
With the mix of proven veterans like Grippo and Crelinsten, rising stars, and the wildcard element of Bryce Mitchell’s MMA crossover appeal, EBI 25 has all the ingredients for a classic tournament that could produce some of the year’s best grappling moments.
