KASAI Elite Grappling Championships has confirmed Masahiro Iwasaki, Michael Perez and Jason Rau as the final three combatants to compete in the organization’s eight-man, no-gi World Welterweight Championship tournament on Saturday, August 18 at KASAI Pro 3.

Watch KASAI Pro 3 LIVE or On Demand ONLY on FloGrappling

August 18 | New York City | Click here for more info

“We’re delighted to round out our eight welterweight title contenders with the addition of Masahiro, Michael and Jason,” said Rolles Gracie, KASAI President. “The trio are a testament to KASAI’s global search for elite talent. I can’t wait to see who leaves Manhattan Center’s Hammerstein Ballroom as champion.”

Masahiro Iwasaki

Iwasaki is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Marco Barbosa who now trains at the Carpe Diem Academy in Tokyo, Japan. Having previously medaled at the IBJJF European International Open, the IBJJF Asian Open and the ASJJF All Japan Championship, he is considered to be among Japan’s top competitors in the sport.

WATCH: Masahiro Iwasaki vs

Michael Perez

Perez is a two-time ADCC trials winner and a two-time IBJJF world no-gi champion at purple and brown belt. He returns to KASAI having finished second in the promotion’s World Middleweight Championship tournament back in April at ‘KASAI Pro 2’. Perez is a black belt under André Galvão who represents the Atos Jiu Jitsu Academy.

WATCH: Mike Perez vs Dante Leon KASAI Pro 2

Jason Rau (right)

Rau is a New York native and a black belt under former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra. He has also become a protégé of the Danaher Death Squad at Renzo Gracie Academy. Rau has used this experience to refine his leg-lock game and impress at several events, including the ‘KASAI Pro 3’ qualifying tournament in June, where he placed second.

WATCH: Jason Rau vs Mike Padilla

Tickets for the ‘KASAI Pro 3’ live event are on sale now and can be reserved here. You can also watch Live or On Demand on FloGrappling.



