The lineup for KASAI Pro 2 starts strong with the signing of Matheus Diniz and Craig Jones for the World Middleweight Championship tournament.

Following its strong inaugural event held in December, KASAI Pro returns on April 14 in Brooklyn, New York, for an eight-man 185lb round-robin pro tournament.

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New York transplant Matheus Diniz of Marcelo Garcia’s team will bring his explosive style to the mat. The Brazilian black belt standout and two-time IBJJF World No-Gi Championships medalist (silver in 2015, bronze in 2016) is known for his crushing physical strength and go-forward style.

“We’re delighted to confirm that Matheus will be vying for gold at KASAI Pro 2,” said Rolles Gracie, KASAI President. “The intensity he brings to competition is exactly the type of action we’re looking to showcase on April 14.”

Australian Craig Jones, voted as FloGrappling 2017 Breakthrough Grappler of the Year, is the second confirmed name for the pro tournament. The leglock specialist, who submitted Leandro Lo at the 2017 ADCC tournament, will bring his tricky submission-orientated attacks back to the KASAI mat following his recent superfight with Murilo Santana.

“I’m excited to return to KASAI for a chance to win its middleweight championship,” Jones said. “I had a controversial match last time out and was very disappointed with the result. This time I plan to leave a trail of decisive results en route to the belt.”

KASAI Pro 2 goes down on April 14 at the Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse in Brooklyn, New York. Card details and ticket information will be announced in the coming days.