Joe Baize

Baize (L) with Warren Brooks (R)

Joe Baize (15-6-1 pro) is a Matthew Wellington Group client training out of Nice Guy Submission Fighting under Warren Brooks in Owensboro, KY and under Josh Johnson at Elizabethtown and Bowling Green Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo. Although Baize has built a successful professional mixed martial arts career, over the last two years, his focus has been on his grappling career and the success he has found on the mat is unrivaled at nearly every level of the sport.

A black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, in the last two years Baize has gone undefeated in grappling, winning over 40 matches, most recently the 98 KG division of the Abu Dhabi Combat Club North American Championships, earning him a chance to compete in Abu Dhabi in 2011 in the world’s most prestigious grappling tournament.

Some of Baize’s grappling achievements include:

  • ADCC North American Trial Winner (98 Kg)
  • Kentucky Hayastan Advanced Heavyweight and Absolute Champion
  • New York Hayastan Advanced Heavyweight and Absolute Champion

  • Baize after his win over Ian Stephens

    North Carolina Advanced Heavyweigth and Absolute Champion

  • Ohio Grappling Challenge Superfight Champion
  • Nashville Open Advanced Heavyweight Champion
  • Nashville Open Purple Belt Heavyweight Champion
  • Big Bully Tournament Advanced Heavyweight and Absolute Champion
  • Bluegrass Open Blue and Purple Belt Champion
  • Vette City Open Purple Belt Champion
  • Won over 50 matches by leg lock

Baize (L) with Josh Johnson (R)

In spite of the success he has enjoyed in both MMA and grappling, Baize remains humble.

“I’m just a regular guy who is not naturally gifted, but trains extremely hard for all my competitions and believes in the technique of the leg lock. Being invited to compete at ADCC is definitely a dream come true and I am very humbled for sure.”

Although his win at the ADCC North American trial was a big one, Baize continues to stay busy.   Fans may catch him at the following tournaments in 2011:  Ohio Grappling Challenge Team Invitational on January 15, the Houston Open on Feb 12, the New York Open on April 16, Chicago Open in August, ADCC in September and the No Gi Pan Ams in October.

The Matthew Wellington Group is working on sponsorships for Baize as he competes all around the country and internationally.

Baize (second from Left) after his win at the ADCC North American Trials.

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