For Immediate Release · August 28, 2026 · Phoenix, AZ
Grappling Superfight Opens the Night: Andres Ponce vs. Gabriel De Los Santos at RUF 70
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu submission superfight kicks off RUF 70: LEGENDS before the MMA card begins.
PHOENIX, AZ · August 28, 2026 · Before the first punch is thrown, RUF 70: LEGENDS opens on the mat. Andres Ponce and Gabriel De Los Santos meet in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grappling superfight to kick off the night. Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. Two grapplers, no strikes, and a race to the submission.
The Grappling Opener
A dedicated submission-grappling match is the perfect way to warm up a fight crowd. Stripped of striking, a BJJ superfight is a pure chess match of grips, position, and the hunt for the finish, and the fans get an up-close look at the ground game that decides so many MMA fights. Ponce and De Los Santos will be looking to pass guard, advance position, and lock up the tap in front of a live Phoenix audience.
Tale of the Tape
| Category | Andres Ponce | Gabriel De Los Santos |
|---|---|---|
| Nickname | - | - |
| Discipline | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Format | Submission grappling | Submission grappling |
| Storyline | Opening the night | Opening the night |
Card and matchups subject to change.
Where the Match Is Won and Lost
Grappling superfights come down to who controls the positions and who is willing to hunt the submission rather than play it safe. The grappler who imposes his grips, passes to dominant position, and threatens the finish will win the exchanges. Expect scrambles, sweeps, and submission attempts from the opening whistle.
Don't Miss It
A grappling superfight is a great way to start a card built to celebrate the sport, and the fans in the building get the show before the show. RUF 70: LEGENDS takes over the legendary Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Be in your seat early for this one. Tickets are on sale now via Etix. This is MMA at its best.
#RUF70 #RUF70Legends #BJJ #Grappling #AndresPonce #GabrielDeLosSantos #RUFNation #MMAAtItsBest #ArizonaMMA #PhoenixMMA
About RUF Nation MMA
Founded by Joel Lopez, RUF Nation (Ringside Unified Fighting) is Arizona's #1 professional MMA organization with 20+ years of combat sports heritage. 100% Arizona Tribally-owned, RUF has launched the careers of multiple UFC alumni and is the go-to fight night experience at Phoenix's iconic Celebrity Theatre.
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