3rd Annual MMA World Expo Coming To Javits Center This Weekend

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The mixed martial arts community will reconvene this December in New York City as the 3rd annual MMA WORLD EXPO returns to the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Exhibitions of mixed martial arts products, professional MMA fighters, autograph sessions, live tournaments, training sessions, business seminars and special events are on tap December 17 and 18 in the North Pavilion.

General Admission tickets for the Expo are $20 in advance and $25 on-site for a day pass, $35 in advance and $45 on-site for a two-day pass at the expo's website.

In addition to the complete schedule of events, website visitors may also purchase tickets to training seminars, tournament ring-side seats and official show t-shirts and merchandise.

Leading the list of featured events will be the appearance of MMA Legend, Randy Couture, including the U.S. launch of his new book, "The Last Round." Couture recently carved out a Hollywood career with co-starring roles in "The Expendables," among other movies.

MMA fans will be given the opportunity to pre-purchase an autographed copy of Randy's book, pose for a photo and meet Randy as he promotes his new book.

Another MMA legend, Renzo Gracie, will feature his fiercely competitive BJJ tournament at this year's Expo. As with last year's No-Gi tournament, Renzo Gracie has decided to open competition to all athletes willing to take part regardless of their school affiliation. Scheduled for 10am - 7pm on Saturday, December 17th, an anticipated 600 grapplers will participate among 60 divisions including a black and brown belt absolute division.

Athletes interested in registering may visit www.rgaevents.com.

Also new for this year, the "GTS Fights!" tournament, will be unveiled. Competitors will complete individual rounds of No-Gi Jiu Jitsu (G- for Ground) followed by Take Downs (T- for Take Downs), and followed by Muay Thai (S- for Striking).

The experimental tournament is being billed as an alternate-style mixed martial arts event that stays within the confines of NYS law prohibiting MMA fights.

"GTS Fights! is a natural progression for the MMA World Expo where we have held all 3 disciplines separately", said Paul Paone, MMA World Expo founder and GTS Fights! creator. "A true mixed martial arts athlete has mastered to some extent these three critical aspects of fighting and this new tournament will expose the competitors' potential strengths and weaknesses within the respective disciplines."

The new tournament will feature four weight divisions and a total of 16 competitors.

Prelim rounds take place on Saturday, December 17th and finals on Sunday, December 18th.

Ring-side seats are available for a fee. Standing-room viewing is free with Expo admittance.

Also within the exhibit hall will be a variety of special events will include Military hand-to-hand combat presentations, Capoeira performances and a virtual dream team of legendary fighters and trainers including: Renzo Gracie (World-Famous BJJ Master), Jimmy Pedro (current USA Judo Olympic Team Coach), Kru Phil Nurse (Muay Thai trainer to UFC Champions Frankie Edgar, Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, and Marcelo Garcia.

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