Mat Santos takes on the undefeated MMA prospect Ricardo Funch

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Boston Brawler and Front Row Productions present a special submission grappling SuperFight between local grappling superstar Mat Santos and undefeated MMA prospect Ricardo Funch of Team Link. The bout takes place on August 22nd in Providence, RI in conjunction with the Submission Ink. Grappling Tournament as part of the three day (Aug 21-23) Rock The Ink Tattoo and Entertainment Festival, the largest tattoo festival on the East Coast.

This bout promises to deliver fireworks and non-stop action as grappling superstar Mat Santos of Providence, RI puts his stellar grappling resume on the line against one of the fastest rising MMA stars in the North East. Santos is a multiple time world champion grappler and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Tim Burrill. Santos has the distinction of having his black belt lineage trace back to the founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Carlos Gracie, through Carlos Gracie Jr. to Carlos Machado and finally to Tim Burrill. Santos credits much of his success to Tim Burrill, "I received my bjj black belt from Tim Burrill, but he's also my friend and mentor." Santos began to study Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1998 after having studied Jeet Kune Do and No-Gi Judo. Among some of Santos' titles are the North American Grappling Association's (NAGA) World Championship, North American Championship, National Championship and Northeast Championship as well as a Pan American Championship in 2005 and 2nd place finish in the Absolute division in 2006.

Looking to make a statement against Santos is the best MMA prospect in the Northeast in undefeated Ricardo Funch who trains out of the highly regarded Team Link which is home to UFC Heavyweight contender Gabriel Gonzaga. Although Funch has only been training for 3 1/2 years, he has quickly become the most highly regarded MMA prospect in the Northeast by amassing an undefeated record of 7-0 with one of his wins over potential UFC Ultimate Fighter contestant Woody Weatherby by Knockout in 2007. Training under head coach Marco Alvan, Funch has earned the rank of purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. When asked if it was daunting for a purple belt to be facing a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Funch responded "No, not all. My team and I are confident I am ready. This is all about testing myself. Competition is always about testing yourself to be the best." Funch has recorded championships in the North American Grappling Association's (NAGA) white and blue belt divisions for his weight class as well as winning 1st place in his weight division and the absolute division as a purple belt at the Massachusetts BJJ Federation tournament earlier this year.

Along with the SuperFight, festivities include autographs and pictures with UFCTM Fighters and Ring Card Girls. Fans will also be treated to free raffles including autographed merchandise and memorabilia during the autograph session. Mention Submission Ink. at the ticket window to receive your free raffle ticket and enter to win signed MMA memorabilia, collectibles and more.

About Boston Brawler: Boston Brawler is the North East's premiere Mixed Martial Arts retail store and Clothing Line. Boston Brawler carries everything from Heavy Bags, Gloves and Shin Guards to the most popular MMA apparel including Tapout and Boston Brawler's own clothing line for men and women. For more information please visit BostonBrawler.com

About Rock The Ink: Rock The Ink is a one of a kind Tattoo and Entertainment Festival that features: On-site tattooing by 100 top Tattoo Artists, Over 30 Bands and DJs playing throughout the weekend, Celebrity Appearances, The Miss Tattoo Pageant, Guitar Wars, Midget Wrestling, Fashion Shows, Roller Derby Exhibitions, After-Parties every night and much more. Rock The Ink is the largest tattoo event on the East coast. Rock The Ink will also appear in Albuquerque in October 2009 and Atlanta in December 2009, while gearing up for a six-city run in 2010. For more information on Rock The Ink please visit rocktheink.net