From left are Riley Clanton, owner/head coach Rudy Vidaurri and Jaxson Clanton. Photo courtesy of Apex Predator MMA

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - When 15-year-old twin brothers Riley and Jaxson Clanton walked into the U.S. Open BJJ Tour Championship the night of Nov. 16, they not only had to face bigger and older opponents but they also had to face each other.

Despite weighing 137 and 141 pounds respectively, they competed in the 147-weight bracket against 17-year-olds and both won matches. Jaxson Clanton advanced to the championship final and won the silver medal.

The pair also competed in the 141-weight class against one another with Jaxson Clanton taking the gold medal and Riley Clanton taking the silver. At only 15 years old, the two brothers’ future appears bright as they both plan to go pro in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) upon turning 18 years old.

“These young men have come a long way since signing up with me a little over a year ago. There’s sibling rivalry but there’s also a healthy respect and they push each other,” said Apex Predator MMA owner and head coach Rudy Vidaurri. “Riley beat Jaxson in the last tournament but today was Jaxson’s day and that’s how it goes in this sport. For them, the sky is the limit. They feed off one another and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

The twin brothers continue a long-standing tradition of Apex Predator MMA competitors who have found the podium and had success in BJJ Tour competition. The win comes not long after the fight club won the award for the Best Martial Arts Club in Rancho Cordova for the fourth consecutive year since opening in 2021. For more information on upcoming events or classes, visit www.apexpredatormma.com.