Few things ignite a fight promotion quite like a true rivalry. At Rage Kombat, the growing feud between Belgian BJJ specialist Lucas Sidhu and Maltese judoka-grappler Alec Grech has quickly become one of the defining narratives of the promotion. With two bouts already in the books — both dramatic, both fiercely contested — their rivalry has captured audiences in Malta and beyond.
The Fighters
Lucas Sidhu (Belgium, 24)
Trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and fighting out of the Avant Garde BJJ Club, Sidhu is a technician on the mats. A patient, methodical grappler, he favors pulling guard early and dictating fights from the bottom. His style has taken him into elite international circuits such as the AJP Tour and ADCC, where he earned a bronze medal at ADCC Malta — a statement result that marked him as one of Europe’s rising BJJ stars.
Alec Grech (Malta, 24)
Grech represents the proud tradition of judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Malta, splitting his training between the Kamikwai Judo Club and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Team Malta. With strong credentials from both the AJP Tour and ADCC, Grech brings an aggressive, forward-pressing style built on throws, pressure, and grit. For him, Rage Kombat offers not just competition but a chance to prove Maltese martial arts on the European stage.
Chapter One: Rage Kombat Rebellion
The rivalry began on February 8th, 2025, at Rage Kombat: Rebellion inside the buzzing Pembroke Arena. Fought under BJJ rules at 77kg, the five-minute bout was as much a clash of philosophies as it was of athletes.
Sidhu immediately went to ground, seeking to control the match from his guard. Grech pressed forward relentlessly, embodying his judo roots with constant pressure and attempts to pass. The action was competitive throughout, but when the final whistle blew, Sidhu held an 11–5 lead on points, securing the first victory in their saga.
It was a win for the Belgian, but Grech’s aggression and the close scoreline left fans eager for a rematch.
Chapter Two: Rage Kombat Inferno
The return came just months later at Rage Kombat: Inferno on July 19th, 2025. The venue: the awe-inspiring Greek Amphitheatre at Ta’ Qali, a stage worthy of historic events. The stakes: the inaugural Rage Kombat 80kg European Grappling Championship.
The format was unique — a four-man tournament, four different combat styles, and one title on the line.
- Sidhu (BJJ, Belgium) vs. Domenico Nicosia (MMA, Italy)
Sidhu stuck to his script, pulling guard against the Italian and securing a submission win to book his spot in the final. - Grech (Judo, Malta) vs. Alexey Matveev (Kudo, Russia)
Their semi-final went the distance. With no submission in the regulation round, the fight entered Rage Kombat’s dramatic “shootout” round — a two-minute sprint where takedowns and throws decide the victor. Grech’s judo prowess shone through, as he claimed a 2–0 win, punching his ticket to the final.
And so the stage was set: Sidhu vs. Grech II, with both national pride and a European title at stake.
The Grand Final: Sidhu vs Grech II
The atmosphere was electric as the two rivals squared off once more. The first round — the submission round — mirrored their initial meeting. Sidhu immediately went to ground, staying defensive, while Grech circled and pressed, looking for an opening to break through. Once again, no submissions materialized.
That meant the fight moved into the shootout round. Here, Sidhu was forced to engage standing up where Grech’s judo typically shines. What followed was a thrilling two minutes: takedown attempts, counters, and high-energy exchanges that had the crowd on their feet.
In the closing seconds, Grech launched a determined takedown attempt. But Sidhu reacted brilliantly, reversing the motion and planting his rival on the canvas. The referee awarded him one point just as the final bell rang.
It was a razor-thin finish — but once again, the hand of Lucas Sidhu was raised. The Belgian not only secured victory over his rival for a second time, but also claimed the Rage Kombat European Grappling Championship.
A Rivalry in Motion
With two battles fought and two wins for Sidhu, the rivalry is still in its infancy. Both fights have been close, both have showcased contrasting styles, and both have ignited fan passion.
For Sidhu, the story is one of consolidation — proving that his methodical guard game can overcome judo aggression, and now holding the European title as validation. For Grech, the rivalry is fuel — motivation to refine, to adapt, and to one day turn the tables on his Belgian rival.
What’s certain is that this rivalry has already become a cornerstone of Rage Kombat’s identity, embodying the promotion’s ethos of pitting styles against each other on dramatic stages.
And as for Sidhu and Grech? The fans will demand — and Rage Kombat will surely deliver — a Chapter Three.