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My favorite submission only match from this weekend

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So I ordered the Metamoris event this weekend and I have to say, all in all, I was kind of bored. This is sort of a reoccurring theme with this event. There is always a match or two that is fun to watch, where both competitors go after the win, but overall most of the competitors seem as if they are fighting not to lose. I am not in their shoes so I am not going to overly criticize, but it’s just weird to watch normally aggressive competitors revert to a cautious relaxed style. I believe the issue lies in the draw being an option. Knowing that a clear winner will be decided during a match creates urgency. Whereas being able to fall back on the draw and simply not losing seems to inspire a more cautious defensive style. I think Metamoris needs to dash the 20 minute time limit if it’s going to keep the sub only format. Letting the competitors know that someone is going to lose and someone is going to win. Knowing that one person is coming out of the engagement a loser would definitely help get them to take chances. Not always of course, but I believe it would help. If they’re going to keep the 20 minute time limit they need to re-institute judges who will grade the match on a criteria to decide the winner with the option of a draw not being a possibility. Again this sort of thing backs the competitor in a corner and lets them know you gotta win this.

Anyways,

This weekend had another grappling event going on, the Copa Podio. My favorite submission only match came from this event. I think this match was pretty face paced, enjoyable to watch and the finish was crazy. If you haven’t watched this match, it’s worth it for the finish alone.

Leandro Lo VS Gilbert Durinho

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Metamoris 3

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Not sure if you watched Metamoris 3 live, but if you did, maybe you’re like me and found it bitter sweet. Sweet because the Royler Gracie vs Eddie Bravo match was fantastic. Even though it came to a draw, both men went for it and fought the whole time. There was action! The bitter, well, the rest of the event was. . . meh. Besides Gui Mendes and Samir Chantre, the other matches lacked that aggressive energy that can make BJJ so exciting and fun to watch. I know that points and shorter time limits can be annoying but having the threat of losing sparks a sense of urgency. You’ll move and expose yourself in ways that you wouldn’t if points and time weren’t involved. In many of the matches guys gave up takedowns, didn’t fight aggressively to get into dominant position and all in all seemed very relaxed. It was really disappointing to see some of the competitors just come out and “play”. Its like when you watch MMA and it looks like the two fighters are at a sparring session. To me most of the matches looked like casual rolls in the gym. A couple of times you would see the action spike towards the last few minutes but overall I was left with the impression that everyone was reluctant to open up. No one was upset with the draw, they seemed happy that they weren’t submitted.

The sad part was with all the talent and potential on the Metamoris 3 event it took two men in their 40s, one almost 50, to bring some aggressive action to the show. Hopefully they will adjust the rules or something to get these guys to open up, otherwise they’ll never be able to bring this kind of event to a wide audience.

 

In my personal opinion I think matches should be shortened rather than lengthened. Not many guys can go full speed for 20 minutes, so they wait till the time draws to a more comfortable range to open up. I know I’ve asked myself the question of, “Should I go hard right out of the gate and risk being gassed towards the end, or should I play it safe and get going towards the end of the match?” and that’s for a 10 minute match! I imagine that a 20 minute match against ultra high level competition would be a big mental obstacle.

 

While I like the theory of no winner unless its a submission and a longer match duration to work, all it seems to do is invite passivity because the winner-loser dynamic has been taken away. Even if you come up short, as long as you’re not submitted you don’t lose. It allows the competitors to relax in bad positions and focus on defense instead of feeling the urgency to escape which opens up opportunities for submissions. Again, this is my opinion.

 

I’d love to hear what other people thought about it. If you’re reading, tell me what you think of the whole thing.

Oh and I hope they get a different announcer next time.

Metamoris

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This weekend the Metamoris Pro Jiu-jitsu Invitational is going on in San Diego, California. I cannot tell you how excited I am about this event! I love the idea of jiujitsu matches done in a way that showcases them much like an mma or boxing event. The organizers have been building up to the hype with videos and showcasing their grapplers leading up to the event just like you would see in the UFC or some Boxing pay per view. The best part of course, is the match ups! You have so many big names from the BJJ community competing, and with a submission only format its going to be insane!

Below is a list of the match ups and a little prediction on them.

Roger Gracie vs Buchecha
This is a great match up. Roger was a dominant world champion with an incredibly basic and brutally efficient game. Next you have Buchecha who is a very tough and incredibly active big guy. He was able to dethrone Rodolfo this year and took the absolute black belt division in a match that is regarded as one of the best of all time at a time when Rodolfo looked nearly invincible.
Prediction:I am going to take Roger. I think if it was a standard tournament with rules that it would favor Buchecha who I consider to be the more athletic of the two. Roger loses from time to time but he doesn’t get submitted and his game is very submission oriented, as seen with his numerous wins at high level tournaments. That being said I think Roger will need to watch for his legs because Buchecha has shown some nice leg locks.
Andre Galvao vs Ryron Gracie
This is an interesting match up. You are taking Galvao who is in the upper crust of BJJ competitors and then you match him up with Ryron who doesn’t compete yet is known as a very skilled BJJ fighter.
Prediction: I am going with Galvao. This match is hard to give an accurate prediction because we know what Galvao can do but we don’t have a great idea as to what Ryron can do. I have seen a few matches of Ryron competing and he always looked very skilled but those were years ago and against people who are not the caliber of Galvao.
Kron Gracie vs Otavio Sousa
I think this has the potential to be one of the most exciting matches of the event. You are taking two guys that are both top level competitors, both incredibly active and you’re tossing aside points and letting them go for the submission.
Prediction: I am going to take Kron in this one. I think the match will be back and forth but I am going to take him simply because the guy is always hunting for the submission even in point based tournaments.
Dean Lister vs Xande Ribeiro
You’re taking two of the old school guys that are still tearing it up. Dean Lister just tore up the Abu Dahbi and Xande is Xande who is always tough.
Prediction: I am going to take Dean in this one. Xande showed some hiccups against guys like Joao Assis with their leg lock attacks and I think that plays right into Dean’s game. We will see if Xande has made the adjustments because Xande has always continued to improved his game and is one of the reasons why he has been at such a high level of competition for so long.
Jeff Glover vs Caio Terra
RE-MATCH! Their first one was an excellent match with Glover pulling ahead at the end of the match. Now what happens with no points? I think it will change the dynamic of the match completely and provide for an exciting roll with two ultra talented grapplers.
Prediction: I’m taking Glover. Caio Terra is a monster on the mat but I think the crafty Glover will pull away with the victory.
Kayron Gracie vs Rafael Lovato
This match is a little hard for me to put a spin on. I have watched Lovato for years but I haven’t always watched Kayron as closely. I went back to watch some of Kayron’s matches to get a better idea of who he is and what kind of style he plays.
Prediction: I’m going with Lovato. The most decorated American BJJ competitor is always a force on the mat and I think his game will give Kayron some issues. That being said, after watching more of Kayron’s matches and catching up with his style I wouldn’t be surprised if he pulls out the submission.
So Sunday, go out and support Metamoris! Watch some great matches and help support this idea of having more events like it.
Here are the links to their website and youtube.
Their website is www.metamoris.com  and you can check out their videos on their youtube channel. – Give your students your undivided attention during class. Period!