ADCC 2009 in Review
Posted in Popovitch's BJJ- Mixed Martial Arts on October 24th, 2009 by admin –
My first match was against Don Ortega who was an all american wrestler in college and is also a blackbelt. He had won many titles such as the IBJJF world Brownbelt title and I knew he would be tough. I decided to just go out there and take it too him right off the bat with no hesitation. I hit him with a hard double finishing it and ending up getting his back where i was able to finish him quickly.
My second match was against Ben Askren. Ben is as good as a wrestler as you will find in the world today. He was an Olympian for the US just last year. He has been training his ground alot and i knew he would be playing strategy with me to keep it on the feet as much as possible. I went out there tied up and pulled guard quickly and then was able to secure the kneebar right away for the finish. At that point I had had two submissions and less than three total minutes on the mat for the first day and was satisified with my performance but knew the tough part was gonna be the next day.
In the semis I went against Gregor Gracie who was having an outstanding tournament and came well prepared to compete at a high level. The match started with some tieing up and Gregor working some faints and moving his head looking aggressive for the takedown but ended up pulling guard. His guard was solid but I was waiting for the right opportunity to pass. With about 3 minutes left in the match , he gave his back on a pass attempt and I took it looking for the choke immediately. I had the rear naked sunk in deep and he was about to tap and time expired. The match ended 3-0.
