Take Down Tuesday: Mr. Smith's Low Single

One of the drills we did as part of the warmup during my first week back was alternating single/double leg shots and sprawls. Here's something for me to work on when those warmups come around again.

Maps and Territories: Half Guard Top Edition

And Baby, You Better Believe It!

Start Your Training Sessions With a Sense of Purpose: Guard Pass Edition

"Only effort expended in a positive direction gets you to where you wish to be." -- John Danaher

Thoughts on Pena v. Ryan 3

It isn't often that a fighter gets a third shot at an opponent after coming up short the first two times. In mixed martial arts, the inability of former UFC featherweight champion - and fan favorite - Max Holloway to overcome current champion Alexander Volkanovski after three attempts is as poignant a story as Vokanovski's dominance over the division. 

On the other hand, in the same league but years previous, light heavyweight Quinton Rampage Jackson was able to take advantage of a third contest with Wanderlei Silva to get a knockout victory after losing - viciously - to the Brazilian muay Thai specialist in their previous two encounters.

Would Pena v. Ryan 3 be a case of the former or the latter?

I enjoyed the contest. I saw a lot of good jiu-jitsu that I'll be referring back to - if only to see top competitors at work. The fact is that Gordon Ryan is the best in the business of no-gi grappling and there aren't many comers - especially at his size. So I'm grateful to see him against anyone who is both a top competitor and not physically overmatched.

That said, I'm pretty impressed by Chael Sonnen's take about what Pena v. Ryan 3 means in the bigger picture of creating a real, popular "grappling sport" that is enjoyed by more than just its competitors.

RIP: Leandro Lo: 1989-2022

 Devastating news.

Endgame: Pena v. Ryan 3

There have been plenty of great heavyweight jiu-jitsu contests in grappling's great history. And tomorrow's second rematch of Felipe Pena v. Gordon Ryan is easily among the most anticipated.

Flograppling has provided plenty in the way of preview. And I HIGHLY encourage you to partake in every minute of it. Here's one of the early set pieces.

But the best way to pre-funk for tomorrow's contest may be just to watch the first two encounters - both won by Pena.

Gordon v. Pedro: Henry Akins Analyzes Guard Pass and Mount Finish

 

T Minus 2

 

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