Like I wrote in an earlier blog post, I have been working on a statistical analysis of high level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu matches to see what is working for the best grapplers at the highest level of competition. Last time we analyzed the two lightest weight categories, Galo and Pluma, and now we have moved onto the heavier grappling divisions.
The results are probably not indicative of most BJJ matches as they are based on matches between the very best BJJ Black Belts (only using Quarterfinals and later rounds of the World Championships) but they do provide some interesting insights that will help us better tailor our Baltimore Mixed Martial Arts school’s BJJ team for future IBJJF competitions.
Middle Heavy (Meio Pesado) division – 194.5 lbs
Tarsis Humphreys lost a Controversial 0-0 Decision to Romula Barral in the Finals
6 Matches (4 quarters, semis)
Submission Rate – 2/6 (33.3%)
Submission Breakdown
Gi Choke from the Back (no hooks)
Straight Foot lock
16 Points Scored, 18 advantages
Sweeps – 8 pts (50%)
Guard Passes – 6 pts (37.5%)
Takedown – 2 pts (12.5%) – ???
Matches fought with takedowns – 1/6; (16.7%)
Matches won by Guard puller – 2 (40%)
Matches won by Guard passer – 3 (60%)
** One match not counted because footage begins mid-match
Sweep Breakdown
1 Helicopter sweep off kneebar attempt
1 Sitting Up Guard Sweep
1 Half-guard sweep
1 Slide-behind during pass scramble
The Gregor Gracie vs. Tarsis Humphreys match that occurred in the quarterfinals was hard to accurately score due to the video footage starting mid-match. This match was interesting because it is the SINGLE match out of 4 weight divisions that included takedowns (although there were many matches where two grapplers ended up on the feet, but it was a “takedown” battle initiated from the guard). The lack of takedowns in weight divisions is interesting because I am fairly sure that the Open division has more takedowns (largely because of the weight discrepancies forcing smaller grapplers to almost have to take their larger opponent down rather than get smooshed AND because no one has been able to beat Roger Gracie in recent years without judo).
