Wednesday 29 July 2015

The Berimbolo Kid's Match of the Week - Week 40 - Leo Vieira vs. Mark Kerr - ADCC 2000

(The previous edition can be found HERE)

Welcome to the 40th edition of Match of the Week! This week's match is Leo Vieira vs. Mark Kerr from absolute division of ADCC 2000. 

Leonardo Vieira (commonly known as simply Leo Vieira) is a true legend in the world of Jiu-Jitsu. He is a black belt under Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti, and is the co-founder of both Brasa and Checkmat BJJ. He is also the instructor to some of today's finest talents such as Marcus "Bucheca" Almeida, Joao Assis, and Lucas Leite.

Over is long competition career, Leo has formed an impressive competition record. He is a two time ADCC (2005, 2003) and Pan American Champion (2004, 2002), and a one time World (1999) and Brazilian National Champion (1998). He is also a two time ADCC silver medalist (2011, 2007), and a one time World silver (1997) and bronze (2000) medalist.

Leo is well known for his guard passing and back takes. For his time, Leo had quite a unique and flamboyant style of grappling. Often executing cartwheel style guard passes and taking his opponents back by initiating a forward roll whilst in the turtle position, this has since become known as simply the Leo Vieira back take. 

Leo Vieira

Mark Kerr is probably best known for his MMA career and is commonly recognised by his nickname, 'The Smashing Machine'. He is a former NCAA Division I wrestler and has competed in MMA organisations such as the UFC and PRIDE FC. Throughout his grappling career, Mark has had victories over the likes of Rigan Machado, Mario Sperry, and Ricardo Almeida.

Despite not holding a rank in Jiu-Jitsu, Mark has done very well in submission grappling. He is a three time ADCC Champion (1999, 2000 weight & absolute) and a one-time ADCC Superfight Champion (2001 - defeating Mario Sperry). Besides this, he is also a two time UFC tournament winner (UFC 14 & 15) and a one-time NCAA Division I Collegiate Champion (1992).

Unsurprisingly, Mark isn't a guard player. I don't actually think he knows the meaning of the word. He is a top player through and through. Double and single legs are his specialty, and he flawlessly executes them even against some of the best grapplers in the world at the time. In terms of submissions, looking at both his grappling and MMA career, Mark seems to have a preference for the kimura in particular.

Mark Kerr

The size difference in this match is incredible! Leo Vieira weighs 74kg and Mark Kerr weighs 115kg! Damn! It is a David vs. Goliath type match, but sometimes Goliath does win. The strength of Mark Kerr is undoubtable, but his technique is also solid. On multiple occasions, Kerr scores takedowns on Vieira. However, Leo really does a great job of defending throughout the entire match. 

The videos of the match can be found below! I hope you guys enjoy!

See you next week!

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