(The previous edition can be found HERE)
Welcome
to another edition of Match of the Week! This week is an all-time classic! It
is Jean Jacques Machado vs. Matt Serra from the -77kg weight class of the 2001
ADCC.
Jean
Jacques Machado (also known as JJ Machado) is a true legend in Jiu-Jitsu. He is
a 7th degree red and black belt under Rickson Gracie and is one of the five
Machado brothers (the others being Rigan, Carlos, John, and Roger). Jean was
born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, which left him without any fingers on his
left hand. However, this hasn't stopped him from becoming one of the greatest
grapplers of all time.
Being
such a legend of our sport, it's no shock to discover that Jean has won dozens
of titles throughout his career. He is an eleven time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
National (1982-1992), and Rio de Janeiro Jiu-Jitsu State Champion (1982-1992),
a four time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu American Champion (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998), a
two time Black Belt Super Challenge Champion (1998, 2000), and a one-time
Grappling Style Challenge Japan (1995) and ADCC Champion (1999). He is also is
a two time ADCC silver medalist (2000, 2001 absolute).
In terms
of style of grappling, Jean's style is very basic but extremely effective. He
doesn't use any fancy guard work or passes but instead relies on the basics of
Jiu-Jitsu. His style is rather similar to Rickson Gracie's. He aims to gain a
dominant position and finish the fight. In particular, Jean seems to favour the
rear naked choke.
Jean Jacques Machado |
Matt
Serra is probably best known for one of the greatest upsets in MMA history when
he defeated Georges St-Pierre at UFC 69 by TKO to become UFC welterweight
champion. On the Jiu-Jitsu side of things, Matt is an accomplished grappler and
has taken medals in major tournaments such as the ADCC and World Championships.
He is also the first American to receive a black belt from Renzo Gracie.
Although
he didn't compete in Jiu-Jitsu for very long, Matt still managed win and medal
at a few major tournaments, defeating some legends along the way. Matt is a one-time
Pan American Champion (1999 purple), an ADCC silver medalist (2001), and a
World bronze medalist (2000 brown).
Matt is
quite well rounded as a Jiu-Jitsu fighter. He doesn't use any crazy fancy
stuff, but executes the basics very well. For the most part, he just uses the
closed guard but sets up sweeps excellently from there. He makes great use of
pressure throughout his matches and uses it in order to secure a dominant
position. From watching his matches, you can see he tends to favour taking the
back and the rear naked choke.
Matt Serra |
What can
I say about this match? It's just a classic! I think its sticks out in my mind
because of who wins rather than the how exciting the match is. I'm not saying
it's a boring match by any means, and there are some really great moments in
the match. Just watch it for yourself, you won't be disappointed.
The video of the match can be found below. I hope you guys
enjoy!
See you next week!
(If you are viewing on a mobile device, please click HERE)
See you next week!
(If you are viewing on a mobile device, please click HERE)
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