John Danaher Reflects On Nicholas Meregali’s WNO Submission

John Danaher reflects on Nicholas Meregali’s submission at WNO and praises David Sasari for his impressive professional debut performance. Meregali faced a formidable opponent and displayed his wrestling skills during the match. Danaher is pleased with Meregali’s ability to call his shots and exert control over his opponents. He is intrigued by Meregali’s call-out of the upcoming IBJF absolute black belt world champion. In addition to Meregali, Isaac Marshall and Rafael Lovato Jr. also had noteworthy performances at the event. Danaher supports the idea of revitalizing gi grappling and sees great potential in professional gi competitions. He commends the knowledge and support of the crowd in Oklahoma City and expresses a positive impression of the venue and the overall event.

John Danaher Reflects On Nicholas Meregali’s WNO Submission

Introduction

In a recent interview with FloGrappling, renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach John Danaher shared his thoughts on Nicholas Meregali’s submission victory at the Who’s Number One (WNO) event. Danaher expressed his admiration for Meregali’s performance and discussed the training areas that were emphasized leading up to the fight. He also touched on Meregali’s ability to call his shots and the potential of professional gi grappling. Additionally, Danaher commended other fighters, Isaac Marshall and Rafael Lovato Jr., for their impressive performances. Danaher praised the knowledgeable and supportive crowd and shared his positive impression of the venue.

Meregali’s Strong Performance

Danaher began by expressing his satisfaction with Nicholas Meregali’s strong performance at the WNO event. He commended Meregali for his composure and poise, especially considering it was his professional debut. Danaher also highlighted Meregali’s opponent, noting that the Brazilian athlete had previously faced Olympic champions in wrestling and held his own against them. The combination of Meregali’s wrestling skills and Jiu-Jitsu training made him a formidable opponent.

Danaher’s Emphasized Training Areas

Danaher discussed the specific areas of training that were prioritized for Meregali leading up to the event. He mentioned that due to Meregali’s busy competition schedule, it wasn’t possible to create a separate camp to prepare for this unique opponent. Instead, the focus was on building foundational skills that would be applicable in various matchups. Danaher highlighted three key areas of emphasis: defense, guard work, and top pressure. He explained that Meregali had previously shown a bias towards offense and needed to develop a more well-rounded game. By working on defense, guard position, and top pressure, Meregali was able to enhance his control and overall performance in the match.

Meregali’s Ability to Call His Shots

One aspect that impressed Danaher was Meregali’s ability to call his shots during the fight. He viewed this as a sign of control and total understanding of his opponent’s movement. Danaher praised Meregali for his confidence and stated that the ability to call shots demonstrates a high level of skill and strategic thinking.

Meregali’s Call-Out of the IBJF Champion

Danaher found it fascinating when Meregali called out the upcoming IBJF absolute black belt world champion. He believed that this approach would allow Meregali to face the person who is widely recognized as the best in the world. He acknowledged the talent within the division and expressed his enthusiasm for the potential matchup. Danaher felt that Meregali’s call-out was a way to ensure a clear representation of the best in the sport.

Impressive Performances by Isaac Marshall and Rafael Lovato Jr.

Danaher also took the opportunity to discuss the performances of other fighters at the event. He mentioned Isaac Marshall and Rafael Lovato Jr., both of whom had impressive showings. Marshall’s positional work stood out to Danaher, while Lovato’s performance in front of his home crowd was particularly special. Danaher applauded both fighters for their skill and dedication to the sport.

The Potential of Professional Gi Grappling

When prompted about Nicholas Meregali’s statement about making the gi great again, Danaher shared his thoughts on the matter. He believed that the appeal of Jiu-Jitsu lies in the concept of control and submission, whether it’s in gi or no-gi. Danaher emphasized the importance of industry leaders who can highlight the virtues of both forms of grappling and create exciting matches. He expressed confidence in the potential of professional gi grappling, and Meregali’s strong opening statement was seen as a step in the right direction.

The Knowledgeable and Supportive Crowd

Danaher praised the crowd at the WNO event in Oklahoma City, describing them as knowledgeable and supportive. He mentioned that many of them were local Jiu-Jitsu students who added to the excitement of the event. Danaher appreciated the enthusiasm and passion displayed by the crowd, contributing to the overall positive experience.

Positive Impression of the Venue

Reflecting on his first visit to Oklahoma City, Danaher shared his positive impression of the venue. Having primarily spent time in the United States in more populated areas, he appreciated the unique experience of being in a new city. Danaher expressed his satisfaction with the venue and the event as a whole.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John Danaher provided a comprehensive analysis of Nicholas Meregali’s submission victory at the WNO event. He praised Meregali for his performance and highlighted the areas of training that contributed to his success. Danaher also discussed the potential of professional gi grappling and commended the performances of other fighters at the event. He concluded by expressing his gratitude towards the knowledgeable crowd and positive impressions of the venue. With his expert insights and observations, Danaher offered a unique perspective on this memorable event.