Joao Gabriel vs Leandro Lo | IBJJF 2017 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship

In the final match of the 2017 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Joao Gabriel, wearing the white key, faced off against Leandro Lo, donning the blue ghee. Both competitors had showcased their skills earlier in the finals, making it to the top. This matchup was particularly intriguing, as it featured two top contenders in the heavier weight classes who possessed exceptional mobility. Despite Joao Gabriel having the advantage in size and speed, Leandro Lo’s reputation as a lightweight beast couldn’t be ignored. The key for Joao Gabriel would be to play an intelligent game that emphasized his strengths, as he needed to score early, avoid being scored on when on the bottom, and capitalize on his superior size. On the other hand, Leandro Lo sought to make it a scrappy fight, drawing Joao Gabriel into chaos and making the match unpredictable. However, it ultimately unfolded in a surprising manner, as Leandro Lo managed to secure a toe hold against Joao Gabriel’s figure-four leg lock, resulting in an unexpected victory for the former lightweight champion. With this sensational outcome, Leandro Lo established himself as a favorite going into the absolute division of the World Championships.

Introduction

In the 2017 IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship, one of the most highly anticipated matchups was between Joao Gabriel and Leandro Lo. Both fighters had been performing exceptionally well in their weight classes and had made it to the finals of the tournament. The outcome of this match would determine who would come out on top and claim the title.

Joao Gabriel vs Leandro Lo | IBJJF 2017 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Joao Gabriel and Leandro Lo were set to face each other in the final match of the 2017 IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship. It was a highly anticipated showdown between two talented fighters who had been dominating their weight classes throughout the tournament.

Video By FloGrappling

The video of this matchup was captured and shared by FloGrappling, a popular platform for jiu-jitsu videos. It provided fans with an up-close look at the techniques and strategies employed by both fighters during the match.

Overview of the Matchup

Weight Classes

Joao Gabriel competed in the white key division, while Leandro Lo competed in the blue ghee division. Despite the weight difference, Joao Gabriel possessed the speed and agility to match Leandro Lo’s movements.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Joao Gabriel had an advantage in terms of size, but Leandro Lo was known for his technical prowess and ability to create chaos on the mat. Joao Gabriel needed to score early and prevent Leandro Lo from scoring if he was put in a disadvantageous position.

Tactical Considerations

Joao Gabriel had to play to his strengths and avoid getting overly aggressive. He had to remain focused and not be drawn into a scrappy fight with Leandro Lo. Tactical considerations included scoring first, getting back up from the bottom without being scored on, and playing intelligently towards his strengths.

Weight Classes

Leandro Lo – Blue Ghee

Leandro Lo competed in the blue ghee division, which meant that he was facing opponents of relatively similar weight. His technical skill, agility, and ability to create chaos on the mat made him a formidable opponent.

Joao Gabriel – White Key

Joao Gabriel competed in the white key division, where he was often facing opponents who were smaller and lighter than him. Despite the weight difference, Joao Gabriel possessed the speed and agility to match his opponents’ movements.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Leandro Lo

Leandro Lo was known for his technical skill and ability to create chaos on the mat. He had a vast array of techniques at his disposal, making him a dangerous opponent to face. However, his smaller size could be a disadvantage against larger opponents like Joao Gabriel.

Joao Gabriel

Joao Gabriel’s biggest strength was his size and strength advantage over his opponents. He had the ability to control the match from top position and had a powerful top game. However, he needed to be careful not to get drawn into a scrappy fight with faster opponents.

Tactical Considerations

Scoring First

Joao Gabriel needed to score first in order to put pressure on Leandro Lo. By scoring early, he could dictate the pace of the match and force Leandro Lo to be more aggressive in his attacks.

Getting Back Up from Bottom

If Joao Gabriel found himself in a disadvantageous position, such as being on the bottom, he needed to be able to get back up without being scored on. This would require a combination of technique and strength.

Playing to Strengths

Joao Gabriel needed to play to his strengths and avoid getting drawn into a fight that favored Leandro Lo’s style. He had to use his size and strength to control the match and prevent Leandro Lo from implementing his game plan effectively.

Analysis

Leandro Lo’s Game Plan

Leandro Lo’s game plan involved pulling guard and creating chaos on the mat. By sweeping his opponents and getting on their legs, he could score points and gain an advantage. He needed to draw Joao Gabriel into a scrappy fight to nullify his size advantage.

Joao Gabriel’s Game Plan

Joao Gabriel’s game plan was focused on using his size and strength to control the match from top position. He needed to avoid getting into a scrappy fight with Leandro Lo and play to his strengths. Scoring first and preventing Leandro Lo from scoring would be crucial for Joao Gabriel’s success.

Factors to Consider

Several factors needed to be considered in this matchup. Joao Gabriel’s advantage in size and strength could potentially nullify Leandro Lo’s technical skill. However, Leandro Lo’s ability to create chaos and draw out his opponents’ emotions could prove to be a challenge for Joao Gabriel.

Leandro Lo’s Game Plan

Pulling Guard

Leandro Lo’s game plan involved pulling guard and sweeping his opponents. By getting underneath his opponents and onto their legs, he could gain an advantage and score points. His classic sweep from the foot on the bicep was a powerful technique that could put anyone down.

Creating Chaos

Leandro Lo thrived in chaotic situations. He wanted to draw Joao Gabriel into a scrappy fight to nullify his size advantage. By creating chaos on the mat, he could disrupt Joao Gabriel’s game plan and force him to make mistakes.

Getting Emotional

Leandro Lo knew that getting his opponents emotional could work to his advantage. By drawing out Joao Gabriel’s emotions, he could disrupt his focus and make him more susceptible to mistakes. This psychological tactic played a significant role in Leandro Lo’s game plan.

Conclusion

The matchup between Joao Gabriel and Leandro Lo at the IBJJF 2017 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship proved to be an unexpected outcome. Despite Joao Gabriel’s size and strength advantage, Leandro Lo was able to secure a victory with a toe hold submission. This shocking result highlighted the importance of technique and strategy in jiu-jitsu competitions.

The implications for Leandro Lo following this victory were significant. He showcased his ability to compete in higher weight classes and defeat larger opponents with his technical skill. This victory solidified his status as one of the top competitors in the sport and made him a favorite going into the absolute division of the Worlds.