In this article, Felipe Pena reflects on his first WNO match against Gordon Ryan and discusses his thoughts on their upcoming rematch. Throughout the interview, Felipe expresses his initial confidence in the match, feeling good about his performance and not sensing much danger from his opponent. However, as the match progressed, fatigue set in, and Felipe’s mental state began to waver, affecting his performance. Despite the outcome of the first match, Felipe remains optimistic and determined to win in their next encounter.

Felipe also discusses the wrestling exchanges between him and Gordon, mentioning that while he had opportunities to take him down, he didn’t want to take unnecessary risks early on. He acknowledges that Gordon was better at takedowns in their first match, but emphasizes that the past does not matter to him; what matters is the upcoming rematch, which he is confident he will win. The article also touches on the “bear trap” position, a part of Felipe’s game that he has been using for years, and how it complements his overall strategy in grappling.

Match Reflection

Felipe’s thoughts on his WNO match against Gordon Ryan

Felipe Pena reflects on his first WNO match against Gordon Ryan, discussing the various aspects of the match, including his feelings, the wrestling exchanges, and the use of the bear trap position. Despite feeling confident initially, Felipe experienced fatigue and mental exhaustion as the match progressed. He acknowledges that Gordon was better at takedowns in their previous match but remains focused on the next one. Felipe also explains the bear trap position, its history in his game, and its role in his overall strategy. While he expresses general satisfaction with the match, he identifies areas for improvement and reflects on the challenges of competing in a match with no time limit. Felipe compares Gordon’s improvement since their last match in 2017 and notes an increase in weight and strength. He also recognizes the effectiveness of Gordon’s body lock technique. Overall, Felipe’s reflection provides insights into his mindset during the match and his plans for future matches.

Feelings During the Match

Felipe’s initial confidence

At the start of the match, Felipe Pena felt great and confident. He was in a positive mindset and believed he had the skills to handle Gordon Ryan. Felipe felt good in various positions, such as standing up and passing Gordon’s guard. He saw open spaces to execute techniques and was getting inside his preferred positions with ease. These initial feelings of confidence set a positive tone for the match.

Fatigue and mental exhaustion

As the match progressed, Felipe began to experience fatigue and mental exhaustion. After a while, he started feeling tired and exhausted, and his mind became overwhelmed with thoughts and distractions. The longer the match went on, the higher Felipe’s mental chatter became. This mental exhaustion affected his performance and decision-making during the later stages of the match.

Impact of the match duration

Felipe highlights the impact of the match duration on his mental state. Initially, in the first 30 to 35 minutes, he felt great and comfortable. But as the match continued for a significant period, Felipe’s mental exhaustion and fatigue intensified. Competing without a time limit requires immense mental and physical stamina. Felipe realizes the importance of mental control, patience, and calmness in such matches.

Wrestling Exchanges

Felipe’s take on the wrestling exchanges with Gordon

Felipe believes he had a good opportunity to take Gordon Ryan down but was hesitant to take risks in the beginning. While Gordon managed to execute some successful takedowns on Felipe, most of them occurred when Felipe attempted to stand up and gave his back. Felipe also mentions that Gordon was better at takedowns in their previous match. However, he emphasizes that the outcome of their first match doesn’t hold much significance for him, as he is solely focused on the upcoming match and is confident of his chances.

Missed opportunities for takedowns

Felipe acknowledges that he missed some chances for takedowns during the match. Despite feeling confident in his abilities, Felipe was cautious in taking risks at the start. This caution may have resulted in missed opportunities for takedowns. However, he doesn’t dwell on these missed opportunities, as his focus is on the future and improving his performance in the next match.

Comparison of wrestling skills

Felipe recognizes that Gordon Ryan displayed better wrestling skills, particularly in takedowns, compared to their previous encounter. While Felipe believes he had the chance to take Gordon down, he also acknowledges that Gordon’s takedown skills have significantly improved. This comparison serves as a point of evaluation for Felipe to identify areas for improvement in his own wrestling game.

The Bear Trap Position

Explanation of the bear trap position

The bear trap position refers to a specific position that Felipe has incorporated into his game for many years. Felipe briefly explains that it is an important part of his overall strategy and complements various other aspects of his game. He mentions that he has used the bear trap position in multiple competitions and sees it as a complete system that serves to enhance his game as a whole.

History of using it in competitions

Felipe shares that he has utilized the bear trap position in competitions for a long time. He mentions giving Gordon Ryan a calf slice from this position in a match during ACB JJ. This historical context showcases Felipe’s familiarity and experience with the bear trap position, reassuring his confidence in its effectiveness.

Its role in Felipe’s overall game plan

Felipe believes that the bear trap position plays a crucial role in his overall game plan. It enhances his 50/50 system, X-guard system, and backtakes, providing a complete system that complements and completes various other aspects of his game. Felipe sees the bear trap position as a valuable tool from the guard, contributing to the overall effectiveness of his strategies and techniques.

Overall Assessment

General satisfaction with the match

Felipe expresses general satisfaction with the match, recognizing that it was a good match overall. He feels that he performed well in various positions and had opportunities to execute techniques. Felipe’s initial confidence and positive feelings contributed to his overall satisfaction with the match.

Identifying gaps and missed techniques

While Felipe is generally satisfied with his performance, he identifies certain areas where he could have done better. He reflects on missed techniques in both passing and guard positions, recognizing that there were gaps and opportunities he could have capitalized on. These reflections will serve as valuable feedback for Felipe’s future training and preparation.

Challenges of competing with no time limit

Felipe acknowledges the challenges of competing in a match with no time limit. He emphasizes the importance of physical fitness, mental control, and a calm mindset in such matches. Felipe recognizes that these challenges impacted his performance but does not use them as excuses, instead focusing on learning from the experience and preparing better for future matches.

Comparison to Previous Matches

Observations on Gordon Ryan’s improvement

Felipe acknowledges that Gordon Ryan has improved significantly since their last match in 2017. He notices a difference in Gordon’s weight and strength, making him feel heavier and stronger during their recent encounter. Felipe recognizes the improvements in Gordon’s game, particularly in his top control and takedown abilities, highlighting the need to adapt and adjust his own strategies accordingly.

Feeling of increased weight and strength

Felipe expresses that he felt the increased weight and strength of Gordon Ryan during their recent match. This difference from their previous encounter impacted Felipe’s guard and grappling exchanges, as he needed to adjust and adapt to the changes in Gordon’s physical attributes. These observations provide valuable insights for Felipe in his future preparations.

Effectiveness of the body lock technique

Felipe mentions that Gordon Ryan utilized the body lock technique effectively during their match. Felipe recognizes the effectiveness of this technique in Gordon’s game, particularly in securing takedowns against him. The body lock technique serves as a point of analysis for Felipe to refine his defenses and counterattacks against such techniques in future matches.

Conclusion

Felipe Pena’s match reflection provides a comprehensive insight into his thoughts, feelings, and experiences during his WNO match against Gordon Ryan. Despite initial confidence and positive feelings, Felipe experienced fatigue and mental exhaustion as the match progressed. He reflects on the wrestling exchanges and identifies missed opportunities for takedowns. Felipe explains the bear trap position, its history in his game, and its role in his overall strategy. He expresses general satisfaction with the match while acknowledging areas for improvement. Felipe compares Gordon Ryan’s improvement since their last match and notes the increase in weight and strength. He recognizes the effectiveness of Gordon’s body lock technique and evaluates its impact on their match. Overall, Felipe’s reflection provides valuable insights into his mindset and areas for growth and improvement in future matches.