Leandro Lo vs Craig Jones | ADCC 2017 World Championships

In this captivating video, two jiu jitsu giants, Leandro Lo and Craig Jones, go head-to-head in a thrilling showdown at the ADCC 2017 World Championships. The intensity is palpable as both fighters display their impressive skills and techniques on the mat. Filmed and shared by FloGrappling, this video offers viewers an up-close and personal experience of this highly anticipated clash. As you watch the battle unfold, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to FloGrappling’s channel to stay updated on the latest jiu jitsu videos. Join their social media community on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for even more exciting content from the world of jiu jitsu.

Introduction

In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) World Championships is one of the most prestigious tournaments. It brings together the best grapplers from around the globe to showcase their skills and compete for the ultimate title. In 2017, two skilled competitors, Leandro Lo and Craig Jones, faced off in an intense and highly anticipated match that would go down in the history books. This article will provide a comprehensive analysis of this epic showdown, from the background of the fighters to the techniques used, and the impact it had on the grappling community.

Background

Leandro Lo

Leandro Lo is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and a highly decorated competitor. Known for his aggressive style and relentless pressure, Lo has achieved numerous championships throughout his career. With a background in judo and wrestling, he seamlessly blends these grappling styles into his jiu-jitsu game, making him a formidable opponent on the mats.

Craig Jones

Craig Jones, hailing from Australia, is another rising star in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His dynamic and innovative style has earned him recognition and acclaim. Jones gained international attention in 2017 after a stunning victory over legendary grappler, Leandro Lo. With a background in judo and a focus on submission-based attacks, Jones poses a unique challenge to his opponents.

ADCC 2017 World Championships

The ADCC 2017 World Championships was held in Helsinki, Finland, and featured an elite roster of grapplers from across the globe. This event showcases the highest level of jiu-jitsu skill and provides a platform for athletes to prove themselves against the very best in the world. The match between Leandro Lo and Craig Jones was highly anticipated due to their respective accomplishments and contrasting styles.

Pre-Fight Analysis

Leandro Lo’s Style

Leandro Lo is known for his aggressive and relentless style of grappling. He excels in both top and bottom positions and showcases exceptional takedown skills. Lo’s pressure passing game can overwhelm his opponents, constantly putting them on the defensive. His ability to control and dominate his opponents’ frames makes him a true force to be reckoned with.

Craig Jones’ Style

Craig Jones, on the other hand, is known for his dynamic and submission-focused style. Jones is highly skilled in the realm of leg locks and has developed a reputation for catching his opponents off guard with unconventional attacks. His ability to transition seamlessly between positions and attack from various angles makes him a dangerous adversary for anyone he faces.

Previous Performances

Both Leandro Lo and Craig Jones had impressive performances leading up to their encounter at the ADCC 2017 World Championships. Lo had established himself as a dominant force in the jiu-jitsu community, consistently placing on the podium in major tournaments. Jones, on the other hand, had risen to prominence with his victory over top-ranked grappler Keenan Cornelius at the EBI 6 Invitational.

Training Camps

Leading up to their match, both fighters underwent intense training camps to prepare themselves physically and mentally. Lo focused on sharpening his already formidable game, refining his techniques and perfecting his strategies. Jones, known for his creative and unconventional approach, pushed himself to explore new techniques and approaches to catch Lo off guard. The training camps for both fighters were critical in their preparation for this high-stakes showdown.

The Match

Match Preparation

As the match between Leandro Lo and Craig Jones approached, both fighters were fully focused and prepared. They had studied each other’s styles and tendencies, looking for weaknesses and opportunities to exploit. The mental preparation was just as crucial as the physical training, as they visualized their game plans and mentally rehearsed their strategies.

Fight Highlights

The match between Lo and Jones was a thrilling back-and-forth battle that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Each round showcased the unique styles of both fighters, as they utilized their respective techniques to gain the upper hand. From takedowns to guard passing, the match was a display of skill and determination.

Strategies Used

Lo entered the match with his aggressive top game, immediately putting pressure on Jones to defend. His relentless passing attempts forced Jones to constantly react and defend, leaving no room for Jones to initiate his own attacks. Jones, on the other hand, looked for opportunities to catch Lo off guard with his dynamic guard and submission attempts. He utilized his flexibility and creativity to create openings and capitalize on any mistakes Lo made.

Fight Breakdown

First Round

In the first round, Lo came out strong, immediately dictating the pace of the match. His relentless pressure forced Jones into defensive positions, making it difficult for him to establish his own attacks. Lo attempted multiple guard passes, but Jones displayed his exceptional flexibility, constantly evading Lo’s advances. The round ended with no submissions or points awarded, showcasing the defensive skills of both fighters.

Second Round

In the second round, Jones started to find his rhythm and showcased his creativity in the guard. He launched a series of submission attempts, catching Lo off guard and forcing him to defend. Although Lo displayed solid defensive skills, Jones’ relentless attacks put him in dangerous positions. However, Lo’s experience and composure allowed him to escape and minimize the damage done by Jones’ attacks.

Third Round

The third and final round was a testament to the resilience and skill of both fighters. Lo continued to apply his relentless pressure, seeking to secure a dominant position or a submission. Jones, however, remained calm and composed, countering Lo’s attacks with his own submission attempts. With time running out, both fighters showcased their technical prowess, but neither was able to secure a decisive victory.

Techniques Used

Guard Passing

Both Leandro Lo and Craig Jones displayed their guard passing skills throughout the match. Lo utilized his pressure passing, constantly looking to control Jones’ hips and break through his guards. Jones, on the other hand, employed his dynamic and flexible guard, making it difficult for Lo to establish a dominant position.

Submission Attempts

Jones’ reputation for leg locks was on full display in this match. He launched multiple attacks, looking to catch Lo off guard and secure a submission victory. Lo, with his defensive skills and experience, was able to escape and nullify Jones’ dangerous attacks.

Takedowns

Both fighters showcased their takedown skills in the match. Lo, with his judo and wrestling background, utilized his superior takedown game to put Jones on the defensive. Jones, however, displayed his agility by evading Lo’s takedowns and countering with his own attacks.

Sweeps

Jones’ guard was his main weapon in the match, as he constantly looked for sweeps to regain dominant positions. His flexibility and creativity allowed him to launch effective sweeps, forcing Lo to work from disadvantaged positions. However, Lo’s experience and defensive skills enabled him to escape and minimize the impact of Jones’ sweeps.

Key Moments

Near Submissions

Throughout the match, both fighters came close to securing submissions. Jones, with his dynamic submission attacks, nearly caught Lo with various leg locks and chokes. Lo, with his relentless pressure, launched submissions of his own, but Jones’ defensive skills prevented him from securing the decisive victory.

Reversals

Both fighters demonstrated their ability to reverse positions and escape from disadvantageous situations. Lo, with his experience and technical prowess, was able to reverse Jones’ attacks and maintain control. Jones, with his agility and creativity, found innovative ways to reverse Lo’s dominant positions, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.

Control Transitions

The control transitions displayed by both fighters were a testament to their skill and awareness on the mats. Lo and Jones constantly battled for control, using their frames and grips to establish dominance. Both fighters showed exceptional timing and sensitivity, making it difficult for their opponent to control or escape.

Post-Fight Analysis

Fight Result

After three intense and closely contested rounds, the match between Leandro Lo and Craig Jones ended in a draw. With no submissions or decisive victories, the fight showcased the skill and defensive capabilities of both fighters.

Impact on Rankings

Although the match ended in a draw, the performance of both fighters had a significant impact on the jiu-jitsu rankings. Craig Jones’ impressive showing against the highly regarded Leandro Lo solidified his status as one of the top competitors in the sport. Lo, despite the draw, maintained his reputation as a dominant force in the jiu-jitsu community.

Fighter Reactions

Following the match, both fighters expressed respect and admiration for each other’s skills. They recognized the high level of competition they faced and displayed sportsmanship in their post-fight interactions. Both fighters acknowledged the unique challenges they posed to each other and expressed their desire for a rematch in the future.

Audience Reception

Online Reactions

The match between Leandro Lo and Craig Jones generated significant buzz and excitement within the jiu-jitsu community. Online forums and social media platforms were abuzz with discussions about the technical aspects of the fight and the skill displayed by both fighters. Fans and enthusiasts praised the performance of both fighters, recognizing the intensity and high-level grappling showcased in the match.

Expert Opinions

Experts and commentators in the grappling community analyzed the match, providing insights into the strategies and techniques used by both fighters. They commended Jones for his innovative and creative attacks, recognizing his ability to catch experienced opponents off guard. They also applauded Lo’s relentless pressure and defensive skills, highlighting his adaptability and composure in the face of Jones’ dangerous attacks.

Conclusion

The match between Leandro Lo and Craig Jones at the ADCC 2017 World Championships showcased the highest level of skill and determination in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Both fighters displayed their unique styles and techniques, providing a thrilling and closely contested match. Although the fight ended in a draw, the impact of this showdown reverberated throughout the grappling community, solidifying the reputations of both fighters and leaving spectators eagerly awaiting a rematch in the future.