Overall, it was a good weekend for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fans as the AIGA Champions League took place in Kazakhstan which saw elite athletes compete from all corners of the globe. Having said this, things took a turn for the worse in one particular bout which saw a competitor punch his opponent several times after getting submitted by a heel hook.
This took place during the match between Daiki vs. Agashirinov where Daiki was crowned victorious. Initially, Agashirinov tapped but then clearly turned his hand into a fist and punched his opponent several times in the thigh during the aftermath.
Speaking on the altercation, the AIGA commentator Brandon McCaghren said: “They didn’t show it on the video, but there was nearly a brawl in the arena. But benches cleared out, there was a head butt landed and the military security jumped on the mat and cleared everyone out.
I was sitting on the sidelines hoping it didn’t spill into the crowd. But honestly, it was almost at that tipping point.”
Thankfully, nothing bad came of this but it shows that sometimes during grappling, ego and pride can clearly take over. It also brings into light the debate surrounding etiquette and respect within BJJ which is sometimes lacking and is not a good look for the sport. In the same event, Modolfo’s Giancarlo Bodoni also suffered a bloody nose after a clear headbutt.
