Pixley v. Batista

​In the ibjjf Grand Prix last week we saw Michael Pixley go against Gustavo Batista in round one. Unfortunately for anyone that was watching for entertainment purposes Batista utilized a very intelligent strategy and Pixley did not. It’s happened a few times with the Pedigo guys now where they’ve lost matches by passivity. I’m not someone who likes to skirt that border, but I also understand it can work. You just look kind of dumb and cowardly? That seems strong, but not disengaging to the point of 3 penalties leading to a points deficit voluntarily isn’t the best look. Theoretically, you could win on a pass, but if you don’t engage with the legs you will limit your passing opportunities. If we are not going into dual penalty situations, like a double guard pull, I don’t think I would take three penalties before I got active. You can make back the advantage with a near pass, at a high level making back two points will be significantly harder.