Meregali vs Cyborg Breakdown: Deep Lasso Yoko Sumi Sweep to Loop Choke (BJJ / Jiu-Jitsu Worlds 2021)

Today we’re doing something a little different - a breakdown of one of the most exciting matches in the BJJ Worlds this year, in which Nicholas Meregali swept Cyborg with a fantastic deep lasso / yoko sumi gaeshi hybrid right into a devastating loop choke. This was such an effective “one-two” combo that we wanted to look more closely at the mechanics of the sweep variation and how (and why) it led right to the finish. The grips for Meregali’s sweep - a deep lasso behind the hamstring combined with a cross-collar and sleeve - don’t seem like much, but they create such a powerful off-balancing effect that it’s almost impossible to stop. Meregali’s loop choke takes advantage of the low head position of a pressure passer like Cyborg, who managed to still basically pass the guard but to little effect (since he went to sleep).

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[mario-mpvf]

Great explanation as always…was looking for a breakdown of this from you..
Thank you

[Rocker]

Speaking of gi strangles, can you make a video sometime about sode-guruma, the Ezekiel strangle?

[bobbleheadk]

Hey Brian, great video. One concern I have looking at it, why doesn’t standing opponent just use the hand trapped in your lapel grip to smash / folder pass? Seems like you’re in a vulnerable position with the second leg on the outside of the opponents legs. Maybe I’m missing something though, would love to hear your thoughts!

[GlowTheEditor]

Hey Brian, i've been using this sweep for a very long time and for some reason I prefer to grip same side collar and pull the opponent straight over me as opposed to gripping cross collar and pulling diagonally. Do you think there are some disadvantages to my approach if the loop choke possibility is ruled out?

[adrianarroyo]

One thing I don't understand is how the strangle could work when Cyborg was spinning. I have the impression that if he didn't stop with his chest towards the ceiling, and continued spinning, Meregali would have lost the strangle. I have escaped that way from loop strangles when I have passed the guard. But Cyborg didn't do it, so for some reason, he couldn't. What am I missing? It was just too fast and too deep to escape that way? Or Meregali was doing something I can't see to avoid that defense?

[buffdude]

Thank you coach! Going to try and land this on my rolling partners tonight.