On Saturday 7th November, Matt fought for the 3rd time on the premier submission only grappling show, Grapple Worlds 3. Having won both of his previous appearances on this show, Matt was matched against a high quality opponent: black belt and Polaris double veteran, Henry Pike.
Matt took his preparation for this match seriously. It was, arguably, the biggest match in his grappling career to date.
To get straight to the point: Matt won.
When his hand was raised, he held up 3 fingers to acknowledge his 3 victories on the show.
Matt is the only grappler who has had 3 wins on Grapple Worlds. He is also ranked 3rd for submission points, having achieved 2 ‘kills’ (chokes) out of his 3 wins.
Though Henry Pike is undoubtedly a skilled grappler, Matt was able to impose his game from the start. Matt’s assertive wrestling game led to Henry pulling butterfly guard. Matt acted quickly to pass this guard, moving through Henry’s half guard into side control, where he was starting to threaten the Howdy choke. Pike was clearly wise to this, and he turtled to neutralise the attack. Matt attacked the neck with the guillotine from here.
If there is one technique that Matt has absorbed fully from his friend and mentor Daniel Strauss, it is certainly the guillotine. With a couple of adjustments, Matt finished the choke. The match lasted 47 seconds.
The show was absolutely superb. The raised stage and atmospheric lighting, along with the professional filming and enthusiastic commentary, made this the kind of event that grappling fans will remember.
Matt will be going back to Grapple Worlds… and there is something very exciting in the works…. watch this space!
