In a lack luster quarterfinal match at the Craig Jones Invitational, Lucas Kanard faced off against Inacio Santos in a bout that showcased a lot of strategic gameplay.
The match began with Kanard immediately pulling guard, demonstrating his confidence in his bottom game. Santos, however, was quick to respond, applying pressure from the top position. Kanard’s guard retention skills were on full display as he repeatedly thwarted Santos’ passing attempts, utilizing a combination of inversions and leg entanglements.
Midway through the first round, Kanard executed a lightning-fast triangle attempt that caught Santos off guard. While Santos managed to defend the submission, it set the tone for Kanard’s offensive guard play. The judges unanimously awarded the first round to Kanard, recognizing his aggressive bottom game and submission threats.
As the second round began, Santos adjusted his strategy, focusing on maintaining top pressure and looking for opportunities to pass. However, Kanard’s flexibility and quick transitions kept Santos at bay. The Brazilian grappler found some success with his takedown attempts, but Kanard’s ability to quickly recover guard neutralized any potential advantages. The judges gave Santos the second round easily.
Entering the final round, Santos came out aggressive, looking for passing opportunities. Kanard, however, remained composed, continuing to threaten with submissions from his guard. As the match neared its conclusion, fatigue began to set in for both competitors. Santos made a final push, securing some top control. When the final bell rang, it was clear that Santos had done enough to secure the victory.
The judges’ scorecards reflected the match’s progression, with all three judges scoring it in favor of Inacio Santos.
