In the main event at Pit Submission Series 8, veteran grappler Vagner Rocha faced off against the younger and more muscular Calon Sabino. The match, which stemmed from a personal rivalry, showcased Rocha’s experience and grit against Sabino’s youth and athleticism.
The match began with Sabino trying to establish a quick start, but Rocha’s experience shone through as he secured a top position in half guard. Rocha applied heavy pressure, making it difficult for Sabino to initiate attacks. As the round progressed, Rocha transitioned to Sabino’s back, threatening with a body triangle and attempting a rear-naked choke. However, time ran out before he could secure the submission.
Rocha was using knuckles, chin ,elbow, knee any pointy part of your body to make Sabino uncomfortable all through out.
Rocha came out strong in the second round, executing a powerful double-leg takedown. He immediately began to wear down Sabino, using grinding pressure and uncomfortable positions. Rocha alternated between back control and mount, constantly threatening with submission attempts. His veteran savvy was on full display as he used every part of his body – elbows, knees, and even his head – to maintain control and inflict discomfort on Sabino.
By the final round, Sabino was visibly fatigued. Rocha continued his domination, quickly securing top position and mount. He relentlessly pursued submissions, transitioning between arm attacks and chokes. In the dying seconds of the match, Rocha submitted Sabino with a kimura from Rear triangle position. It’s unclear if Sabino tapped to kimura or rare triangle.
In his post-match interview, Rocha revealed the personal nature of the bout. He explained that Sabino had previously defeated his son and had been boasting about it online.
Rocha’s game plan was to “torture” Sabino for the full 15 minutes before submitting him, which he executed to perfection.
“He beat my son, like my son was 15 years old when he beat himn and my son’s blowing up now and doing big things and he’s been on the internet talking about how he beat him and subbed him and how he would do the same to me in less time than he did to my 15-year-old son 3 years ago. So I’m like man if you get somebody to pay me to beat you up because you’re a scrub I’ll go out there and beat you up”
“I wanted to torture that boy for 15 minutes and look at the clock I sub him in the last 20 seconds. That’s what I wanted and that’s what I came here and did today.”
And if Calon Sabino’s name is ringing a bell – it’s because he went viral a couple of months ago breaking the arm of a rowdy pedestrian while wearing an ADCC hoodie.
Sabino emphasized the need for pragmatism in high-stress situations, dismissing criticisms of excessive force as unrealistic. Gordon Ryan echoed these sentiments, asserting that the response was fully justified given the unprovoked nature of the attack.
Returning to Rocha for a second, Rocha issued the following statement after the win:
“A couple of months ago, when I found out this kid was talking trash about me and my family, I wanted to beat him up so badly. But a lot has changed in my life recently, and I felt at peace yesterday during our face-off when, out of nowhere, he decided to push me. His action only gave me a pass to be a little extra aggressive on the mats during our match.”
“I actually feel really bad for him and his behavior, I believe deep down he’s just a person who needs healing, and I pray that God will find him at the right time.”
