In a recent livestream, ADCC promoter Mo Jassim addressed the issue of greasing, a practice that has plagued various grappling competitions. Jassim made it clear that the upcoming ADCC events will have a strict anti-greasing policy in place, with severe consequences for those who attempt to circumvent the rules.
Jassim doesn’t seem to be interested in wiping down the competitors, more content to let those who get caught greasing pay the penalties.
“My thing is just ban them. You got to remember something. We have to DQ-ed people in the past in the world championship for being greased.”
Jassim’s stance on greasing is unequivocal: “Do not use any oils, lotions, any of that crap. Just go in dry. I don’t care if you have dry skin, you’ll survive.”
The promoter warned that any attempts to grease up would not be taken lightly, emphasizing the high stakes involved. “You do not want to get cute in front of 14,000 people with the Jumbotron in your face,” he cautioned.
Prior to his retirement, Gordon Ryan edged out a win over Nick Rodriguez at UFC invitational and blamed greasing for the tight contest.
Ryan went so far as to propose penalties for greasing, such as financial penalties impacting match outcomes and giving part of the penalty to the opposing athlete.
This led to a funny debate over which infraction, greasing or PED use, is worse is contentious among BJJ practitioners, with Ryan emphasizing the severity of greasing and noting that it is illegal, unlike PED use, which he claims is legal in BJJ. Considering ADCC’s stance toward PED use, it’s funny to see them take the hard line towards lotion.
Jassim’s comments stem from past incidents where athletes were caught using greasing agents during competitions, leading to disqualifications and controversies. The practice of greasing is considered unsportsmanlike conduct, as it provides an unfair advantage by making it more difficult for opponents to maintain a grip.
“We have DQ-ed people in the past in the world championship for being greased,” Jassim revealed, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
According to reports Jeff Monson was disqualified for greasing in 2011. Monson was disqualified during a match against Xande Ribeiro. The video shows Xande Ribeiro, feeling something slippery on Monson’s elbow. Subsequently touching his chest and pointing to it. What followed was a yellow card. Monson believed he would be allowed to continue if he put a shirt on but those hopes were clearly dashed.
As the ADCC events draw closer, Jassim’s message is clear: Any attempts to circumvent the anti-greasing policy will be met with swift and decisive action.
