Aljamain Sterling’s recent grappling match on Dec. 30 has sparked a heated debate among fighters and fans alike. After the Fury Pro Grappling 8 main event, Sterling voiced his discontent with the result, claiming that his opponent did nothing more than drag his rear end on the mat. While many shared his frustration, UFC veteran Matt Brown offered a different perspective, highlighting the distinction between the sport and the essence of jiu-jitsu. Brown emphasized that there is room for both competitive grappling events and jiu-jitsu’s original purpose of self-defense.
Sterling’s post-fight interview with MMA reporter John Morgan immediately caught the attention of the MMA community. He expressed disbelief at the score, criticizing the idea that someone could win a match by doing nothing but being on their back. Sterling believed that the sport of jiu-jitsu should not be turned into a spectacle where such tactics are rewarded.
In response, Matt Brown took to Twitter to share his contrasting view. Brown, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt himself, pointed out that while jiu-jitsu was originally intended for self-defense, it has evolved into a sport. He noted that grappling and BJJ now follow specific rules and have become more focused on competition rather than self-defense. Brown asserted that there is room for both aspects of jiu-jitsu, highlighting that different rule sets, such as those found in the ADCC, cater to those who prefer the self-defense aspect.
At 42 years old, Matt Brown acknowledged that he has not competed in grappling matches as frequently as Sterling but left the possibility open for the future, perhaps after retirement from MMA.
Despite the result not going his way at Fury Pro Grappling 8, Aljamain Sterling managed to gain significant traction on social media for his performance. The main event of the UFC Fight Pass event saw Sterling face off against Kevin Dantzler, a renowned Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner. While Sterling entertained the crowd with his showmanship, he ultimately fell short on points against the skilled grappler.
Looking ahead, Sterling is set to return to the MMA stage at UFC 300 in his featherweight debut, where he will face Calvin Kattar. Although he expressed concerns about his physical condition for the upcoming fight, Sterling vowed to enter the octagon in his usual elite form.
As the debate surrounding the nature of competitive grappling and jiu-jitsu continues, fighters, fans, and enthusiasts will continue to voice their opinions. While Aljamain Sterling’s frustration stemmed from what he saw as a flawed decision, Matt Brown highlighted the distinction between sport and self-defense in jiu-jitsu. Ultimately, both perspectives contribute to the ongoing conversation about the essence and evolution of this martial art.
