The just concluded World Championships saw many champions come into their own. But arguably the biggest loser of the event was the organization that held it themselves – the IBJJF. A number of questionable calls that vary from unclear situations to pure bias colored the events of just concluded Mundials.
I mean controversy was everywhere – from Malfacine vs Caio Terra all the way through to the Absolute.
But one thing you probably haven’t heard about was the disqualification of Bia Mesquita in the Women’s lightweight finals.
Mesquita got disqualified without a warning when her leg slipped a little to reaping and was immediately moved back to a legal position.
A disqualification for a reaping position is a part of the rulebook, so what’s the big deal?
It’s fairly simple – such harsh sanctions for something that was arguably a victimless crime are contrasted with footage of actual limbs breaking with no interference from judges.
If you see the picture above you’ll note that the foot of Barral is complitely obliterated by that toe hold. It’s dislocated in no uncertain terms.
And this isn’t the first time such a gruesome yet predictable injury occurs at worlds.
So why is it that the spirit of the rulebook cannot be upheld by the referees? Isn’t the point of the referees to stop these types of situations?
