In the wake of Marcus Almeida’s recent MMA loss, criticism quickly followed – as it often does.
But Tom DeBlass had a clear message for those quick to judge.
Here is what he had to say in a recent Instagram post:
It’s actually comical watching Jiu-Jitsu guys criticize Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida for ‘missing’ that back take.
Let me ask you something… How many real fights have you been in?
He pointed out what many overlook when comparing jiu-jitsu matches to MMA fights:
An MMA fight is a completely different world than a jiu-jitsu match.
Different pressure, different consequences, different everything.You’re dealing with strikes, chaos, adrenaline, and someone trying to take your head off…
Not just pass your guard.
DeBlass emphasized how easy it is to critique from the outside:
It’s easy to sit behind a screen and break down technique in slow motion.
It’s a whole different thing to execute under the lights, in a cage, with everything on the line.
Beyond the moment itself, DeBlass also reminded people who they’re talking about:
Buchecha isn’t just ‘some guy.’ He’s a legend. One of the greatest to ever do it.
And even after accomplishing more than most could ever dream of… He still stepped into the fire and tested himself in MMA.
That alone puts him in a category that 99% of jiu-jitsu practitioners will never understand.Respect that, always.
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