Image Credits: Juan Espino Instagram
Juan Espino is a heavyweight UFC athlete with 3 fights under the promotion. A winner of The Ultimate Fighter 28 in 2018, he has a major background in grappling; since he started out with a local style of wrestling (Canarian wrestling) and has competed in a variety of wrestling styles throughout his career. He also has 7 submission wins in professional MMA altogether.
All of this considered, he should’ve been able to win a local grappling tournament he was a part of, “Give Me The Money 4”, which took place in the Canary Islands on May 7. But things didn’t exactly go that way.
Espino did go on a winning streak throughout the tournament. He won several matches throughout the event, all with relative ease. However, he was disqualified in the final match.
Espino was first skillfully swept and then caught in a tight Guillotine Choke. Then, without any consideration for his opponent, he went for an eye poke to escape the submission. The referee didn’t stop the match, however, but allowed it to continue. Following that decision, Espino got up and basically threw his opponent off of himself.
The opponent then went to complain to the referee about the eye poke – which the referee acknowledged and subsequently disqualified Espino:
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.


