NAGA Westcoast Flyweight Champion 2011 - Videos inside

[Matthias Sieber]

Hey guys!

Went to Vegas this weekend to fight my first NAGA tournament. I like the rules, because I don't have to worry about what's legal and what's not.

I fought at intermediate 129,9lbs and under. Weigh-ins were on Friday. When I had my 1st fight I was approx. at 140 or above already.

Unfortunately I popped two knees in my first fight and an ankle on my 2nd one. But I had to win this one and they didn't want to tap early.

Also I wanted to get a 2nd gold at Grappling X this Sunday in Long Beach (signed up early for that as well), but unfortunately my bike broke down in Compton and there was no way for me to get to the venue in time.

So anyway, here are my fights.

1st: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=280156678661285

2nd: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=280190691991217

Thanks to all of you, especially to Jason Juatco who was coaching me and to Herb Rhea for his support.

[Mick Broster]

awesome job

[Martin Audorff]

Great job Matze!!! :D Grüße aus der Heimat :)

[David Rosado]

Dude. Heavy props.

[Enrique "Kiko"]

Awesome job brother

[Matthias Sieber]

Thanks! Critique from the leg lock masters (Herzog?) would be appreciated as well. The 1st fight didn't look so great in my opinion. I guess I've done an okay job of controlling the lower body of my opponent in the 2nd fight though. Both were my first wins in a tourney via heel hook and toe hold.

[Samir Kahrić]

congratulations BOSS :D
best wishes for your next turney :)

[Ryan Drexler]

Congrats bud great job.

[Bill Keeling]

Great job Matthias! Chris will have to critique your leg work, but overall you looked good, maintained your composure and worked your game! I did see a JNT opportunity in your first match when you passed and he turned into you. Eddie has ruined me with the JNT, it has become my go to, always looking for flying vise grips ;) Congrats on your performance!!!

[Matthias Sieber]

I was actually going for it, but he was holding onto my left hand to keep it away from my right one.
Chris will look later on the videos. Looking forward to what he has to say.

[Josh Passini]

Nice.

[Larsson]

Really nice job!

[Chris Herzog]

Thanks! Critique from the leg lock masters (Herzog?) would be appreciated as well. The 1st fight didn't look so great in my opinion. I guess I've done an okay job of controlling the lower body of my opponent in the 2nd fight though. Both were my first wins in a tourney via heel hook and toe hold.

Sorry it took so long, being on vacation left with me with a lot to catch up on.

Yeah in first match the lack of a position of control wasn't necessary an issue on your part, but rather your opponents lack of understanding/ability to establish it himself. Neither of you were in any serious danger of being finished due to lack of lower body control, with the exception of your inverted heel hook to toe hold when he was attempting to sit up. My suggestion would have been to focus on escaping his initial inverted ankle lock vs. entering in a leg lock battle where neither of you had lower body control. The reason you first heel hook attempt had any "effect" on him was due to him still working for you ankle, which anchored him at that point. Definitely put some more reps into "putting the boot on". Your sub from his 50/50 is a perfect example of why it’s dangerous to attack from a position where you opponent has the same opportunities. Nice work on recognizing his deficiency and capitalizing on it!


Loved the Reaper in the 2nd match! Way to be focused and persistent in establishing the Knee Knot. Just two little suggestions I'd point out:

1)When you reap your left leg over don't push it past his near hip, just use your heel and place it in his hip. If he was aware he could have countered you with an inverted heel hook, all though he didn't have a position of control you may have been forced to bail out.

2)Hug his knee during and pimp arm his near armpit (The Heisman) during your reaper transition, instead of going right for the heel hook. It allows for superior control and will slow his spin out attempts making sure you can secure the Knee Knot. Props brotha, I can defiantly tell you've been putting work into the transition and it paid off!

[Matthias Sieber]

Thank you very much for the input. I'll incorporate your suggestions in my game. :)

[Kim Ferguson]

Congrats! Nice stuff man! Worlds here you come!!!

[robert gero]

good job..chris was right on the money...

[Chris Herzog]

good job..chris was right on the money...

I'm glad I have your support. ;P

[Brian Beaumont AKA Thor]

Well done!