From Laundromat to Limelight: The Continued Evolution of Daisy Fresh
From Laundromat to Limelight: The Continued Evolution of Daisy Fresh
In season 3, episode 5 of Daisy Fresh, Jacob Couch gets the biggest match of his career, demonstrating the soaring progress the PSF team has made.
The story of Pedigo Submission Fighting continues to evolve in Season 3 Episode 5 of the series, gripping the world of jiu-jitsu with its unparalleled fusion of talent, grit, and humility.
This chapter of the PSF saga opens with playful sparring among team members, encapsulating the enduring bond that holds this unique family together. As the episode unfolds, Heath Pedigo introduces a potential new home for PSF. The former Mt. Vernon YMCA building, complete with two stories, locker rooms, and an office, is poised to serve as a fitting successor to the famed laundromat. Yet, despite the cease and desist from the city, the spirit of the laundromat lives on in this resilient team.
This episode introduces Dante Leon, a Canadian-born grappler who shares the mentality of the Daisy Fresh grapplers. Leon's success at the 2019 IBJJF No-Gi World Championships with Heath Pedigo's guidance marks the beginning of their bond, ultimately leading to Leon official joining of PSF in late 2021.
A sudden turn of events unveils the next competitive outing for Jacob Couch. He’s nitially set to face Nicky Ryan, but an injury forces Nicky out of the match, catapulting Couch into a headline bout against Gordon Ryan, a then-3x ADCC gold medalist and the reigning pound-for-pound number one grappler in the world. Couch acknowledges this as a life-changing opportunity, having watched Ryan's instructional DVDs in his early years of jiu-jitsu.
As PSF soaks in the view from a rooftop pool in Dallas, TX, the magnitude of their journey becomes palpable. Training out of a dilapidated laundromat, they now have a teammate headlining against the top-ranked grappler in the world. The camaraderie of PSF is captured in Leon's sentiments on how the team's support has elevated his training, recovery, and competition performance. Moreover, the significance of sharing a card with Couch, with both athletes occupying the main and co-main events, isn't lost on him.
Throughout the episode, the team continues to showcase their humble, lighthearted spirit. Whether it's Ryan gifting Couch a cowboy hat at weigh-ins or Heath leading Tezos WNO’s preceding grappling seminar, the PSF family remains grounded, showing gratitude for every opportunity that comes their way.
The competition day brings mixed feelings of pride and humility. Couch's emotional response to seeing his face on the jumbotron echoes the sentiments of many PSF members: the struggles, trials, and tribulations have been worth it. And while neither Leon nor Couch won their bouts, their impressive performances against world-class competitors speak volumes about their tenacity and skill level.
Couch's well-executed entry into a leglock attempt against Ryan, and his subsequent gracious defeat, highlight the strength of his character. Despite the loss, Couch makes a point to thank every fan in attendance personally. Reflecting on the journey, Couch is proud, cherishing the chance to compete at this level as "what makes [him] love the sport, and keep wanting to get better."
Season 3 Episode 5 of the Daisy Fresh series showcases the growth and prowess of PSF, highlighting their journey from the laundromat to the limelight. The team consistently competes well against the world's top talent, facing adversity head-on, proving they are an elite force in the jiu-jitsu world. The saga of PSF continues to inspire, highlighting the relentless pursuit of greatness that resonates far beyond the mats.