Judo gets a global celebration, Tayane Porifio calls out the competition for ducking, and Tom DeBlass proves he can't be leglocked. 

Act of Friendship on World Judo Day 

October 28 was the birthday of judo founder Jigaro Kano. Since his death in 1938, judo has grown to become a globally-practiced sport and is one of the most popular events in the Olympic Games. 

The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, which runs from Oct 27-29, coincided with the date and featured something befitting the judo ideals of fair play for all and the 2018 theme of “friendship”. 

Israel fielded a team at the 2018 judo Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, with athletes wearing their national flag (the first time Israel’s national judo team competed under their national flag in a Gulf country).

Israel Judo Association President, Mr. Moshe PONTE (left) was congratulated for his country's medal exploits by the President of U.A.E Judo & Wrestling Federation, H.E. Mohamed Bin Tha'loob Al DERAI

This landmark moment shows how sport can unify nations even in the face of deep geo-political complexities. 

Here's a short clip of some action from the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. 

Amiran PAPINASHVILI (GEO) is in sensational form today. The Georgian launches Jorre VERSTRAETEN (BEL) with a utsuri-goshi for ippon and a -60kg semi-final spot!

Watch #JudoAbuDhabi2018 at https://t.co/Gupw19ZNvy pic.twitter.com/j1Ilsb0Cb7

— #WorldJudoDay ? (@IntJudoFed) October 27, 2018

Tayane Wins $10,000 but Calls Out Lack of Competition 

Unbeaten in her near two-year black belt career, Tayane Porfirio is one of the most recognizable names in jiu-jitsu. A two-time IBJJF black belt World champion, Tayane added a similar title to her resume with her second SJJIF World title in as many years. 

Porfirio, who only competed in the absolute division, celebrated her victory on her Instagram but also complained that there was a lack of uptake among female competitors even with a grand prize of $10,000 on offer. 

Here's a translation of Tayane's complaint. 

"Weight and absolute SJJIF World Champion! Once again making an incredible event and valuing the women, that honestly always gives back on account of ego! 

"Unfortunately it's us who pay, we leave another country or another city to come and compete, have expenses, and people who are already in the country and even in the city can't even bother enrolling in the championship because of vanity. I see girls going out and competing for a medal, I've had enough of seeing 20 athletes in a bracket, and yesterday we wanted to try and gather 12 and we didn't get it. 

"But I'm happy with everyone's performance, I think we've all won a little, and that's it! Thank you, my God, for giving me the conditions to be here! Thank you all who support me." 

Click here for the full list of results from the recent SJJIF World Championships in Los Angeles, which went down in Long Beach, California on October 27-28, 2018. 

Tom DeBlass Will Not Tap To Leglocks

You can see our event recap from Fight2Win 91 in New Jersey, which featured hometown hero Tom DeBlass drop a close decision to Tex Johnson. 

DeBlass has made it clear he’s not the kind of guy to tap to leglocks easily, and that was a position we expected to get tested by his opponent, a noted leglocker. 

Well, true to form DeBlass did not tap to a leglock– but that’s not to say the attacks weren’t legit. He posted this photo on Sunday afternoon, the day after his superfight. 

While it looks swollen, the Renzo Gracie team black belt says he “took the pop” because it was the only way he could draw in his evasive opponent. Gangster. 

Full replay of matches from Fight2Win 91 coming soon. For results click here.