By Coach Kevin
A local promoter contacted me about a BJJ superfight on his MMA card a couple of months ago. I’ve been active on the regional jiu-jitsu scene for years and built a bit of a following here in Florida, so I get these offers often.
There was a time—really not that long ago—when I would jump at any opportunity to compete for the magical “exposure” these events promised. But now I’m old and tired, creeping up on 45, and the fire to prep for competition has dimmed. My answer took a little longer.
Eventually, I agreed—not because I was chasing another WNO title or dreaming of a ONE Championship belt. I said yes because I had just opened my academy in Central Florida and thought it’d be good to get my name out there, represent the gym, and maybe pull a few eyeballs.
Enter the Old Rival
Three weeks before the match, I found out I’d be facing an old nemesis: William Vincent. He beat me three years ago in the quarterfinals of the East Coast ADCC Trials—by a penalty point in overtime. I was on a hell of a run that year, and that loss stuck with me.
Coach Kevin, the jiu-jitsu monk, spent the last three years meditating that anxiety away. But the demon inside—the one that hates to lose—never forgets. That roadblock in my ADCC journey became my motivation to train like it still mattered.
But I’m also realistic. I’m 44 years old. He’s 30. He’s much bigger. I walk around underweight for the -95kg division, and with my recent diet changes, I’d be walking in at 193 lbs to face a guy who normally cuts to that weight—and would now be 230+ in an unlimited weight match.
So, what started as a casual nod to promote my gym suddenly became a personal mission for redemption against steep odds.
The Curveball
Weeks passed. I was feeling sharp. My expectations went from “just don’t embarrass yourself” to “I think I can win this thing.”
Then came Monday—five days before the superfight. I had the week planned: three hard training days, two lifts, then rest until go time on Saturday.
But Thursday afternoon, I got a text from my friend Josh Leduc. He was promoting a contender series card on Friday night—a card where a few of my students were competing. I was already planning to coach and commentate.
Half the card dropped out due to COVID—including the main event and one guy from a four-man Masters tournament. Josh asked me to step in to help save the event.
There was a $500 prize and a championship ring. I said yes.
I won the tournament. Got the ring. Got the cash. My students did great. Mission accomplished.
But now I had a decision: wake up the next morning and make the 2-hour drive to Orlando to fight a younger, stronger, heavier opponent… for zero pay?
The rational part of me said:
Why the hell would I go now?
Pride. Character. Accountability.
That’s why.
I committed to the match. Even though the deal sucked. Even though I was overmatched. Even though I wasn’t getting paid unless I sold tickets—and I wasn’t about to hustle people into driving halfway across the state to watch me.
It wasn’t glamorous. But I’ve been doing this a long time. I’ve competed injured. I’ve taken fights for next to nothing. I’ve lost work, lost money, and sometimes even risked my job—all for the love of chasing this “professional jiu-jitsu athlete” dream.
Because when I say I’ll be there—I show up.
And when I show up—I go to war.
Not for clout. Not for followers. But because I take pride in knowing that promoters can count on me to bring my best, every time.
I lost that superfight. Got caught. Props to Mr. Vincent.
But I came to fight. I didn’t back out. I didn’t phone it in.
The Advice You Didn’t Ask For (But Need)
Young competitors—listen up. Skill and talent might get your name in the mix. But it’s character that builds your reputation.
Professional grappling is a small world. Too small to be picky about opponents or to duck matches because it won’t make your highlight reel.
Ready to level up—on and off the mats?
Sharpen the parts of your game that work on anyone, any size:
🥋 Leglocks for Dummies — My complete system for controlling, trapping, and finishing legs in any rule set:
https://leglocks.unclecoachkevin.com/
🏆 Gracie Trinity Online Academy — Full courses, community Q&A, and direct training with me:
https://www.skool.com/gracie-trinity-academy
