Disappointed Joao Gabriel Rocha Opens Up: "There Was one Clear Winner"

Joao Gabriel Rocha put in a herculean effort in his match against Gordon Ryan at the KASAI Super Series last night, but he was unable to get the score he needed from the referees and put the points on the board that would win the match.

Joao Andyhis coach Rafael “Formiga” Barbosa voiced their displeasure with the judges, but congratulated Gordon on the good fight and expressed the hope that the two men could fight again.  Joao concluded his interview the same way he left the stage by asking to the viewers who they thought really won. 

"First, congratulations to Gordon, he did an amazing job… but we’re really upset with the referees,” said Formiga. “The last-minute Joao passed Gordon's guard…. but that’s cool but Joao proved that he can beat Gordon and we hope they can have that rematch soon." 

"I will never say bad things about the referees'. My job is just to fight,” said Rocha. “What’s the one point? Nobody see that you attack one time and get one point?"

"The match was great. Gordon Ryan says a lot of things… I don’t like for his style [of promotion] but really the fight was amazing. I know he’s a great grappler, one of the best in the world."

"But I think in the finals I need to put 10% more… and win cleanly. Look at me and look at Gordon at the end of the fight.. who really won?"