1998 World Absolute Final Throwback: Did Mario Sperry Tap Roleta?

Riccardo Ammendolia looks back at the controversial match between Mario Sperry and Roleta from the 1998 worlds in the throwback video of the week. 

Sperry opened the match by pulling guard first. Roleta, after almost completing a pass, had to have his pants replaced after Sperry tore one of the pant legs apart. 

After the restart, Roleta pulled guard and is right where he wanted to be. But Sperry continued to pass and forced Roleta to his knees to defend. This was the exact position where Sperry wanted him, ready to set up his famous clock choke. 

As they hit the end of the mats and the choke was fully on, Roleta appeared to tap and many thought the match was over. But the referee restarted the action in the middle, much to the distain of the crowd. 

Sperry went into full attack mode with an onslaught of guard passes, stacks and even an armlock attempt. Sperry was declared winner by advantage and became the 1998 IBJJF World Openweight Champion. 

1998 was definitely a pinnacle year for Sperry's career as he submitted a Gracie, won the worlds and went on to become the first ever ADCC double gold champion.