Luiz Panza BJJ Analysis

Notable Luiz Panza BJJ Study Stats:
- 80% win rate
- Scored first in 100% of winsSubmitted his opponent in 58% of wins
- Submitted his opponent in 58% of winsAverage match length was approximately 6:40
- 54% of sweeps were from half guard
- 75% of his guard passes came from half guard
- He had just as many submissions from his opponents back as he did from attacking their legs (3 each)
Intro To Luiz Panza BJJ Study:
All matches observed of Luiz Panza used in this small sample occurred at major jiu jitsu events in the years 2012-2015. Only techniques, occurrences and outcomes that were recorded are displayed in the data below (i.e. if no butterfly sweeps occurred, there will not be a representation of that in the sample data charts). Matches were selected at random based on freely available matches. This is a limited sample – but given the estimated amount of matches in this time period – it is well above the percentage necessary to create a scientifically validated trend sampling.
The Luiz Panza BJJ Study:
Luiz Panza is known as one of the Super-Heavyweight division’s most exciting and electrifying competitors. He is widely recognized for his devastating leg locks and rare agility. As one of the top competitors in the division, Panza has quickly solidified himself as a name to watch. His game alternates between calculated risks and complete caution to the wind intensity, and it was a blast breaking down his game.
Authors note: Luiz Panza is one of my favorite competitors to watch. Having done nearly 50 breakdowns, this was one of the most fun to watch and put together. I’m a fan, and I’m not on his team; nor have I ever met him.

What We LearnedAboutt Luiz Panza:
Luiz Panza was only a few seconds short of entering the finals at this year’s World Jiu Jitsu Championship. He watched his ticket to the finals be snatched away from him by a last second sweep by Leo Nogueira in the semi-finals. That match with Nogueira is a great look into the style of Panza. In that match, Panza locked up an early leg lock on Nogueira and seemed to be in complete control. At the end, his submission attempt would be what allowed Nogueira the opportunity to score at the last minute to win. This is the game of Luiz Panza; active, aggressive, and evolving.
That match with Nogueira is a great look into the style of Panza. In that match, Panza locked up an early leg lock on Nogueira and seemed to be in complete control. At the end, his submission attempt would be what allowed Nogueira the opportunity to score at the last minute to win. This is the game of Luiz Panza; active, aggressive, and evolving.
Luiz Panza is known for his leg locks; and for good reason. Nearly 43% of his total submissions are leg locks. However, he uses these same leg locks to setup a number of sweeps, passes, and other dominant positions. In our study we observed him using a submission to execute a sweep in over 15% of his sweeps. This is the highest rate of subs to sweep we’ve ever seen.
Luiz Panza is good at jiu-jitsu
Sweeping is a big part of Panza’s game. His favorite is the “tornado” sweep; made famous by “Cyborg” Abreu. He executed this sweep from half guard and used in combination with several other movements in which he would elevate his opponents to take the legs or sweep. Ultimately, over 54% of his sweeps came from half-guard.
Although, Panza is best known for his tornado sweeps and leg locks, the most under-rated part of his game may be his ability to successfully attack the back. Panza does a great job of always hunting for the submission, and he often puts his opponents in very bad positions. This leads him to being able to secure his opponents back. 43% of his total submissions came from the back and he was able to secure the back off of a sweep nearly 60% of the time.
In closing – Luiz Panza BJJ
Luiz Panza has proven that he has the dynamic skills to be a world champion. His game is both unique and exciting, but not without risk. It will be exciting to watch him as he continues to evolve, develop, and sharpen his already defined game. He recently won the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in LA and will look to continue his streak this year.