09/10/2022
MATTHIAS CASSE. YOU ARE A LEGEND.
Wow, what a final that was! Experts already call it the fight of a decade. Same time it shows how hard and unfair sports can be, because this final didn’t deserve only one winner. Both incredible fighters should have been rewarded a gold medal.
For most judoka, it was the highly anticipated World Championships final of an extremely competitive category -81 kg.
On the one side, Matthias Casse, the most consistent fighter of this category over the past 5 years. Reigning World Champion and Olympic Bronze medalist. The Belgian carries a package of technique, tactical cleverness and mental strength which is second to none.
On the other side, Tato Grigalashvili, the spectacular Georgian with the giant heart of a fighter. The current European Champion and WRL #1.
On their way to the final, both showed their best judo beating the best of the best in their category.
After meeting at the last year’s World Championships final, the Olympic Bronze medal clash and the 2022 European Championships final, the today’s final was another meet-up of the two legends where a lot was at stake.
It was a final packed with everything - tactics, technical brilliance and last moment escapes. At almost 4:00 min Golden Score, both fighters had put everything in that was left in the tanks and the fight became more and more open. In the end it was Tato who had the upper hand with a beautifully executed drop seoi nage to make him the new 2022 World Champion. But yet another Silver medal for Matthias.
Big respect to both athletes who are true Champions of our beloved sport.
And another huge congrats to Matthias Casse. You have a big spot in the heart of the IPPONGEAR family. With your attitude, character and way of fighting it is a pleasure to work with you since day 1. You are not only a champion, you’re a role model for the next generation of Judoka and fighters out there. Looking at your record, it is unbelievable that you’re only 25 years of age.
KEEP GOING YOUR WAY, MATTHIAS. WE WILL ENJOY EVERY SECOND OF IT.