Keenan Cornelius vs Dean Lister – Full Fight HD – Polaris 1

Last updated on 05.05.2020 by

I love this match. I’ve seen it a couple of times and it gets better every time I see it. It’s match-up between to high-level competitors that hail from the states. Both names are big in BJJ. Keenan Cornelius is a new-generation black belt with a terrific guard game. He’s often credited with the invention of the worm-guard, a type of lapel-leg-entanglement guard that’s been used to great effect by Mr. Cornelius in GI competition.

Dean Lister on the other hand has been around for centuries. Just kidding. He’s 42. His game revolves around amazing submission defense and leg attacks. In fact, John Danaher gives credit to him for pointing out the importance of leg attacks. ‘Why would you ignore 50% of the human body’, is Mr. Lister said to John Danaher.

The match itself was fairly dynamic with a lot of grip-fighting from standing and attempted takedowns. The first exchange sees Mr. Cornelius counter a single-leg with the kimura grip, getting a back-take and body lock in the process. However, he’s unable to capitalize on the moment. He fails to defend the second single-leg attack and they end up in the guard with Mr. Lister on top.


Let’s call this the second phase of the match. Mr. Lister, probably trying to make a point, looks to sit back for the heel-hook a couple of times. During one of these attempts Keenan sees the opportunity to stand up and in a spectacular fashion takes Mr. Lister down with a great double leg takedown.

Mr. Cornelius counters yet again with the kimura grip and gets the reverse triangle. Cheers to both competitors.