IBJJF and my match, Sept. 15

I haven't posted for the last couple of weeks because I was concentrating so intently on my upcoming IBJJF match on the 15th. I wasn't doing MT during the week preceding and was only concentrating on bjj. Watching video, drilling, thinking about it, losing sleep.

My prep consisted primarily of some stand-up work, guard passes, and sweeps from open guard.

The IBJJF was a very cool event. They actually sold it out 2 days before the registration deadline. Weigh-ins are IN the gi, so I had to be at least 3-4 lbs lighter than 195. I am usually 183-186 so that was no big deal. I'm glad I read the rule book before registering, because it would have been nearly impossible to get under 181 with the gi in 2 weeks. Next year, I'll probably compete in the sub 181 class. This will require some more diet tweaking, which I have room to do.

A few of my teammates, my best good friend, and my wife came out. I was the only one from Madhouse that was able to enter. So everyone who came out was looking to me for a win. Well, I lost.



Here's how the fight went, as I remember it. I haven't watched the footage yet, but it's uploading now.
EDIT: Video below.

My cauliflower eared opponent (white belt, ehh?) snatched a single, I sprawled. He was able to turn the corner and finished the takedown.
I was able to get 1/2 guard, and in good posture. Underhook and posted on right arm, head against his chest.
I tried to use the underhook to take the back, but he settled his base, and whizzered that arm. I must have telegraphed it. I went under for a sweep, which he nullified with a sprawl. He used that time to get a crossface on me and flatten me out.
From there, he laid on me, combining choke and arm attacks with incrementally sneaking his knee past my 1/2 guard. I did my best to grab his lapel and used my forearm across his throat to keep him away. He eventually passed and continued from side to Knee-on-belly, then an easy mount. It was text book on his part. I could NOT move him. Time ran out, and that's that.

Discussions with my main man Cecil helped me with a game plan, as well as helping me re-frame my loss in my head to make it a learning experience.
Some things he recommended:
Make sure to get the collar grip first. This will help unbalance a wrestler, and it comes down to an attribute game. He was able to dictate range, and just took me down at will.

I had great position for a sweep in the first minute, but I relented and he was able to flatten me.

I'm really disappointed in my performance. I can either quit or keep going. I'll keep going.