What he was trying to accomplish is having Sanji call for Robin cause he was gonna end up dead for not fighting back
Well know Sanji is stronger than Her BUT we also know he would’ve died if he never fought back.
Thats the intention of the scene. You guys saying Black maria is going all out is ENTIRELY not the point of the scene. In fact that is directly disputed when she pulls out her actual fighting weapom when Robin arrives. Also she doesnt even use Armament hardening while punching the guy
Well, he COULD just take the beating and die right there.
But the thing is, he knows the scabbards are gonna be attacked.
That changes things. Better to suck it up and just make the call, since he believes Robin is gonna be fine either way, and go help Kinemon and the others.
He is very aware of his shortcomings, even joking about it to Robin and Brook. He chose to make a fool of himself, than to betray his convictions. The scene is fine. :P