UFC BJJ 9 Sees Dominant Wins from Nick Rodriguez and Mason Fowler, Setting Stage for Title Rematch

UFC BJJ 9 showcased thrilling grappling action, concluding with an impressive eight submissions out of nine matches. The standout performances of the night came from UFC BJJ champion Mason Fowler and CJI champion Nick Rodriguez, both of whom secured swift victories via rear naked chokes and subsequently expressed interest in a title rematch.

Rodriguez, after a recent draw in his previous bout, moved to the light heavyweight division and decisively defeated Joao Nicolite. Right from the start, the CJI champ executed a takedown and dominated with his signature body lock passing before locking in the rear naked choke. “Pretty solid 205 lb debut. I want that belt. I want a title shot,” Rodriguez proclaimed following his victory.

Predicting a win for Fowler, Rodriguez was keen to challenge him for the belt. Fowler, competing in the main event, delivered a stunning performance against Devhonte Johnson. After a brief feeling out phase, he executed an arm drag that led to a quick back take and finished Johnson with a rear naked choke. “I was planning on fighting ‘Hulk’ (Lucas Barbosa) next... but out of nowhere Nicky Rod also dropped to 205,” Fowler noted, hinting at the intriguing possibility of a rematch, especially since Rodriguez had previously bested him in their past encounter.

In the co-main event, Gilbert Burns marked a successful return to grappling after his MMA retirement, submitting Horlando Monteiro with a rear naked choke in just over a minute. Burns expressed interest in competing for the UFC BJJ title or facing other MMA stars like Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz in future matches.

Ffion Davies also shone at the event, securing her first submission win in UFC BJJ against Amanda Bruse with a dramatic armbar in the final seconds of the first round. Meanwhile, Bella Mir, daughter of former UFC champion Frank Mir, continued her undefeated streak by submitting Nichelle Johnson, enhancing her impressive record in both grappling and MMA.