A Night to Remember at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 10
On a memorable Thursday night in Las Vegas, Victor Hugo delivered a spectacular finish to cap off UFC Fight Pass Invitational 10, solidifying his status as one of the top grapplers in the sport. Hugo, a 4-time IBJJF world champion and black belt under the legendary Alexandre Ribeiro, faced off against the formidable Nicky Rodriguez in the main event. Rodriguez, a CJI champion and two-time ADCC silver medalist with a 7-1 record under the FPI banner, was eager for redemption after going 0-3 against Hugo in previous encounters. However, it was Hugo who had the last laugh this time around, demonstrating his tactical prowess and relentless determination.
Hugo’s Dominance and Surprise Takedown
The match began with Hugo and Rodriguez engaging in a series of strategic exchanges, with Hugo leveraging his weight advantage to stifle Rodriguez’s attempts to gain an upper hand. The referee, Vitor Ribeiro, called for a reset after the bout reached a stalemate, but neither competitor managed to break through the other’s defenses in regulation. As the match shifted to overtime, Hugo pulled guard to avoid takedown points for Rodriguez, effectively neutralizing his opponent’s offensive efforts. In a surprising turn of events, Hugo countered a takedown attempt by Rodriguez, throwing him to the mat and securing the back position. From there, Hugo quickly applied a rear-naked choke, forcing Rodriguez to tap out and securing a hard-fought victory.
Looking Ahead to a Rematch with Gordon Ryan
Following his win, Hugo called out Gordon Ryan, the ADCC 2022 champion, for a rematch. "I think there’s only one guy that beat Nicky Rod on this stage," Hugo stated. "He’s not active, but whenever he is, it would be a pleasure, if he’s up to it, to face Gordon Ryan. I think, after getting through Nicky, that’s probably the name that makes the most sense. … I know he’s not healthy, I wasn’t healthy either, so I believe he’s gonna get through that and whenever he’s ready, if he wants to take the challenge, I’ll be here and let’s do it." Hugo’s invitation reflects his confidence and desire to face the best in the sport, setting the stage for a potential high-stakes rematch.
Co-Main Event: Renato Canuto’s Redemption
In the co-main event, Oliver Taza sought to avenge his 2-0 points loss to Renato Canuto at the 2019 ADCC. The match was a technical and closely contested affair, but Canuto managed to score two crucial points in the final seconds of overtime, securing a hard-earned victory and improving his record to 4-0 under the FPI banner. After the match, Canuto announced that he had signed a four-fight deal with Tuff-N-Uff, signaling his intent to make his MMA debut later this year. This move adds an exciting new chapter to Canuto’s already impressive career.
Highlight Moments and New Generation Talent
The third-to-last match of the night featured Brianna Ste-Marie, who dominated the top position and successfully passed her opponent’s guard. Ste-Marie appeared to be attempting an arm-triangle choke, but she ultimately secured the tap with a Von Flue choke, adding a highlight to the evening’s proceedings. Former teammates and roommates Andy Murasaki and Daniel Sathler engaged in a heated clash that saw more slaps and kicks than submission attempts in regulation. However, in overtime, Murasaki locked in a vicious heel hook early, forcing Sathler to tap out and securing the win.
Rising Stars of Grappling
The early portion of the FPI card showcased the new generation of talent from veteran families. Cassia Moura, the daughter of Bruno Bastos, faced Sarah Galvao, the daughter of Andre Galvao. Moura took Galvao down and threatened with a standing rear-naked choke in overtime, securing four points to guarantee her victory by a 4-2 margin. Achilles Rocha, the son of UFC veteran and jiu-jitsu great Vagner Rocha, fought to a draw in points (2-2) with Nathan Haddad before the judges’ decision went in his favor. The card also featured slick submissions from Alex Enriquez and Carlos Henrique, who forced Julia Alves and Victor Delibero to tap to a rear-naked choke and armbar, respectively.
A Night of Thrilling Grappling Action
UFC Fight Pass Invitational 10 was a testament to the depth and talent in the grappling community. From the main event’s thrilling finish by Victor Hugo to the rising stars of the new generation, the night was filled with intense battles and memorable moments. Whether it was the strategic brilliance of Hugo, the technical precision of Canuto, or the exciting showdowns between the next generation of grapplers, the event left a lasting impression on fans and set the stage for future rivalries and showcases in the sport.
