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Mason Fowler Dominates at UFC BJJ 9: Defends Light Heavyweight Title and Calls Out Future Targets The UFC APEX in Las Vegas was home to another masterclass in elite grappling on June 4, 2026, as reigning UFC BJJ Light Heavyweight Champion Mason Fowler successfully defended his crown at UFC BJJ 9. Facing a dangerous, athletic, and highly aggressive challenger in Devhonte Johnson, Fowler did what he does best: applied systematic pressure, shut down the offense, and hunted for the finish. The Mat …

From the Local Mats to the Next Chapter: Ames-Michael Hoevker Signs with Westcliff University Every so often, an athlete comes along who completely redefines what is possible with pure determination, heart, and an unstoppable work ethic. If you’ve been following California high school wrestling, you already know the name Ames-Michael Hoevker. The Granite Hills Eagles standout recently closed an iconic high school chapter, officially announcing his commitment to continue his academic and at …

Feeding the Roots: Inside Rolando Samson’s Vision for Komunal Jiu-Jitsu The landscape of competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is constantly evolving, and every so often, a shift occurs that catches the entire community's attention. Word is officially out: world-class black belt Rolando Samson is stepping away from his longtime home at Atos HQ to build something deeply personal, highly curated, and culturally grounded right in the heart of San Diego. While the academy doors aren't officially ope …

End of an Era: Lucas Leite Announces Departure From Checkmat A monumental shift is happening in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Legendary competitor and world-class coach Lucas Leite has officially announced his departure from the Checkmat team. In a heartfelt message shared via social media—which can be seen in the attached file image_0ef6de.jpg—Leite reflected on his nearly two decades with the powerhouse team, marking the conclusion of a defining chapter in his martial arts jou …

The professional grappling world has just been hit with a massive reality check. After completely disrupting the status quo with his first two events, Craig Jones has officially confirmed that the upcoming Craig Jones Invitational (CJI 3 / CJI 2.5) has been canceled. While delivered with his trademark dry humor on public forums, the cancellation is a serious turning point. Here are the concrete facts behind the decision and what this shift means for the future of professional Brazilian Jiu-Jits …

Mastering the Art: Cleber Luciano Ascends to 1st Degree Coral Belt In the storied halls of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, certain milestones transcend mere sport—they represent a lifetime of discipline, sacrifice, and evolution. Recently, the community gathered to celebrate one such moment: Master Cleber Luciano being awarded his 1st Degree Coral Belt (8th Degree Black and Red Belt). To understand the magnitude of this: the Coral Belt is reserved for those who have spent over 30 years as an active b …

Iron Sharpens Iron: Arona Villiatora’s Dominant ADCC Performance The ADCC stage is where reputations are forged and limits are tested. For Arona Villiatora, the most recent ADCC outing wasn't just another tournament—it was a definitive statement on the power of technique, family legacy, and a relentless wrestling pedigree. Competing at 55kg but testing his mettle in the 60kg division, Arona stepped onto the mats giving up significant weight to his opponents. In the world of high-leve …

Turn Heads, Snatch Necks: The Pretty Dangerous Collection is Here In the world of Jiu-Jitsu, there’s a common misconception that you have to choose between looking sharp and playing a "dangerous" game. At Moya Brand, we’ve always believed that the most lethal grapplers are the ones who move with style and precision. Enter our latest drop: The Pretty Dangerous Collection. This isn't just a no-gi set; it’s a statement. Drenched in soft Lavender and Blush pastels, this collection …

Champions in the Valley Isle: I&I Academy Dominates the Hawaii Triple Crown BJJ Maui Open The mats at Lahainaluna High School were electric this past Saturday, April 4, but by the end of the day, one name stood above the rest: I&I MMA Academy. In a massive display of technique, heart, and teamwork, I&I Academy officially secured 1st Place as Team Champions at the Hawaii Triple Crown BJJ Maui Open. From the youngest keiki to the seasoned adults, the sea of I&I black and gold made …

The Future of Grappling: The WNO 32 Youth Bracket The landscape of professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is shifting as a new generation of "born-into-it" athletes arrives faster than anyone expected. The Next Generation Is Here tells the story of the inaugural Who’s Number One (WNO) 32 Youth Bracket, a brand-new proving ground for tomorrow’s world champions.  Inspired by young phenoms like Mica Galvao and the Ruotolo brothers, these rising stars are proving that greatness has no age …