The UFC Apex in Las Vegas once again vibrated under the intensity of high-level jiu-jitsu. For this second edition of UFC BJJ, the event delivered on all its promises with spectacular finishes, a historic moment for France, and confirmation that the Tackett brothers are indeed the new golden generation of grappling.
The UFC BJJ Phenomenon: Mind-Blowing Numbers
Before diving into the heart of the matter, we must acknowledge the phenomenal success of this revolutionary format. The first UFC BJJ event had already made its mark with 3.6 million viewers across 186 countries worldwide. A figure that testifies to the public’s appetite for this revolutionary format that marries spectacle and pure technique.
The exceptional 90% finish rate from the first event had also established a new standard in the grappling world, promising action and entertainment in every fight. UFC BJJ 2 needed to confirm this trend, and the bet was largely won.
The New UFC BJJ Rules System: Technical Revolution
UFC BJJ doesn’t just adopt traditional jiu-jitsu codes. UFC BJJ has developed a rules system specifically designed for spectacle and efficiency. The 10-point scoring system borrows its codes from MMA, with a clear hierarchy of judging criteria.
The philosophy is simple but revolutionary: only offensive techniques are rewarded. Gone are the points for passive defense. Judges evaluate according to three criteria ranked by order of importance:
- Initiation of effective submission attempts (priority criterion)
- Execution of offensive techniques (takedowns, guard passing)
- Control of action pace
This approach forces athletes to constantly attack and create danger, eliminating the static phases that can sometimes slow down traditional competitions. The result? A permanent spectacle where every second counts.
A Historic Moment: Aurélie Le Vern First French UFC BJJ Champion
The victory was as swift as it was impressive. After initially resisting Lira’s attacks, Aurélie managed to turn the situation around thanks to an effective “shoulder lock” (Gordon Ryan style). She then positioned herself dominantly to finish with an Americana from mount. A technical and rapid submission that definitively inscribes Aurélie Le Vern’s name in French jiu-jitsu history.
“It was swift, it’s perfect!” – impossible to better summarize this historic performance that opens the way for a new generation of French grapplers on the world stage.
Fight by Fight: Detailed Analysis of the Evening
Jalen Fonancier vs Everton Teixeira: The Perfect Opening
The evening began at a frantic pace with the duel between two young prodigies: Jalen Fonancier (19, USA) and Everton Teixeira (22, Brazil). This bantamweight fight opposed two contrasting styles, with Fonancier representing the new American school and Teixeira the traditional Brazilian school.
The outcome was quick and spectacular. Fonancier, despite his young age, demonstrated impressive technical maturity by finishing with an effective heel hook. This victory confirms the future star status of this grappler who now trains with “17 years of experience” despite being only 19 years old.
He says it himself: “People don’t realize, I’ve been doing Jiu-Jitsu since I was 2 years old, that’s 17 years!”
Tammy Musumeci vs Leilani Bernales: Experience vs Fire
The women’s flyweight fight between Tammy Musumeci (31) and Leilani Bernales (25) offered an interesting contrast of styles. Musumeci, five-time IBJJF world champion, leveraged her experience against the fire of the Peruvian based in Miami.
What makes Tammy’s performance even more remarkable is her status as a full-time lawyer. Unlike most competitors at this level who train full-time, she juggles between her legal career and her passion for jiu-jitsu, even training in her garage in Las Vegas. Her decision victory demonstrates that with quality training, quantity isn’t always necessary.
Kennedy Maciel vs Ademir Barreto: The Brazilian Next Generation
The fight between Kennedy Maciel (Alliance) and Ademir Barreto (GF Team) had a particular flavor, opposing two representatives of the legendary and rival Brazilian jiu-jitsu teams. Kennedy, son of the legendary Cobrinha, carried the weight of family heritage on his shoulders.
This lightweight duel delivered on all its promises with a sustained pace over three rounds. Maciel eventually took Barreto’s back in the third round, but couldn’t finish before the regulatory time expired. Maciel’s decision victory after this intense fight perfectly illustrates the depth of Brazilian talent and shows that the new generation continues to perpetuate their elders’ traditions of excellence.
Raquel Canuto vs Mo Black: Explosion in Front of Her Home Crowd
Raquel Canuto, Renato’s wife and emblematic figure of women’s jiu-jitsu, was competing at home in front of her Las Vegas crowd. Against Mo Black (Colorado Springs), she delivered an electrifying performance that brought the crowd to their feet.
The fight began standing with Mo Black trying to impose her wrestling, but Raquel managed to bring the fight to the ground. In a quick transition, she secured an instantaneous knee bar that forced Mo Black to tap. Raquel’s submission perfectly illustrates the tactical use of the “Bowl”: Mo Black, trapped against the curved slope, couldn’t perform her usual defensive rolls, finding herself trapped in an inextricable position.
William Tackett: Spectacle and Efficiency
The spectacle was there with William Tackett against Kyle Chambers. In this rematch of a defeat suffered 6 years ago, William showed a completely different version of himself. Acrobatic and spectacular, he brought the fight to the ground with disconcerting ease, passing guard “as if it were nothing” before finishing with a rear naked choke in the first round.
“He’s very acrobatic, he brings the show (that’s what we want to see 100%!)” – William perfectly understood what the audience expected, blending pure technique and entertainment.
So far, undoubtedly the most beautiful fight of the evening!
Mason Fowler vs David Garmmo: Birth of a Champion
In the co-main event fight for the inaugural light heavyweight title, Mason Fowler secured victory against David Garmmo in what was one of the most anticipated fights of the evening.
The fight began with both men sizing each other up standing. Fowler quickly found the opening with an effective ankle pick following a front headlock, immediately taking control on the ground. His transition to the back was remarkably fluid! Once the position was secured, it only took a few seconds for his rear naked choke to force Garmmo to tap in the first round.
This victory crowns an exemplary career for Fowler, elected 2020 Fight Pass male athlete of the year, and makes him the very first UFC BJJ light heavyweight champion.
Andrew Tackett: An Implacable Machine
But it was Andrew Tackett who truly stole the show in the main event. Against Renato Canuto, the reigning champion delivered a fight of rare intensity that will remain etched in memory.
The pace was frantic from the first seconds: Canuto’s double leg takedown, Andrew’s precise reversal, position exchanges at an infernal rhythm. “Andrew is a ball of nerves/cardio, he’s unstoppable and uncontrollable!”
The difference was made on physical conditioning. While Canuto began showing signs of fatigue at the end of the fight, Andrew maintained his intensity until obtaining the submission by D’Arce choke in the first round. A performance that confirms that at only 22 years old, he could well dominate this division for many years to come.
Andrew Tackett: A Media Phenomenon in the Making
Beyond his sporting qualities, Andrew Tackett perfectly embodies the new generation of grappling athletes. Since his victory at UFC BJJ 1, he has gained over 20,000 followers on social media, testifying to the media impact of this platform. As he explains himself, he’s now recognized in gas stations, not for grappling itself, but thanks to the organization that carries him.
This new media dimension transforms grapplers’ status, offering them visibility previously reserved for MMA fighters. UFC BJJ thus succeeds in its bet to create true jiu-jitsu stars.
The innovation of the “Bowl” – this curved surface replacing the traditional flat mat – continues to revolutionize strategies. This unique surface, with its initially gradual slope then a more pronounced curve, fundamentally transforms fight dynamics.
Several concrete examples from UFC BJJ 2 illustrate its impact:
The offensive “trap” effect: During the Raquel Canuto vs Mo Black fight, the surface prevented Mo Black from performing her usual defensive rolls, forcing her to endure the knee bar without any escape route.
The guard passing advantage: William Tackett used the slope to make it impossible for Kyle Chambers to recover his closed guard. On a flat mat, Chambers could have easily brought his legs back.
Elimination of “stalling”: The surface forces constant movement. Impossible to stay static in a position, gravity and the curve naturally push toward action.
This unique surface forces athletes to adapt their game and strongly reduces static phases, creating a permanent spectacle that partly explains UFC BJJ’s phenomenal success.
The Economic and Media Impact of UFC BJJ 2
A Revolutionary Economic Model
UFC BJJ represents much more than a simple grappling competition. It’s a true economic paradigm shift for jiu-jitsu athletes. Traditionally, high-level grapplers struggle to make a living from their passion, with purses remaining modest compared to other combat sports.
UFC’s entry into the sector changes the game. Athletes benefit not only from more substantial purses, but especially from unprecedented media exposure. Andrew Tackett’s example, who has been multiplying commercial opportunities since his victory, illustrates this new model.
Hollywood-Level Production
UFC BJJ doesn’t skimp on technical means. Sophisticated lighting, multiple camera angles, immersive sound: everything contributes to creating a visual experience worthy of the greatest sports productions. This attention to detail partly explains why the format appeals to an audience that doesn’t necessarily follow traditional jiu-jitsu.
The Future of Jiu-Jitsu: Toward Democratization?
UFC BJJ 3: Anticipation Builds
The next event, scheduled for October 2, 2025, already promises to be a highlight. Mikey Musumeci, bantamweight champion and Tammy’s brother, will defend his title in what promises to be a gala fight. The organization has also confirmed a fourth event for December, testifying to its will to durably establish this new formula.
The International Domino Effect
UFC BJJ’s success already inspires other promotions worldwide. This elevation in production level and media coverage could well trigger a quality race beneficial to the entire grappling ecosystem.
For France, Aurélie Le Vern’s victory opens unprecedented perspectives. Her success proves that our grapplers have their place at the highest level and should inspire a new generation of French practitioners to aim for international excellence.
Technical Analysis: What UFC BJJ 2 Teaches Us
New Generation Pressure Passing
William and Andrew Tackett embody a modern approach to guard passing, blending physical pressure and technical fluidity. Their ability to maintain intensity while preserving technical precision represents the natural evolution of the passing game.
Mental Factor: The Determining Element
Beyond purely technical aspects, UFC BJJ 2 underlined the crucial importance of mental preparation. Andrew Tackett’s ability to stay calm in chaos against Canuto, or Aurélie Le Vern’s ability to handle the pressure of representing France, demonstrate that mental strength remains a determining factor at the highest level.
Tomorrow’s Stars
The New American Generation
Jalen Fonancier, with his 19 years and 17 years of experience, perfectly represents this generation that has only known modern jiu-jitsu. Trained from age 2, he naturally masters all aspects of contemporary play, from takedowns to leg locks through the most sophisticated guard game.
The Brazilian School in Mutation
Kennedy Maciel illustrates the evolution of the traditional Brazilian school. Son of a legend but forged in an international environment, he combines Brazilian technical heritage with modern innovations of world grappling.
Conclusion: UFC BJJ 2, A Historic Turning Point
UFC BJJ 2 will remain as the event where French jiu-jitsu entered history, where the Tackett brothers confirmed their superstar status, and where this sport crossed a new threshold in its evolution toward the general public.
This second edition confirms that UFC has found the winning formula: guaranteed spectacle, irreproachable technical level, and captivating narratives. The “Bowl”, new rules, and especially production quality transform the jiu-jitsu experience into true mass entertainment without ever sacrificing sporting authenticity.
For French practitioners, Aurélie Le Vern’s performance opens a new chapter. She proves that French excellence in jiu-jitsu can shine on the world stage. She already inspires a new generation of French athletes, and this is just the beginning!
The future looks bright for this discipline in full mutation. With events scheduled through December and a constantly growing worldwide audience, UFC BJJ establishes itself as the future of high-level grappling.
The two points to watch are the next actors – who will compose the next event cards?
And concerning us, the second point targets the quality of fight week videos… We would like (much) longer videos, with (much) more athletes, and (much) more info!
The appointment is already set: UFC BJJ 3, October 2, 2025, to write the next chapter of this passionate story.