Injury, finish, face-offs: the final semifinals deliver everything before the grand finale on June 25th.
Keywords: UFC BJJ episode 8, Carlos Henrique, Isaac Doederlein, Andy Varela, Davis Asare, UFC BJJ finale, Andrew Tackett, Danilo Moreira, Mikey Musumeci, June 25th 2025.
Two Submissions, One Injury, Four Finalists
In this intense UFC BJJ Road to the Title episode 8, we witness two contrasting fights marked by the total commitment of the fighters. Carlos Henrique defeats Isaac Doederlein in a bout stopped due to injury. Andy Varela confirms his rise with a submission over Davis Asare. The episode concludes with the official face-offs for the June 25th finals at the UFC Apex.
Isaac vs Carlos: A Beautiful Fight Stopped Cold
No coaching for Mikey Musumeci, caught between two of his students. Yet, he precisely analyzes Isaac’s style, his mistakes against Keith, and the dangers posed by Carlos Henrique: a high pace, a very motivated young man, “who never stops moving.”
“Isaac’s my best friend. How do I not coach him in this match? It’s very hard for me.” — Mikey Musumeci
The Fight: From Strategy to Tragedy
The duel starts strong: Isaac establishes a sharp guard, Carlos maintains his pace standing and attempts to pass. First round is contested, but Carlos gradually imposes his relentless rhythm.
In the second round, Carlos passes the guard and locks in a powerful armbar. Isaac doesn’t tap… and his elbow dislocates. The episode takes a brutal turn.
“Did he have time to tap? Yes. But in the moment, that gladiator spirit… I understand.” — Mikey Musumeci
Isaac is carried out on a stretcher. A tough moment for all teams. Carlos, devastated but lucid, earns his place in the lightweight finale. And respect reigns between the two men.
Varela vs Davis: From Balance to Finish
Back to the welterweight division with Andy Varela (Team Gabriel) against Davis Asare (Team Musumeci). Varela is ultra-confident. He’s already faced Davis twice and plans to “tire him out and frustrate him.”
“I’m a sniper, bro. One clean kill.” — Andy Varela
A Tenser Fight Than Expected
First round: Davis starts strong with a quick submission attempt from closed guard. Varela talks, provokes, resists. The round is contested.
Second round: Little action. Lots of standing wrestling, but little real advantage from either side.
Third round: Varela raises the pace, forces ground action, chains X-passes and knee cuts until finding the opening. He strangles Davis with an anaconda choke.
UFC BJJ Road to the Title Episode 8 Analysis: To the Breaking Point
This UFC BJJ Road to the Title episode shows two forms of commitment that define our sport:
Physical Commitment vs Mental Commitment
Physical commitment: Varela attacking relentlessly, until breaking the opponent through constant pressure.
Mental commitment: Isaac refusing to tap, to the point of injury, driven by that gladiator spirit that characterizes champions.
At BJJ-Rules, we prefer warriors who know when to say stop before breaking. But we understand the fire that drives these athletes. Jiu-jitsu is a violent sport, whatever people say, and these moments remind us of that.
Time for the June 25th Finals!
The UFC BJJ Road to the Title finalists are now known. Three historic fights await us:
UFC BJJ 1 Finals Matchups
🥊 Lightweight: Carlos Henrique vs Danilo Moreira (Team Musumeci)
⚡ Welterweight: Andrew Tackett (Team Gabriel) vs Andy Varela (Team Gabriel)
👑 Bantamweight (Coaches): Mikey Musumeci vs Harrison Gabriel
The face-offs take place at the end of the episode, in a great atmosphere. Mikey analyzes the styles, the athletes respect each other, but the desire is palpable. Jiu-jitsu history is being written live.
“I trust in God, I trust in my family… and I will be UFC BJJ Champion.” — Andrew Tackett
UFC BJJ 1 Practical Info
📅 Date: Wednesday, June 25th, 2025
🕐 Time: 8:00 PM (ET) / 5:00 PM (PT)
📍 Venue: UFC Apex, Las Vegas
📺 Broadcast: Live on UFC Fight Pass
🚀 Conclusion: Appointment with History
UFC BJJ Road to the Title episode 8 closes this first season with style. Between pure technique, total commitment, and mutual respect, this series has shown all facets of our martial art.
UFC BJJ 1 promises to be a historic event: three titles on the line, a first in the grappling world. And we’ll be there to cover it, round after round.
On June 25th, modern jiu-jitsu history is written live. Be there! 🏆
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