The highly anticipated UFC BJJ 2 event in Las Vegas delivered an unforgettable night of elite grappling, showcasing the phenomenal talent within the submission grappling world. Headlining the card were the prodigious Tackett brothers, Andrew and William, who emphatically demonstrated why they are considered rising stars in UFC BJJ, securing dominant first-round finishes that electrified the audience and solidified their burgeoning legacies in combat sports.
Andrew Tackett, already a formidable presence after claiming the welterweight title in June, successfully defended his championship throne in a gripping main event showdown against the skilled Renato Canuto. The match began with immediate, intense action as Canuto sought a double leg takedown, which Tackett swiftly countered. A subsequent scramble saw both athletes exchanging submission attempts, with Tackett demonstrating exceptional defense against a kimura and then unleashing his own barrage of attacks. Ultimately, Tackett’s precision and control led him to secure a tightly locked d’arce choke, compelling Canuto to tap out before the first round concluded, ensuring Andrew remained the undisputed champion.
The evening’s excitement continued with William Tackett, Andrew’s equally impressive brother, stepping onto the mat for a highly anticipated contest against Kyle Chambers. William wasted no time asserting his dominance, fluidly passing guard and transitioning directly into an arm-triangle choke attempt. This relentless pressure forced Chambers to expose his back, allowing William to seamlessly lock in a rear-naked choke. The fight concluded remarkably quickly, with Chambers tapping out in the first round, highlighting William’s expert Jiu-Jitsu technique and his dangerous finishing ability.
Adding to the night’s championship narrative, the inaugural UFC BJJ light heavyweight title was contested in the co-main event, featuring UFC Fight Pass Invitational veteran Mason Fowler against two-time Quintet winner David Garmo. Fowler, a black belt under the esteemed Caio Terra, executed a flawless ankle pick takedown within the first minute, swiftly transitioning to a dominant back control position. With both hooks in and ample time on the clock, Fowler masterfully secured a rear-naked choke, forcing Garmo to submit and claiming the prestigious championship belt.
Beyond the title fights, UFC BJJ 2 featured a cadre of other compelling matches, including a standout performance from Jalen Fonacier, a protégé of the renowned Mikey Musumeci. Fonacier made quick work of Everton Teixeira, demonstrating his proficiency with an inside heel hook finish, further emphasizing the depth of talent emerging in the submission grappling circuit. This victory underscored the potential of younger athletes to impact the highest levels of the sport.
Mikey Musumeci’s sister, Tammi Musumeci, also showcased her skills, engaging in a tactical battle against Leilani Bernales. After a hard-fought contest that saw both competitors exchanging positions and attempts, Tammi ultimately emerged victorious via decision. Her methodical approach and technical prowess were evident throughout the match, reflecting her family’s deep roots in the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
Another notable bout featured Maciel against Barreto, a high-paced affair in the opening round. Barreto initiated a promising heel hook attempt, which Maciel successfully defended. While the second round saw a slower pace with Maciel maintaining top control, he escalated his attacks in the final round with kneebar and rear-naked choke attempts. Despite Barreto’s tenacious defense against these late submissions, Maciel’s sustained control and aggressive late-game efforts were enough to secure the decision victory as time expired, capping off an evening of thrilling combat sports action.
