Cassia Moura and Adele Fornarino at to perform UFC BJJ 12but their entertaining title run was not without controversy.
After dominate their opponents in the opening roundstwo of the best wrestlers in the world faced off in the finals of the tournament to open the UFC BJJ flyweight title. The highly anticipated match came to fruition as Fornarino and Moura put on an incredibly technical and fast paced fighting match. The two BJJ stars did their part, but unfortunately it’s the judges and the three round format that arguably let them and the viewers down.
Cassia Moura defeated Adele Fornarino by controversial decision
In the opening round of the UFC BJJ 12 title bout, ADCC double gold Adele Fornarino secured several deep leg locks that clearly caused damage. With these statements, Cassia Moura grimaced in pain and was on the verge of knocking, until finally the clock saved her. After surviving, he continued to compete impressively with a compromised leg and kept up the pace in the final two tight rounds. Moura had a near-pass attempt, while Fornarino also had a couple of nice leg entries in the third round that made for a hard-fought, entertaining – and decidedly too short – title contest.
After a one-sided opening and two very close rounds, controversy ensued as the judges’ decision was split. Cassia Moura won the belt and became the first ever dual division champion in UFC BJJ.
Moura is clearly talented and did his best despite suffering a leg injury in the opening round, but through no fault of his own the judging has rightly been called into question. The third round could have gone either way, and Moura could potentially win the last two, but there’s just no possible justification for giving the first round 10-9.
Not only did Fornarino secure several deep heel hooks, but he clearly caused the damage in what should have been the easiest of 10-8. Moura only saved the bell, so a close finish makes an even better case for the rare 10-7 than 10-9. It looked like Fornarino’s worst result was a draw, but somehow he ended lost (another) close split decision in UFC BJJ.
Outside of the controversial scorecards, the bout once again highlighted how simply transferring three five-minute rounds of MMA isn’t ideal for jiu-jitsu. Grapplers need time to work on the ground, and the short and few rounds robbed everyone of a more convincing finish. Playing only three rounds for a title fight instead of the usual five is also a disservice to the elite fighters competing.
Fornarino and Moura put on a show, as did another title run Renato Canuto vs. Ethan Crelinstenbut if unknown regional MMA fighters and jiu-jitsu athletes can compete for 25 minutes, there’s no reason why the best wrestlers in the world should only get 15.
This problem also occurred in their last event together Nicky Rod Vs. Mason Fowler produce a controversial draw this could have been avoided if it had been five rounds.
Canuto wins the title; Gilbert Burns quickly submitted UFC BJJ 12
UFC BJJ 12 main event, former welterweight title contender Renato Canuto dropped down to lightweight and was successful in his second shot. The local star rose to prominence with Simple Man Martial Arts (formerly the B-Team). Ethan Crelinstenand won a tough decision.
Other notable features of UFC BJJ 12 include Thaynara Victoria and Landon Elmorewho both picked up impressive first round wins against Danielle Kelly and Max Livingston respectively.
A longtime UFC veteran Gilbert Burns also returned to UFC BJJ for his second in the fight for promotion from giving up mixed martial arts. Unfortunately, things didn’t go his way as he filed early Gabriel Almeida.
Check here are the full results and highlights From UFC BJJ 12.
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