Nicholas Meregali To Face Vagner Rocha In WNO 23 Main Event

Nicholas Meregali will face ADCC medalist Vagner Rocha for the first time ever in the main event of WNO 23

Apr 2, 2024 by Joe Gilpin

Nicholas Meregali To Face Vagner Rocha In WNO 23 Main Event

Two of grappling's most controversial stars will face off in the main event of WNO 23 when Nicholas Meregali takes on Vagner Rocha in a heavyweight bout. The two WNO veterans and ADCC medalists have never faced off before, though Rocha has taken on several of Meregali's New Wave teammates.

Get your tickets here for WNO 23 in Arlington, TX on May 10

After reaching the pinnacle of gi jiu-jitsu, Nicholas Meregali made the move to no-gi grappling and has become one of the sport's best in just a few years. The Team New Wave athlete won medals in his weight class and the absolute at the ADCC World Championships and has run through competition in super fight action. His last 4 matches have come against ADCC champions and he has won every one of them by submission. He has won 15 matches in a row, 12 by finish.

Vagner Rocha is one of grappling's most experienced veterans who continues to have success in the highest levels of the sport. The multiple-time ADCC world medalist recently defeated Meregali's teammate, top-10 heavyweight Luke Griffith, by decision in super fight action and has taken on Gordon Ryan in past WNO action. The Miami-based star also runs his own gym and coaches a team that includes his children Jasmine & Achilles - Jasmine will also be in action at WNO 23.

WNO 23 will feature six main card matches. Preliminary matches will be announced for the event soon.

WNO 23 Main Card

Heavyweight Bout - Nicholas Meregali vs Vagner Rocha
WNO Welterweight Championship Bout - Mica Galvao vs Tommy Langaker
Heavyweight Bout - Felipe Pena vs Rafael Lovato, Jr
Welterweight Bout - JT Torres vs Nicky Ryan
Bantamweight Bout - Jasmine Rocha vs Emily Ferreira
Featherweight Bout - Diogo Reis vs Shay Montague

When Is WNO 23?

Many of the grapplers in ADCC Trials and World Championships will also be competing at WNO 23.

WNO 23 is scheduled for May 10 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

What Does ADCC Stand For?

ADCC stands for Abu Dhabi Combat Club, which is the name of the events organizers. The inaugural tournament was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE in 1998 and has been held every two years since 2001.