Weekend Grappling Roundup: Nicky vs Miyao, Bendo vs AJ & More!

Weekend Grappling Roundup: Nicky vs Miyao, Bendo vs AJ & More!

Check out the best from around the world of grappling and jiu-jitsu in our essential weekly digest, including Nicky Ryan's surprise matchup against Paulo Miyao, Benson Henderson's impressive win over AJ Agazarm, and more!

Jun 26, 2017 by Reid Connell
Weekend Grappling Roundup: Nicky vs Miyao, Bendo vs AJ & More!
Check out the best from around the world of grappling and jiu-jitsu in our essential weekly digest, including Nicky Ryan's surprise matchup against Paulo Miyao, Benson Henderson's impressive win over AJ Agazarm, and more!

Nicky Ryan vs Paulo Miyao

The grappling community was abuzz this weekend when Gordon Ryan dropped the news of a potential matchup between his younger brother, 15-year-old grappling prodigy Nicky Ryan, and Cicero Costa back belt Paulo Miyao. Both were signed up in the United Grapplers Association's 160lb expert division and met in the first round of the Summer Open. The unexpected matchup was streamed live on Facebook, racking up thousands of views.

Just last week, Ryan was promoted to purple belt by John Danaher after submitting 10th Planet standout brown belt Marvin Castelle. Miyao is coming off an overtime win over Urijah Faber in Submission Underground 4.

Ryan aggressively pursued Miyao but ultimately lost the match 7-0. Miyao is clearly not interested in slowing down his competition schedule despite being banned from IBJJF tournaments. Meanwhile, the sky is the limit for Ryan, who continues to rack up much-needed experience against high-level opponents. It's scary to think where he will be in just a few more years.


Benson Henderson vs AJ Agazarm

Another big fight in the books for #teamnosleep and the Fight to Win traveling show. Phoenix, Arizona, hosts some serious talent, and it turned up on Friday night. Most notably, Benson Henderson took out Gracie Barra bad boy AJ Agazarm in the main event. Henderson aggressively took control of the match early and never let Agazarm get his offense going. It was a strong showing for the MMA veteran Henderson, who surprised most with just how good he looked in the gi.

Also on the card, Flavio Almeida took home a dominant decision win over Diogo Araujo in the co-main event. Thomas Keenan shined in his black belt debut, edging out Magid Hage via a split referee's decision. Richie Martinez and Jake Watson both pulled off spectacular submissions on the night, Boogeyman with an armbar and Watson with a guillotine that earned him a submission of the night bonus.


Bia Mesquita Earns $10K; DJ Jackson Dominates

Grappling Pro continues to bring audiences a new and exciting spin on a classic grappling format. The South Florida grappling event, which features rounds and points for ring-outs, hosted a stacked Pro Women's invitational tournament on Sunday that included some serious talent. But when the dust settled, it was multiple-time world champion Bia Mesquita who turned out on top. After submitting her first two opponents, Mesquita took on fellow world champ Talita Alencar. Following a scoreless first round, Bia took Talita's back and methodically worked in a choke to finish the match.

DJ Jackson proved that he is the man to beat when it comes to the Grappling Pro rule set. After defeating Garry Tonon and Lucas "Hulk" Barbosa late last year and winning the Grappling Pro title, Jackson returned to defend it. The always game Vagner Rocha was the challenger, and while these two have a contentious history, it was a fairly one-sided affair. Jackson racked up over 25 points in the five championships rounds and was again declared the victor. Who would you like see challenge Jackson next?