UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4 took place tonight at the UFC Apex and delivered with high-level grappling action headlined by Craig Jones and Felipe Pena, with Craig winning by escape time over the former ADCC absolute champion. In the co-main event, UFC veterans Glover Teixeira and Anthony rematched from their 2020 UFC bout, with Teixiera winning by decision. Nick Rodriguez defeated three men in the same night, including Dan Manasoiu in the finals, to win the $30,000 grand prize. Also on the card, Nicholas Meregali defeated Cyborg Abreu, Helena Crevar won in dominant fashion, and Roman Bravo-Young grappled Alex Perez to a draw.

In main event action, Craig Jones defeated Felipe Pena in EBI overtime, getting the victory to close the show by escape time. The twelve minute regulation period saw a few 'get downs' but ultimately was contested on the feet with neither man able to assert themselves. The B-Team had a great night, winning the final two matches of the evening.

The Invitational tournament saw good action between the 8 athletes, with upsets and submissions along the way. Ultimately, Nick Rodriguez took home the $30,000 grand prize, defeating Dan Manasoiu in the finals by rear naked choke in overtime - after escaping an extended armbar just moments before. Big Dan punched his ticket to the finals with two leg lock victories, and Nick advanced on the back of an overtime escape and overtime submission win. Early on, the bracket was shaken up with unheralded 10th Planet fighter Fedor Nikolov beating the larger, more experienced Haisam Rida by escape time.

The feature bout of the evening saw ADCC double medalist Nicholas Meregali defeating Cyborg Abreu, winning with an armbar in overtime after neither was able to secure victory in regulation. Nicholas will headline the upcoming August Tezos WNO card against Kaynan Duarte.

Helena Crevar impressed in superfight action, defeating black belt Emily Fernandez with a rear naked choke. After early bites on the leg and the neck, she was able to advance to the back and work for the eventual finish. The 16 year old blue belt has been turning in a stellar 2023, with a double gold performance in the gi at the IBJJF Worlds in May.

2-time NCAA Champion wrestler Roman Bravo-Young looked good going to a draw against 7th-ranked UFC flyweight contender Alex Perez, passing, mounting, and outscrambling Perez for the majority of the contest. Per the rules of the contest, no overtime or decision was offered, and no leg locks were permitted.

Full Results

• Craig Jones def. Felipe Pena by escape time
• Tournament Finals
  • Nick Rodriguez def. Dan Manasoiu by rear naked choke in OT
• Glover Teixeira def. Anthony Smith by unanimous decision.
• Nicholas Meregali def. Roberto Abreu via armbar in OT
• Tournament Semifinals
  • Nick Rodriguez def. Vagner Rocha via rear naked choke in OT
  • Dan Manasoiu def. Fedor Nikolov via inverted kneebar at 0:38
• Roman Bravo-Young and Alex Perez fought to a time limit draw
• Helena Crevar def. Emily Fernandez via rear naked choke at 7:26
• Tournament Quarterfinals
  • Nick Rodriguez def. Roberto Jimenez via escape time
  • Vagner Rocha def. Fellipe Andrew via inside heel hook at 6:18
  • Fedor Nikolov def. Haisam Rida via escape time
  • Dan Manasoiu def. Gabriel Arges via outside heel hook at 3:20