WNO 28

Why BJJ Fans Should Watch WNO 28

Why BJJ Fans Should Watch WNO 28

WNO 28 hits Costa Mesa June 13 with no-gi matchups, headlined by Jonnatas Gracie vs. Mica Galvão. Here are the storylines to watch.

Jun 12, 2025 by R. R. Ellis
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WNO 28 takes place on June 13 in Costa Mesa, California, featuring a full card of no-gi matches streamed live on FloGrappling. 

Headlined by a middleweight title bout between Jonnatas Gracie and Mica Galvão, the event includes a mix of established names, returning veterans, and rising athletes across several divisions. 

Beyond the matchups themselves, this card offers a look at key storylines shaping the current landscape of BJJ. 

From career comebacks to stylistic clashes, here are the narratives to watch heading into WNO 28, according to FloGrappling expert Joe Gilpin. 

Career-Defining Moment For Jonnatas Gracie

Jonnatas Gracie, defending his middleweight title against submission phenom Mica Galvão, is facing the most pivotal match of his career.

“I believe that this match could change [Gracie's] career if he's able to win it, if he's able to defend his championship belt.”

This match isn't just about defending a title—it’s about proving his place at the top of the sport, especially given that:

“He's taking on one of the top pound-for-pound grapplers on the planet in Mica Galvão.”

Stylistic Clash Of True Legends: Xande Vs. Kit Dale

As seen in his clear appreciation at WNO 27, Xande Ribeiro brings a legacy unmatched in the sport.

“There is nothing in this grappling world that Xande Ribeiro has not accomplished.”

Kit Dale may not have the same accolades, but he’s earned the community’s respect with a unique and self-made journey:

“He’s kind of a self-taught guy who went on to compete against great champions like André Galvão.”

Paige Ivette Vs. Kauane Ramos = Powerhouse Matchup

The women's heavyweight bout is expected to deliver fireworks—not just for their skills, but for their matched physicality and fighting spirit.

“These are big, strong, muscular, tough, powerful women… These are Amazons going out there to throw down.”

Their similarities in style and energy make this a must-watch:

“They're so similar, and they're so exciting, and they're so well evenly matched that I think this is really going to produce a great fight.”

WNO 28 Reflects BJJ Zeitgeist

WNO 28 offers a look at where competitive jiu-jitsu is right now—and where it’s going.

With fighters like Kyle Chambers bringing unusual submission strategies, and short-notice bouts like Lucas Barbosa vs. Dory Aoun showing how quickly matchups can shift, the card highlights a scene that’s flexible, competitive, and full of contrasting styles.

“[Chambers] is constantly throwing up these bizarre submission attempts like gogoplatas and these very obscure leg lock combinations.”

Several athletes on the WNO 28 card aren’t just fighting for wins—they’re fighting to re-establish momentum. Lucas "Hulk" Barbosa is one of the clearest examples.

“He didn’t like the results he got in MMA. Now he has to get back in jiu-jitsu and he has to kind of reestablish himself.”

For Dory Aoun, stepping in on short notice isn’t just a challenge—it’s the biggest shot of his career:

“For somebody to start jiu-jitsu six years ago and beat a guy as good as Hulk Barbosa—it’d be an incredible accomplishment.”

How To Watch WNO 28

WNO 28 will be streamed on FloGrappling and the FloSports app.

Match replays, highlights and breaking news will be on both platforms.

WNO 28 Full Card

Here’s the complete lineup for WNO 28:

Main Card

  • WNO Middleweight Championship - Jonnatas Gracie vs. Mica Galvão
  • Light Heavyweight Bout - Xande Ribeiro vs. Kit Dale
  • Light Heavyweight Bout - Lucas Barbosa vs. Dory Aoun
  • Heavyweight Bout - Paige Ivette vs. Kauane Ramos
  • Light Heavyweight Bout - Declan Moody vs. Fellipe Andrew
  • Welterweight Bout - Kyle Chambers vs. Victor Silverio

Undercard 

  • Preliminary Middleweight Bout - Saul Viayra vs. Ari Goldman
  • Preliminary Welterweight Bout - Ryan Juliano vs. Carson Quinene
  • Preliminary Heavyweight Bout - Rana Willink vs. Alyssa Luna
  • Preliminary Middleweight Bout - Pablo Rosales vs. Victor Rodrigues
  • Preliminary Catchweight Bout - Icaro Moreno vs. Makenzen Wong

WNO 28 Tickets Available Now

For those in the Costa Mesa area, tickets for WNO 28 are available now.

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