DJ Jackson retained his Fight 2 Win Middleweight no-gi title with a toe-to-toe victory over Arnaldo Maidana at F2W 109 in Baltimore. 

As anticipated DJ Jackson was a threat on his feet starting the match with an early single leg take down that drove both athletes right off the stage. After starting back on their feet in the center of the mat Maidana sat to establish his guard and like a bulldog Jackson engaged immediately. 

Maidana gained control of the match, stringing together attacks from his guard, and repeatedly utilized a rear-naked choke grip over DJ Jackson’s elbow to set up straight arm locks. All of which were neutralized by Jackson’s strength and pressure. 

Maidana’s final arm lock attempt was the most threatening, but Jackson was able to escape the attack and open Maidana’s guard. With Maidana arguably in the lead until this point, and just 45 seconds left, the Fight 2 Win champion turned the match upside down by securing a pass and building enough momentum to transition seamlessly between guillotines and ezekial chokes to match the earlier submission attempts against him. 

After a 10-minute battle DJ Jackson won by split decision to retain his Fight 2 Win Middleweight no-gi belt.

WATCH: DJ Jackson vs Arnaldo Maidana Fight 2 Win 109

Hill-Taylor edges Saggioro in rematch of World Championship final 

The co-main event featured a world-class rematch between Jamil Hill and Leonardo Saggioro who met in the finals of the IBJJF Worlds last year. 

Similar to their initial meeting, Saggioro pulled guard with an early omoplata attempt. After strong passing attempts Hill sat back to establish 50/50 guard to force Saggioro to top position. Saggioro demonstrated an unshakeable base, and strength that demanded respect, but Hill relentlessly pursued sweeps and submissions for the duration of the 7 minute bout. 

Near the end of the match Hill was able to attack a triangle giving the IBJJF World Champion the edge of his opponent. Jamil Hill defeated Leonardo Saggioro by unanimous decision.  

WATCH: Shane Jamil Hill-Taylor vs Leonardo Saggioro Fight 2 Win 109

Team Lloyd Irvin put on a show 

In addition to the phenomenal main event and co-main event, Team Lloyd Irvin bought their incredible and entertaining acrobatic style to a total of 9 matches on the F2W 109 card, with both male and female athletes representing them from purple belt to black belt, and even judo. 

The team went 7-2 for their Baltimore campaign, taking home the title, a co-main event win, and the black belt Fight of the Night with a split decision victory for Team Lloyd Irvin’s Tye Murphy over Brad Pearson in a 200lb gi match. 

Check out these matches and more on the full event replay.