The backstage events at Who's Number One: Craig Jones vs Ronaldo Junior, may have momentarily overshadowed some of the outstanding performances of the event.

Some of these competitors hit milestones, while some put on impressive displays of jiu-jitsu that we shouldn't overlook.

Here are the four key takeaways from WNO: Craig Jones vs Ronaldo Junior.

Two DDS Members Maintained A 100% Submission Rate At WNO

Only two athletes managed to secure submissions at WNO: Craig Jones vs Ronaldo Junior, and both of them represented the Danaher Death Squad. In the main event, Craig Jones secured his second heel hook victory in as many matches at WNO. In the co-main event, Gordon Ryan scored his third submission victory at WNO. This time, it was an armbar over Roberto Jimenez.

Gordon and Craig are both undefeated on Who’s Number One, and every one of their victories have come via submission. Gordon’s victory is significant for one other reason; with his win over Jimenez, Gordon tied Tye Ruotolo for most victories on the WNO stage. Both men are currently 3-0.

Nathiely De Jesus Made History Against One Of The Best Ever

Nathiely De Jesus earned a career-best victory at Who’s Number One against Gabi Garcia. It was the most exciting match on the card, a full throttle exchange of leglocks for most of the bout. Nathiely secured the victory in a late exchange where she earned top position and took Gabi’s back. This was a historic victory for Nathi on several levels.

Nathi became the first person to beat Garcia in both gi and no-gi formats with this victory. She also became the first competitor to beat Garcia in a no-gi match in more than five years, and just the second person to beat Garcia in a no-gi match since Garcia earned her black belt in 2008.

Dominant Positions Go A Long Way

Five of the seven matches went to judges decision at this weekend’s WNO. In those matches, the competitors who were able to secure dominant positions earned unanimous decision victories in each match, regardless of what submission attempts took place in the match. Nathiely’s late backtake swayed the judges after a back and forth exchange with Gabi. Jessa Khan led for most of the match against Danielle Kelly, but she also secured a late guard pass and back take, punctuating her victory. In the opening match of the event, Elder Cruz scored a late guard pass against Jacob Couch sealing his victory in the eyes of all three judges.

In two of the five matches which went to decision, neither competitor secured a dominant position. In the matchup between Geo Martinez and Edwin “Junny” Ocasio, the unanimous decision likely came down to a takedown. The matchup was a deadlock of leg attacks throughout, but Martinez takedown seems to have been significant enough to sway the judges. 

In the match between Andrew Wiltse and PJ Barch, neither competitor managed any significant positional changes. That decision went to Wiltse, who played guard for the majority of the match.

Positional Play Is A Game Of Endurance

In most of the matches where an athlete did secure a dominant position, the pass or backtake came in the closing moments of the match. Elder Cruz had to grind Jacob Couch down for 13 minutes before finally passing Couch’s guard and taking his back. Nathiely de Jesus had a similar experience. She endured a 13-minute leg lock shootout before coming to the top position and securing back control on Gabi Garcia. Jessa Khan dominated the submission exchange against Danielle Kelly, but only earned top position after more than 11 minutes of work. She earned a takedown directly to side control, and proceeded to take Kelly’s back from there.

The only competitor who was able to pass his opponent’s guard in the early stages of a match was Gordon Ryan, who appeared to pass Roberto Jimenez' guard at will.

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