The UFC FPI 9 goes down on Thursday, December 5, 2024, and is headlined by a match between Mikey Musumeci and Felipe Machado.
On December 5, adorned American BJJ competitor Mikey Musumeci will make his much-anticipated debut on the UFC Apex, as he’s set to face Brazilian no-gi standout Felipe Machado in the principle occasion of the UFC Struggle Cross Invitational 9 (UFC FPI 9).
A five-time IBJJF world champion, former Who’s Quantity One champion, and former ONE submission grappling champion, Musumeci has cemented himself as one of many sport’s greatest pound-for-pound grapplers. The New Jersey native has spent the previous couple of years competing solely in ONE, the place he holds notable victories over no-gi world champion Osamah Almarwai and former foes Cleber Sousa and Gabriel Sousa.
On the mats, Musumeci is a buzzsaw of managed aggression. Whereas he tends to do his greatest work from his guard, coming into leg entanglements together with his k-guard or searching the again together with his trademark berimbolo, Musumeci is an actual risk from any and all positions and infrequently takes a step backward.
For his half, Machado is considerably much less achieved and fewer recognized however might pose some stylistic challenges for Musumeci. The Brazilian is a talented all-arounder with an explosive, scramble-heavy fashion and a penchant for locating the heel hook. Nonetheless, a victory over Musumeci would characterize a large upset.
Earlier than that, three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion Jason Nolf will proceed his foray into the world of elite submission grappling when he takes on all-action veteran Renato Canuto.
Though he’s nonetheless basically model new to the game of submission grappling, Nolf’s top-tier wrestling credentials bode properly for his future within the sport. In August, he threw himself into the deep finish when he competed on the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational. Whereas he would lose by submission in opposition to Tye Ruotolo within the event’s opening spherical, his efficiency proved he belongs among the many planet’s greatest grapplers.
Canuto will carry a wealth of elite expertise. An IBJJF gi and no-gi world champion, Canuto is an explosive, high-flying submission artist recognized for his highlight-reel finishes. Search for him to reap the benefits of Nolf’s relative inexperience and assault the wrestler’s legs early and sometimes.
Elsewhere on the cardboard, B-Crew rising star Nick Mataya will search for his breakout efficiency in opposition to Atos consultant Ronaldo Junior. Additionally, tenth Planet leg lock specialist Kyle Chambers will face Jonnatas Gracie; Raquel Canuto appears to be like to maintain her momentum going in opposition to Michele Oliveira; latest PGF champion Ryan Aitken battles veteran Gabriel Almeida; and ADCC semifinalist Michael Pixley returns in opposition to Luccas Lira.
Try the total slate of matches at UFC FPI 9 beneath.
UFC FPI 9 full card lineup
- Mikey Musumeci vs. Felipe Machado (135 kilos)
- Jason Nolf vs. Renato Canuto (175 kilos)
- Nick Mataya vs. Ronaldo Junior (180 kilos)
- Kyle Chambers vs. Jonnatas Gracie (185 kilos)
- Raquel Canuto vs. Michele Oliveira (140 kilos)
- Ryan Aitken vs. Gabriel Almeida (205 kilos)
- Maggie Grinidatti Lira vs. Giovanna Carneiro (155 kilos)
- Damien Anderson vs. Sandrey Silva (155 kilos)
- Michael Pixley vs. Luccas Lira (210 kilos)
- Shelby Murphey vs. Lavinia Barbosa (105 kilos)
The best way to watch: UFC FPI 9 takes place on Thursday, December 5, and can air reside on UFC Fight Pass (subscription required) starting at 9:00 PM EST.
