Try the total card lineup and preview for UFC Combat Cross Invitational 6, set to go down on Sunday, March 3.
UFC Combat Cross Invitational (UFC FPI) returns on Sunday, March 3 with a stacked card headlined by grappling icons Craig Jones and Rafael Lovato. Within the co-main occasion, Nick Rodriguez and Roberto Jimenez renew their rivalry for an epic trilogy bout, and Nicholas Meregali seems to be to proceed his tear by means of the no-gi scene as he takes on Matheus Diniz.
UFC Combat Cross Invitational 6: Full Card
Craig Jones vs. Rafael Lovato
Nick Rodriguez vs. Roberto Jimenez
Nicholas Meregali vs. Matheus Diniz
Mason Fowler vs. Pedro Marinho
Victor Hugo vs. Roosevelt Souza
Ronaldo Junior vs. Kody Steele
Jay Rodriguez vs. Mateo Cardona
Gigi Canuto vs. Denise Gomes
Ben Eddy vs. Shane Shapiro
Raquel Canuto vs. Karol Rosa
Craig Jones vs. Rafael Lovato
Craig Jones and Rafael Lovato are two of probably the most recognizable and completed figures within the sport of jiu-jitsu at present. This would be the first time the 2 toe the road towards each other.
Jones, the chief of the B-Group, has solidified himself as probably the greatest no-gi rivals on the earth. A two-time ADCC Silver medalist, he has wins in varied promotions over among the sport’s greatest names together with Nicholas Meregali and most not too long ago at UFC FPI 4, Felipe Pena.
Jones has a dynamic, submission-oriented recreation that revolves round silky easy leg entries. We’ve seen over current years Jones actually develop his wrestling and passing recreation which has led to an especially well-rounded package deal with an 82% submission price.
The legend, Rafael Lovato Jr., has transitioned again to submission grappling full-time after a profitable run in MMA. He has picked up notable wins over Elder Cruz and Ricardo Evangelista since returning. Lovato is a gi and no-gi world champion.
Wrestling ought to play an enormous issue on this battle. It is going to be attention-grabbing to see how lengthy Jones desires to maintain the match standing if he can not rating a takedown earlier than attempting to get beneath and elevate Lovato to assault his legs from the underside. This will likely be simpler mentioned than executed nevertheless as Lovato has suffocating top-pressure passing.
Nick Rodriguez vs. Roberto Jimenez
The co-main occasion includes a pivotal third assembly between Nick Rodriguez and Roberto Jimenez. The pair first met at a Third Coast Grappling occasion in 2020, with Jimenez successful through determination. Rodriguez would get his revenge at UFC FPI 4 defeating Jimenez in EBI extra time.
Rodriguez is a two-time ADCC silver medalist recognized for a punishing wrestle-jitsu fashion. Large slams, brutal physique lock passing, and smothering prime stress spotlight his recreation.
Jimenez is one in every of, if not probably the most thrilling grapplers within the recreation. He’s recognized for relentlessly attacking the again and looking submissions. He’s contemporary off successful the 2023 IBJJF no-gi worlds in December.
Followers can count on high-paced motion from bell to bell with each rivals actively looking for a definitive finish to this rivalry.
Nicholas Meregali vs. Matheus Diniz
A number of-time gi world champion Nicholas Meregali will look to proceed his tear by means of the no-gi scene when he takes on ADCC world champion Matheus Diniz.
Meregali made the transition to no-gi competitors in 2022. Meregali would go on to win a bronze medal within the beneath 99kg division at ADCC and a silver medal within the absolute division. He submitted Felipe Pena final day trip at UFC FPI 5. Meregali is understood for pushing a blistering tempo whereas looking for submissions.
Though barely much less energetic as of late, Diniz brings with him an ADCC world title and a wealth of high-level expertise. Diniz has an ultra-aggressive fashion with a punishing prime recreation and opportunistic again assaults.
Search for Meregali to make use of foot sweeps and physique locks to try to tug Diniz to the mat the place he’ll look to smother him and discover the end. Diniz figures to be a keen and in a position dance accomplice at each stage of the sport.
The remainder of the cardboard at UFC Combat Cross Invitational 6
There’s a lot to love on the UFC FPl 6 card from prime to backside, together with a bout between UFC FPI 3 Absolute champion Mason Fowler and Who’s Quantity ONE Gentle Heavyweight Champion Pedro Marinho. This combat has the potential to steal the present and set the bar excessive for the principle occasion matches.
Fan favourite Kody Steele will tackle Ronaldo Junior in what guarantees to be an motion packed showdown between two incredible rivals.
The all the time thrilling Jay Rodriguez returns to actions taking over Mateo Cardona whereas rubber guard specialist Ben Eddy tangles with Shane Shapiro.
Rounding out the undercard is a pair of feminine UFC fighters as Denise Gomes takes on Gigi Canuto and Karol Rosa opens up the cardboard towards Raquel Canuto.
Methods to watch: The UFC Combat Cross Invitational 6 takes place on Sunday, March third and airs dwell on UFC Fight Pass (subscription required) at 9:00 PM EST.
