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Fowler Retains Light Heavyweight Title as Gilbert Burns Returns with Quick Submission at UFC BJJ 9

A Las Vegas card of swift submissions highlighted pro grappling as a competitive stage for fighters shifting from MMA.

Overview

  • UFC BJJ 9 took place at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas on June 4 and was streamed on the UFC YouTube channel with additional coverage on UFC Fight Pass.
  • Mason Fowler defended his light heavyweight championship with a first-round rear‑naked choke finish over Devhonte Johnson that closed the main event.
  • Gilbert Burns made his UFC BJJ debut by submitting Horlando Monteiro with a rear‑naked choke in about 82 seconds and is reported to be booked to compete again on July 11 in Rio de Janeiro.
  • The card produced multiple decisive submission wins, including first‑round finishes by Nick Rodriguez and Ffion Davies and a third‑round armbar victory for Bella Mir.
  • Promoters used the UFC APEX venue and the UFC’s streaming platforms to showcase grappling as a place for rankings movement, short‑form highlights, and career pivots such as Burns moving toward management with Burns MMA Agency.