Victor Hugo delivered an impressive finish at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 10 in Las Vegas on Thursday night, highlighting the grappling event.
The main event featured Hugo against Nicky Rodriguez, a CJI champion and two-time ADCC silver medalist, who had a 7-1 record in FPI. Rodriguez sought to avenge previous losses to Hugo, but Hugo ultimately prevailed.
Hugo, a four-time IBJJF world champion under Alexandre Ribeiro, used his weight advantage to neutralize Rodriguez’s attempts during regulation time. After a stalemate, the referee, Vitor Ribeiro, reset their positions, but neither could gain an advantage.
In overtime, Hugo pulled guard to prevent Rodriguez from scoring takedown points. Again, they reached a standstill, and the referee restarted them. This time, Hugo countered a takedown attempt, threw Rodriguez to the mat, took his back, and secured a rear-naked choke for the submission victory.
Following his win, Hugo called out Gordon Ryan, seeking a rematch of their ADCC 2022 match where Ryan won by points (8-0).
“I believe the only person who has defeated Nicky Rod on this platform is Gordon Ryan,” Hugo stated. “He may be inactive, but facing Gordon would be an honor if he’s willing. After overcoming Nicky, Gordon seems like the most logical next opponent. I understand he’s recovering, as was I, so when he’s healthy and ready for the challenge, I’ll be here.”
In the co-main event, Oliver Taza aimed for redemption against Renato Canuto after a prior loss at ADCC 2019, but Canuto won again. It was a close, technical match, with Canuto scoring two points in the final 20 seconds of overtime to win and improve his FPI record to 4-0.
Canuto announced post-match that he has signed a four-fight deal with Tuff-N-Uff to debut in MMA later in the year.
Another highlight of the night was Brianna Ste-Marie’s victory. From top position, she transitioned past guard and appeared to attempt an arm-triangle choke. However, with Elisabeth Clay’s arm trapped, Ste-Marie secured a Von Flue choke for the tap.
Former teammates Andy Murasaki and Daniel Sathler had an intense match with slaps and kicks during regulation. In overtime, FPI newcomer Murasaki quickly secured a heel hook for the submission.
Earlier in the FPI event, rising stars from veteran families competed.
Cassia Moura, Bruno Bastos’s daughter, faced Andre Galvao’s daughter, Sarah Galvao, and threatened with a standing rear-naked choke in overtime. Galvao escaped, but Moura won by points (4-2) due to the attack. Achilles Rocha, son of UFC veteran Vagner Rocha, drew in points (2-2) with Nathan Haddad in an exciting match and won by judges’ decision.
Alex Enriquez and Carlos Henrique secured early submissions, defeating Julia Alves and Victor Delibero with a rear-naked choke and armbar respectively, to start the event.
See the finishes from the event.
