UFC BJJ 7: Tackett Retains Welterweight Title in Thrilling Las Vegas Event
Las Vegas, Nevada – Andrew Tackett successfully defended his UFC BJJ welterweight championship against veteran grappler Vagner Rocha at UFC BJJ 7, held at the Meta APEX on Thursday, April 2, 2026. The event, which showcased a night of high-level no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, also saw title changes in the lightweight and women’s featherweight divisions, alongside impressive performances from rising stars and established names in the grappling world. The event was streamed live on YouTube, drawing a significant audience for the promotion’s continued expansion into the dedicated BJJ space.
The evening’s main event pitted the 22-year-old phenom Tackett against the 43-year-old Rocha, a former UFC veteran known for his extensive experience and technical prowess. Although Rocha brought a wealth of experience to the mat, Tackett’s speed and athleticism proved to be the deciding factors, securing him a unanimous decision victory and his third consecutive title defense. The match was described as a compelling clash of generations, testing Tackett’s championship mettle against a seasoned competitor. The UFC’s investment in dedicated BJJ events continues to gain traction, offering a platform for elite grapplers to compete and showcase their skills to a wider audience.
Title Fight Results: A Night of Upsets and Dominant Performances
Beyond the main event, UFC BJJ 7 delivered a series of compelling matches across three weight classes. In the co-main event, Lucas Valente dethroned Carlos Henrique to claim the UFC BJJ lightweight title. Valente secured the victory via submission, utilizing a foot lock in the third round. This marks a significant achievement for Valente, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division. The match highlighted Valente’s aggressive submission game and Henrique’s resilience, making for a dynamic and exciting contest.
The women’s featherweight division also saw a change of hands, as Rebeca Lima defeated Aurelie Le Vern by decision to become the latest champion. Lima’s victory underscores the growing depth of talent in women’s BJJ and her performance signals a new era for the division. The fight was a closely contested battle, with both athletes demonstrating exceptional skill, and determination.
Further down the card, Renato Canuto secured a decision victory over Yonathan Cardenas, showcasing his continued dominance in the BJJ scene. Adele Fornarino, a double ADCC champion, made a statement in her promotional debut, defeating Alex Enriquez by submission with a knee bar in the first round. Declan Moody also impressed, submitting Patrick Gaudio via rear-naked choke in the opening round. Raphael Ferreira defeated Kanzo Biyong by rear-naked choke, and Rana Willink secured a submission win over Carol Joia with a knee bar, rounding out the night’s victories.
Rising Stars and Veteran Presence
UFC BJJ 7 wasn’t just about championship bouts; it also provided a platform for emerging talent to shine. Adele Fornarino’s dominant performance in her debut is a testament to the depth of skill within the BJJ community. Her ADCC credentials ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club), a prestigious grappling tournament, immediately established her as a contender in the women’s flyweight division. Similarly, Declan Moody’s swift submission victory demonstrated his potential as a future champion.
The event also highlighted the enduring skill of veterans like Vagner Rocha, who, despite falling short in his title bid, proved he remains a formidable opponent. Rocha’s experience and technical expertise posed a significant challenge to Tackett, demonstrating the importance of experience in the competitive world of BJJ. The contrast between Rocha’s seasoned approach and Tackett’s youthful energy created a compelling narrative throughout the main event.
UFC BJJ: Expanding the Grappling Landscape
The UFC’s foray into dedicated BJJ events, with UFC BJJ 7 being the latest installment, represents a strategic move to cater to the growing popularity of the sport. By providing a platform for elite grapplers, the UFC is tapping into a passionate fanbase and expanding its reach beyond traditional mixed martial arts. The events are streamed live on YouTube, making them accessible to a global audience. The promotion’s commitment to showcasing no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is attracting both established BJJ practitioners and a new generation of fans.
The rules and scoring of UFC BJJ differ slightly from traditional IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) competitions, focusing on submission-only matches and emphasizing dynamic action. This format aims to create more exciting and engaging contests for viewers. The UFC’s adaptation of BJJ rules reflects its commitment to delivering compelling and accessible grappling content. The promotion’s efforts to educate new viewers about the nuances of BJJ, as highlighted on their website, are crucial for fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sport.
Full Results from UFC BJJ 7
- Welterweight Title Match: (C) Andrew Tackett defeats Vagner Rocha via unanimous decision
- Lightweight Title Match: Lucas Valente def. Carlos Henrique by submission (foot lock), R3
- Featherweight Title Match: Rebeca Lima def. Aurelie Le Vern by decision
- Renato Canuto def. Yonathan Cardenas by decision
- Adele Fornarino def. Alex Enriquez by submission (knee bar), R1
- Declan Moody def. Patrick Gaudio by submission (rear naked choke), R1
- Raphael Ferreira def. Kanzo Biyong by submission (rear naked choke), R1
- Rana Willink def. Carol Joia by submission (knee bar)
The success of UFC BJJ 7 underscores the growing demand for dedicated grappling content. The event’s combination of championship bouts, rising stars, and veteran presence provided a compelling spectacle for fans worldwide. The UFC’s continued investment in BJJ promises to further elevate the sport and provide a platform for its athletes to reach new heights.
The next scheduled event in the UFC BJJ series is yet to be announced, but fans can expect further updates and information on the UFC’s official website and social media channels. The promotion’s commitment to expanding its BJJ offerings suggests that more events are on the horizon, continuing to showcase the skill and excitement of this dynamic martial art.
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