Fowler Keeps Belt After Controversial Draw With Rodriguez

Mason Fowler kept his UFC BJJ light heavyweight title after a controversial split draw against CJI champion Nick Rodriguez at UFC BJJ 11.

Rodriguez appeared to win the grappling super-fight in the eyes of most observers and the UFC commentary team, but judges scored the bout a draw, per MMA Mania. Fowler controlled the opening round with rubber guard attacks and omoplata threats that led to near back-takes and a sweep to top position. Rodriguez solved those flexible guard entries in the second and third rounds, passing multiple times and finishing with an arm triangle attempt that looked decisive.

Rodriguez Edges Fowler In Rounds Two And Three

The second meeting between the grapplers went differently than their first encounter at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 7 in 2024, when Rodriguez won by points. Both competitors laughed in apparent disbelief when the draw was announced, according to the report. The pair now stand at 1-0-1 against each other.

Rodriguez's brother Jay won his UFC BJJ debut on the same card, submitting PGF champion Kevin Beuhring with a modified head and arm choke that he predicted beforehand. The Musumeci-Mitchell crossover bout drew more mainstream attention, but the Rodriguez-Fowler title fight served as the marquee grappling match for practitioners.

No immediate rematch has been announced for the light heavyweight title.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Controversial draw! Mason Fowler out-grappled, keeps belt against CJI champ Nick Rodriguez at UFC BJJ 11