Jalen Fonacier captures vacant UFC BJJ title

Filipino grappler Jalen Fonacier is now a UFC BJJ champion after defeating Brazil’s Kleber Barbosa to capture the vacant bantamweight title on Friday (Philippine time).

Fonacier claimed the belt via unanimous decision in the co-main event of UFC BJJ 13 at Meta APEX in Las Vegas, capping a memorable night for the 21-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace.

The victory carried added significance for Fonacier, who captured the title previously held by his teammate and BJJ superstar Mikey Musumeci. In doing so, he also settled the score with a longtime rival.

Barbosa had beaten Fonacier in the gi during the brown belt finals of the 2024 European Championship. This time, however, the Filipino got his revenge in no-gi competition on a much bigger stage, too.

Fonacier came out aggressively, pulling guard and immediately attacking Barbosa’s leg. The Brazilian escaped and threatened with a leg lock of his own, but Fonacier worked his way into top position and continued hunting for submissions.

He eventually took Barbosa’s back, secured a body triangle and searched for a rear-naked choke, but the Brazilian managed to survive the opening-round attack.

The second round followed a similar pattern, with both grapplers engaging in leg-lock exchanges. Fonacier appeared to have the deeper hold and tried to roll into a finishing position, only for Barbosa to escape.

A foot lock soon followed, putting Barbosa’s leg at an awkward angle, but the Brazilian refused to tap and worked his way free before gaining top position. Fonacier continued pressing for a submission until the round ended.

Barbosa picked up the pace in the third, controlling more of the positional exchanges. Fonacier, however, remained aggressive and kept attacking the Brazilian’s legs.

Neither fighter managed to secure a finish through 15 minutes of action, sending the contest to the judges, who gave the nod to Fonacier

Musumeci previously relinquished the title to prioritize his transition to mixed martial arts.

Fonacier, who is based in Los Angeles, California, adds the UFC BJJ title to an already impressive resume that includes two IBJJF world championships.

—JKC, GMA News