All eyes were on the main event between Gordon Ryan and last-minute replacement Nick Rodriguez who stepped in for Vinny Magalhaes after the Brazilian had health complications from his weight cut.

Nicky Rod clearly made some adjustments from his past encounter with Ryan at ADCC earlier this year, and the B-Team athlete was able to put Gordon in precarious situations- including a toehold that Gordon has stated ‘broke’ his foot.

The last time Gordon & Nicky Rod faced off: ADCC 2022

The bout eventually made its way into overtime where Gordon was able to win via ride time - but not without some controversy -  though the bell had rung that Nicky Rod did not get the finish in time, the ref did not immediately stop the bout - Gordon is seen to tap but it appears it’s more of a signal to the ref and Nicky Rod than a legitimate finish. In any case, the rules were upheld and Gordon won the match via ride time in OT.

Mason Fowler Reigns Supreme In Absolute Bracket

Fowler competes with a damaged eye at WNO Championships

The absolute tournament also delivered on its promise of high action. Mason Fowler was able to climb his way to the top of the mountain with back-to-back submissions over  Pat Shahgholi and Patrick Gaudio in the first two rounds of action. He then met Luke Griffith in the final and secured the win in OT via the fastest escape time. Fowler’s performance once again cements his reputation as one of the world's best grapplers.  

UFC Invitational 3 Absolute Bracket Results

R1

• Mason Fowler def Pat Shahgholi via armbar 
• Patrick Guadio  Def. Haisam Rida via Triangle
• Luke Griffith Def. Andy Varela via EBI OT
• Olivera Taza def Richie Martinez vs Heel Hook

R2

• Mason Fowler def Patrick Guadio via Triangle
• Luke Griffith def  Oliver Taza via RNC

Final

 Mason Fowler def. Luke Griffith via EBI OT

Big Dan & Bia Mesquita Defeat a Pair of Legends

Two more super fights  super fight of the night saw Daniel ‘Big Dan ‘ Manasoui put in a dominant performance over Ricardo Evangelista - the new wave competed as if he had someplace else to be finished the match via a smother choke - or 'mounted asphyxiation' -  in 58 seconds.  Big Dan's success at the UFC Fight Pass invitational caps a year that saw the competitor rise from a relatively unknown competitor to a household name and burgeoning superstar.

Bia Mesquita After Claiming WNO Belt

Bia Mesquita, a jiu-jitsu competitor who needs little introduction, took on one of MMA's most decorated female athletes in Meisha Tate.  Though Mesquita was positionally dominant throughout the match, she was unable to secure the submission before regulation ended and the match was forced to OT.  Mesquita was able to secure an armbar in the first round of OT, taking the win via EBI overtime rules.