Since her ADCC debut in fall 2022, Adele Fornarino has gained credibility on the professional jiu-jitsu scene in the 125-lb weight division. She had strong showing both in and out of the gi in 2023 with a runner-up finish at Brasileiros, silver in her first No-Gi Worlds at black belt, and a clean sweep of the -55kg division of the ADCC Trials with a 100% submission rate.

Fornarino comes into 2024 hoping to continue her momentum by starting the year with a bang in her debut at WNO. 

“I’m super excited," she said. "It’s one of the biggest and most prestigious grappling events in the world so I’m so stoked to be a part of it.”

After some time spent trying to get a matchup for WNO, Adele was eager and prepared to take the match, even if on short notice: 

“The puzzle pieces just weren’t fitting until this opportunity came up. In regards to it being on short notice, I had a short but good off-season to let the body rest and recover. By the time I got the call I was already in a training camp getting ready for other upcoming events.”

Tubby, fellow ADCC veteran, is a standout contender on the scene in the 115- and 125-lb divisions professional jiu-jitsu. Her deep competitive history and track record includes match-ups against seasoned veterans like Tammi Musumeci and up-and-comers like Alex Enriquez, the latter of whom Tubby defeated in her last appearance on the WNO stage in May 2023. Tubby’s leglock game on WNO has proven consistently dangerous on the WNO stage, with her 43-second toe hold on Jessa Khan remaining among the top ten fastest submissions in WNO history. 

Having worked toward a hotly-anticipated title shot, Tubby said she was “bummed” to have to pivot her preparation for her return to WNO after investing in a highly-focused camp against Ffion Davies. 

“I’d been training very specifically for Ffion and doing my homework. I brought in some heavy guns to make sure I covered all areas [for the match with Davies]. Switching up the game plan for Adele undoes everything.” 

Nevertheless, Tubby said she's excited to face Adele and put on a show in Costa Mesa. 

“[Adele] is amazing and has had a great track record so far. It’s an honor to fight a decorated grappler like her.”

While Tubby and Adele’s fight is not the WNO flyweight title-fight fans were expecting, it’s one where both athletes seek to deliver on title fight-level action from any position. As Adele notes, “I think the thing I’m most excited about with this match is that [Tubby] is quite well-rounded so that gives me the opportunity to show everyone how well-rounded I am too. I definitely expect a fast paced match.” 

With submission-oriented styles, the match promises action and assertiveness. 

Tune in for the full card tonight, Feb 9 on FloGrappling.com