WNO 26, scheduled for Feb. 7, 2025, at the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds, is shaping up to be an unmissable night for BJJ fans. With seven total fights on the main card, there's something for everyone. 

• Subscribe To FloGrappling To Watch WNO 26
• 5 Big Questions Heading Into WNO 26: Pato Vs. Krikorian
  

Headlined by Diego Pato, defending his lightweight championship against Keith Krikorian, the event promises high-level submission grappling beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET.

The narratives run deep throughout these matches. FloGrappling expert Joe Gilpin breaks down the key storylines and matchups that fans should be watching for.

Here's why you should watch WNO 26 on FloGrappling.

How To Watch WNO 26

WNO 26 will be streamed on FloGrappling and the FloSports app.

Match replays, highlights and breaking news will be on both platforms.

Diego Pato Vs. Keith Krikorian: The Grudge Match

“Pato’s got some of the nastiest submissions in the game... He brings a level of fear to the mat that few others can,” says Joe Gilpin.

In the headliner, Diego Pato will defend his lightweight title against Keith Krikorian, who is more determined than ever. 

Their previous showdown at ADCC saw Pato finish Krikorian with a vicious ankle lock that broke his leg, but since that loss, Krikorian has transformed his game.

As Gilpin puts it, “Keith is very much improved from where he was.”

Gilpin also notes, “I think something that we've seen with Pato is that guys tend to do a little better in rematches with him,” hinting at the possibility of an upset. 

Krikorian is calling this “the biggest match of his life,” and it takes place in his neck of the woods.

Jay Rodriguez Vs. Ronaldo Junior: Fire Vs. Ice

Jay Rodriguez faces Ronaldo Junior in a clash of contrasting styles. 

While Ronaldo has become calculated and methodical in recent years, once dubbed “human highlight reel,” Rodriguez remains an explosive force, though he's yet to garner his first WNO victory. 

"It's just one of these younger guys taking on somebody who is very much like them but further along in their career. It’s going to be an interesting style clash because this person’s going to have to return to their roots."

Light Heavyweight Double-Header

"Whoever comes out of these matchups looking like that guy is going to get a title shot and become a major player in this division," says Gilpin.

At 205 pounds, we’ve got a double-feature of big hitters: Roberto Jimenez vs. Elder Cruz and Luccas Lira vs. Ryan Aiken. 

Cruz is a world-class wrestler who’s going to try to slow it down with control, while Roberto Jimenez will throw caution to the wind and try to burn the place down. 

Lira and Aiken, both submission hunters, are looking to establish themselves as title contenders

Daniel Sathler Vs. Michael Sainz: Young Guns Collide

If you like your matches fast, furious, and with a touch of reckless abandon, look no further than Daniel Sathler vs. Michael Sainz. 

Sathler might’ve lost his last match, but he earned so much respect for his wild aggression that fans are hoping for a repeat performance. 

Enter Sainz: who is known for his gritty, smash-mouth style, throwing opponents off the mat with big suplexes and brutal submissions.

"I think this is likely the match of the night. By the time we get to the end of the year, we could be talking about this as a Match of the Year contender," says Gilpin.

Tainan Dalpra’s One-Handed Test

Tainan Dalpra, currently in the middle of a Grand Slam run, is set to face Rene Sousa.

Dalpra is coming off a hand injury that forced him to withdraw from the IBJJF The Crown finals and heavily taped his hand during the IBJJF European Championship. 

He's here to prove that even with one hand taped up, he’s still a wrecking ball.

“He’s operating with one hand... It’s a different beast compared to competing in the Gi,” says Gilpin. 

Despite the injury, Dalpra remains a force to be reckoned with, but don't sleep on Sousa. He's a 10th Planet black belt known for his aggressive leg locks.

0:00

0:00 / 0:00

• Auto

Rafaela Guedes Vs. Paige Ivette: Heavyweight Brawl

The women’s heavyweight division is in the spotlight as reigning No. 1-ranked competitor Rafaela Guedes faces Paige Ivette, making her return after a two-year injury hiatus.

“Rafaela’s looking to extend her dominance on top as the world’s top female heavyweight,” says Gilpin. 

Ivette, however, has proven her resilience by earning silver at both IBJJF No-Gi Pans and No-Gi Worlds in her first tournaments since her return. 

Both competitors are capable of explosive takedowns and slams, making this one of the most anticipated matchups of the event.

Rising Stars & Special Debuts

WNO 26 also features exciting rising stars and debuts, including Sarah Galvao, the daughter of world champions Andre and Angelica Galvao. 

Gilpin is especially excited, calling it “a chance to see her take on some of the best in the world and potentially set the stage for her to become the greatest female grappler of all time.”

The undercard will also be broadcast free on FloGrappling's YouTube.

WNO 26 Full Card

Here’s the complete lineup for WNO 26:

Main Card

• WNO Lightweight Championship - Diego Pato vs Keith Krikorian
• Middleweight Bout - Jay Rodriguez vs Ronaldo Junior
• Light Heavyweight Bout - Roberto Jimenez vs Elder Cruz
• Light Heavyweight Bout - Ryan Aitken vs Luccas Lira
• Middleweight Bout - Tainan Dalpra vs Rene Sousa
• Women's Heavyweight Bout - Rafaella Guedes vs Paige Ivette
• Welterweight Bout - Daniel Sathler vs Michael Sainz

Undercard

• Undercard Featherweight Bout - Zach Kaina vs Isaac Cordova
• Undercard Middleweight Bout - Ian Butler vs Victor Silverio
• Undercard Women's Unlimited Bout - Rana Willink vs Solange van Doorn
• Undercard Women's Lightweight Bout - Sarah Galvão vs Katie Carr
• Undercard Youth Bout - Icaro Moreno vs Christoper Sarkissian

Watch BJJ On FloGrappling

FloGrappling is the streaming home to the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu events and news coverage. FloGrappling is the streaming home of: 

• ADCC
• IBJJF
• WNO
• Fight to Win
• And more!

Join The BJJ Conversation By Following FloGrappling On Social

• Follow us on Twitter @flograppling
• Follow us on Instagram @flograppling
• Watch us on YouTube
• Like us on Facebook