Nicky Rodriguez will challenge Mason Fowler for the UFC BJJ light-heavyweight title on September 24th, 2026…
In a rematch that stands as one of the biggest fights the promotion can offer in that division.
Both men rank among the sport’s top competitors and biggest names, and the matchup carries added weight from their shared history.
It’s not the only major fight on the card either, with Mikey Musumeci also moving up in weight to face Bryce Mitchell at UFC BJJ 11.
While that fight is likely to draw more attention from MMA and casual audiences, the Rodriguez-Fowler rematch is the one built specifically for the Jiu-Jitsu community.
It’s been over two years since their first meeting, which headlined UFC Fight Pass Invitational 7 and carried its own significance as a clash between the only two men to win one of the promotion’s absolute tournaments.
Rodriguez came out on top that night, outscoring Fowler 6-0 without finishing the match.
That first fight was contested with no weight limit, giving Rodriguez a notable edge given his career has largely been spent competing at either under or over 99kg, compared to Fowler’s history at under 88kg or under 99kg.
This time, the fight is set at light-heavyweight, a much more favorable weight for Fowler and one that will require Rodriguez to compete lighter than usual.
Fowler also enters with momentum as the reigning champion, coming off a rear naked choke finish of Devhonte Johnson at UFC BJJ 9.
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