Davies vs. Ste-Marie rematch and welterweight grand prix highlight Polaris 27
Polaris 27 will feature an eight-man welterweight grand prix and a rematch between Ffion Davies and Brianna Ste-Marie.
On Saturday, March 23, Polaris will return to action with a talent-laden card featuring an eight-man welterweight grand prix and a pair of world-class title matches.
Ffion Davies vs. Brianna Ste-Marie
Polaris 27 goes down in Wales and will see the return of the UK’s best-ever grappler, as Ffion Davies will battle for the Polaris title against former foe Brianna Ste-Marie. The pair first clashed in the final of the 60kg division at the 2022 ADCC World Championships, with Davies scoring a hard-fought points victory.
Since then, Davies has only further solidified her status as the top pound-for-pound female competitor. In 2023, she earned gold at the IBJJF Worlds and double gold at the IBJJF No-Gi Worlds. Those performances, in addition to a dominant victory over perennial tough out Jasmine Rocha, earned Davies Grappling Insider’s Female Grappler of the Year honors.
For her part, Ste-Marie has remained active since her loss to Davies at the ADCC World Championships, earning gold at the 2022 IBJJF No-Gi Worlds and picking up an impressive victory over Mayssa Bastos at Who’s Number One (WNO).
Like their first encounter, fans can expect a gritty, closely contested affair in the rematch. Davies is a buzzsaw of aggression and perhaps the sport’s most talented guard passer and top player. Ste-Marie, meanwhile, is an excellent half-guard and closed-guard player who possesses the strength and physicality to match Davies in high-paced scrambles.
Welterweight Grand Prix at Polaris 27
The card will also host an eight-man welterweight grand prix. Check out the full line-up below:
- Davis Asare
- Espen Mathiesen
- Jozef Chen
- Levi Jones-Leary
- Max Hanson
- PJ Barch
- Luiz Paulo
- Harrison Woods
Several names stand out as potential early favorites. An ADCC European Trials champion, Jozef Chen is considered to be one of the most promising young athletes in no-gi grappling today. He is a master technician with skills in all areas, from leg locks to guard play to guard passing.
Another name to watch will be 10th Planet veteran PJ Barch, who has been a mainstay on the elite scene for years. He is a top-flight wrestler with superb back-taking skills and a deep gas tank – all skills that will help him over the course of three potential bouts.
Additionally, gi specialists Espen Mathiesen and Levi Jones-Leary, with their world-class berimbolo and back-taking games, could play the part of spoilers. Fans should also keep an eye on recent ADCC Trials winner Luiz Paulo and rising star Max Hanson, both of whom could be dark horses to take out the field’s more recognized names.
Keith Krikorian vs. Cammy Donnelly
Before the main card starts, multiple-time ADCC veteran Keith Krikorian will take on B-Team standout Cammy Donnelly for the Polaris 66kg belt.
A black belt under Richie “Boogeyman” Martinez, Krikorian is one of the most active competitors on the elite no-gi scene today. A skilled leg locker with underrated wrestling and guard passing, Krikorian will come into the contest following an impressive win over Dominic Mejia at Grapplefest.
His opponent, Donnelly, is an ADCC Trials silver medalist and will be looking for the biggest win of his career. Look for him to employ an aggressive leg lock game as he tries to take out Krikorian.
How to watch: Polaris 27 takes place on Saturday, March 23, and will air live on UFC Fight Pass (subscription required) beginning at 3:00 PM EST.
