UFC Fight Pass Invitational 5 full card line-up and preview
Check out the full card line-up and preview for UFC Fight Pass Invitational 5, set for Sunday, December 10.
UFC Fight Pass Invitational returns on December 10 with another banger of a card headlined by a battle of BJJ powerhouses: Nicholas Meregali vs. Felipe Pena. In the co-main event, Yuri Simoes takes on Nick Rodriguez, and Haisam Rida steps in on short notice to take on Mason Fowler. MMA legend Georges St-Pierre will be in the commentary booth for this event.
UFC Fight Pass Invitational 5 full card line-up
- Nicholas Meregali vs. Felipe Pena
- Yuri Simões vs. Nick Rodriguez
- Mason Fowler vs. Haisam Rida
- Nicky Ryan vs. Jonnatas Gracie
- Victor Hugo vs. Dan Manasoiu
- Luiza Monterio vs. Elisabeth Clay
- Vagner Rocha vs. Aaron Wilson
- Amanda Mazza vs. Hannah Goldy
- Andy Varela vs. Achilles Rocha
Nicholas Meregali vs. Felipe Pena
Multiple-time gi world champion Nicholas Meregali will look to continue his tear through the no-gi scene as he takes on fellow world champion Felipe Pena. The two have met once before, in the gi, with Meregali taking the victory via arm in Ezekial choke.
Meregali made the transition to no-gi competition in 2022, winning his debut against Arnaldo Maidana at Who’s Number One (WNO) winning by armbar. Meregali would go on to win a bronze medal in the under 99kg division at ADCC and a silver medal in the absolute division. He has adapted his game well to no-gi under the tutelage of John Danaher and New Wave Jiu-Jitsu. Meregali is known for pushing a blistering pace while hunting for submissions.
Felipe Pena is no stranger to the big stage. A multiple-time IBJJF world champion and the 2017 ADCC absolute champion. Pena is as crafty as they come, known for a trickly open guard and excellent back attacks.
Wrestling should play a huge part in this matchup. Look for Meregali to use foot sweeps and body locks to offset the base of Pena. It will be interesting to see if either competitor will be willing to accept the bottom position to play guard.
Yuri Simões vs. Nick Rodriguez
The co-main event will feature a trilogy bout between Yuri Simões and Nick Rodriguez. The pair brings multiple ADCC medals with them into this featured bout.
Simões is a three-time ADCC world champion having won the under 88kg division in 2015, the under 99kg division in 2017, and the absolute division at last year’s ADCC world championships. Simões is a bruiser on the feet looking to wear opponents down with heavy ties and snap downs. He is extremely hard to take down, as well.
Rodriguez himself brings a pair of ADCC silver medals into this bout. Known for his wrestle-jitsu style “Nicky Rod” is a nightmare matchup for anyone. Big slams, brutal body lock passing, and a smothering top game highlight his game.
Simões and Rodriguez have met twice before with each taking a match. The first match was won by “Nicky Rod” at WNO 7 by decision. The two would meet again at ADCC 2022 in the quarter-final of the absolute division. This time Simões would come out on top by referee’s decision. Both bouts have been grueling, closely contested battles. Fans can expect the same on December 10.
Mason Fowler vs. Haisam Rida
Stepping in for the injured Gordon Ryan, Haisam Rida will battle Mason Fowler. Props to the promotion for keeping Fowler on the card and booking him against the always-exciting Rida.
Fowler is a very well-rounded grappler who brings a wealth of high-level grappling experience into this bout having reached the quarter-final in both ADCC 2019 and 2022. Fowler won three bouts at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 3 to become the absolute champion.
It’s amazing that a man as big as Rida can be as fast and explosive as he is. He made a name for himself at the 2022 ADCC World Championships upsetting Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu by armbar.
Fans should be glued to the television for this one for however long it lasts. Expect these two grapplers to waste no time getting after it.
The rest of the card at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 5
The rest of the UFC Fight Pass Invitational 5 card is littered with interesting matchups including Nicky Ryan taking on Jonnatas Gracie.
This is a fantastic bout between two talented young prospects. Ryan has really rounded out the rest of his game. Adding to a dynamic leg lock game, he has become a very proficient passer with excellent back takes. This match very well may steal the show.
“Big” Dan Manasoiu and Victor Hugo will collide in a rematch of a tightly contested bout at ADCC 2022. Hugo won with a back take in the waning seconds of the bout. Manasoiu attacks legs like a lightweight which is always interesting to see.
Father and son duo Vagner and Achilles Rocha take to the mats against Aaron Wilson and Andy Varela, respectively. Varela vs. Achilles opens the card and should set the excitement bar very high for the following bouts.
Multiple-time IBJJ world champions will rematch as Elisabeth Clay takes on Luiza Monteiro. Clay upset Monteiro submitting her via heel hook at Fight 2 Win 147. Both women are among the best female competitors on the planet.
How to watch: The UFC Fight Pass Invitational 5 takes place on Sunday, December 10 and airs live on UFC Fight Pass (subscription required) at 8:00 PM ET.
