UFC Fight Pass Invitational 6 preview and full card lineup
Check out the full card lineup and preview for UFC Fight Pass Invitational 6, set to go down on Sunday, March 3.
UFC Fight Pass Invitational (UFC FPI) returns on Sunday, March 3 with a stacked card headlined by grappling icons Craig Jones and Rafael Lovato. In the co-main event, Nick Rodriguez and Roberto Jimenez renew their rivalry for an epic trilogy bout, and Nicholas Meregali looks to continue his tear through the no-gi scene as he takes on Matheus Diniz.
UFC Fight Pass Invitational 6: Full Card
Craig Jones vs. Rafael Lovato
Nick Rodriguez vs. Roberto Jimenez
Nicholas Meregali vs. Matheus Diniz
Mason Fowler vs. Pedro Marinho
Victor Hugo vs. Roosevelt Souza
Ronaldo Junior vs. Kody Steele
Jay Rodriguez vs. Mateo Cardona
Gigi Canuto vs. Denise Gomes
Ben Eddy vs. Shane Shapiro
Raquel Canuto vs. Karol Rosa
Craig Jones vs. Rafael Lovato
Craig Jones and Rafael Lovato are two of the most recognizable and accomplished figures in the sport of jiu-jitsu today. This will be the first time the two toe the line against one another.
Jones, the leader of the B-Team, has solidified himself as one of the best no-gi competitors in the world. A two-time ADCC Silver medalist, he has wins in various promotions over some of the sport’s biggest names including Nicholas Meregali and most recently at UFC FPI 4, Felipe Pena.
Jones has a dynamic, submission-oriented game that revolves around silky smooth leg entries. We’ve seen over recent years Jones really develop his wrestling and passing game which has led to an extremely well-rounded package with an 82% submission rate.
The legend, Rafael Lovato Jr., has transitioned back to submission grappling full-time after a successful run in MMA. He has picked up notable wins over Elder Cruz and Ricardo Evangelista since returning. Lovato is a gi and no-gi world champion.
Wrestling should play a huge factor in this battle. It will be interesting to see how long Jones wants to keep the match standing if he cannot score a takedown before trying to get underneath and elevate Lovato to attack his legs from the bottom. This will be easier said than done however as Lovato has suffocating top-pressure passing.
Nick Rodriguez vs. Roberto Jimenez
The co-main event features a pivotal third meeting between Nick Rodriguez and Roberto Jimenez. The pair first met at a Third Coast Grappling event in 2020, with Jimenez winning via decision. Rodriguez would get his revenge at UFC FPI 4 defeating Jimenez in EBI overtime.
Rodriguez is a two-time ADCC silver medalist known for a punishing wrestle-jitsu style. Big slams, brutal body lock passing, and smothering top pressure highlight his game.
Jimenez is one of, if not the most exciting grapplers in the game. He is known for relentlessly attacking the back and hunting submissions. He is fresh off winning the 2023 IBJJF no-gi worlds in December.
Fans can expect high-paced action from bell to bell with both competitors actively hunting for a definitive end to this rivalry.
Nicholas Meregali vs. Matheus Diniz
Multiple-time gi world champion Nicholas Meregali will look to continue his tear through the no-gi scene when he takes on ADCC world champion Matheus Diniz.
Meregali made the transition to no-gi competition in 2022. 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 submitted Felipe Pena last time out at UFC FPI 5. Meregali is known for pushing a blistering pace while hunting for submissions.
Although slightly less active as of late, Diniz brings with him an ADCC world title and a wealth of high-level experience. Diniz has an ultra-aggressive style with a punishing top game and opportunistic back attacks.
Look for Meregali to use foot sweeps and body locks to attempt to drag Diniz to the mat where he will look to smother him and find the finish. Diniz figures to be a willing and able dance partner at every level of the game.
The rest of the card at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 6
There is a lot to like on the UFC FPl 6 card from top to bottom, including a bout between UFC FPI 3 Absolute champion Mason Fowler and Who’s Number ONE Light Heavyweight Champion Pedro Marinho. This fight has the potential to steal the show and set the bar high for the main event matches.
Fan favorite Kody Steele will take on Ronaldo Junior in what promises to be an action packed showdown between two fantastic competitors.
The always exciting Jay Rodriguez returns to actions taking on Mateo Cardona while rubber guard specialist Ben Eddy tangles with Shane Shapiro.
Rounding out the undercard is a pair of female UFC fighters as Denise Gomes takes on Gigi Canuto and Karol Rosa opens up the card against Raquel Canuto.
How to watch: The UFC Fight Pass Invitational 6 takes place on Sunday, March 3rd and airs live on UFC Fight Pass (subscription required) at 9:00 PM EST.
