UFC FPI 9: Musumeci vs. Machado full card lineup and preview
The UFC FPI 9 goes down on Thursday, December 5, 2024, and is headlined by a match between Mikey Musumeci and Felipe Machado.
On December 5, decorated American BJJ competitor Mikey Musumeci will make his much-anticipated debut at the UFC Apex, as he’s set to face Brazilian no-gi standout Felipe Machado in the main event of the UFC Fight Pass Invitational 9 (UFC FPI 9).
A five-time IBJJF world champion, former Who’s Number One champion, and former ONE submission grappling champion, Musumeci has cemented himself as one of the sport’s best pound-for-pound grapplers. The New Jersey native has spent the past couple of years competing exclusively in ONE, where he holds notable victories over no-gi world champion Osamah Almarwai and former foes Cleber Sousa and Gabriel Sousa.
On the mats, Musumeci is a buzzsaw of controlled aggression. While he tends to do his best work from his guard, entering leg entanglements with his k-guard or hunting the back with his trademark berimbolo, Musumeci is a real threat from any and all positions and rarely takes a step backward.
For his part, Machado is significantly less accomplished and less known but could pose some stylistic challenges for Musumeci. The Brazilian is a skilled all-arounder with an explosive, scramble-heavy style and a penchant for finding the heel hook. Still, a victory over Musumeci would represent a massive upset.
Before that, three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion Jason Nolf will continue his foray into the world of elite submission grappling when he takes on all-action veteran Renato Canuto.
Although he’s still essentially brand new to the sport of submission grappling, Nolf’s top-tier wrestling credentials bode well for his future in the sport. In August, he threw himself into the deep end when he competed at the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational. While he would lose by submission against Tye Ruotolo in the tournament’s opening round, his performance proved he belongs among the planet’s best grapplers.
Canuto will bring a wealth of elite experience. An IBJJF gi and no-gi world champion, Canuto is an explosive, high-flying submission artist known for his highlight-reel finishes. Look for him to take advantage of Nolf’s relative inexperience and attack the wrestler’s legs early and often.
Elsewhere on the card, B-Team rising star Nick Mataya will look for his breakout performance against Atos representative Ronaldo Junior. Also, 10th Planet leg lock specialist Kyle Chambers will face Jonnatas Gracie; Raquel Canuto looks to keep her momentum going against Michele Oliveira; recent PGF champion Ryan Aitken battles veteran Gabriel Almeida; and ADCC semifinalist Michael Pixley returns against Luccas Lira.
Check out the full slate of matches at UFC FPI 9 below.
UFC FPI 9 full card lineup
- Mikey Musumeci vs. Felipe Machado (135 pounds)
- Jason Nolf vs. Renato Canuto (175 pounds)
- Nick Mataya vs. Ronaldo Junior (180 pounds)
- Kyle Chambers vs. Jonnatas Gracie (185 pounds)
- Raquel Canuto vs. Michele Oliveira (140 pounds)
- Ryan Aitken vs. Gabriel Almeida (205 pounds)
- Maggie Grinidatti Lira vs. Giovanna Carneiro (155 pounds)
- Damien Anderson vs. Sandrey Silva (155 pounds)
- Michael Pixley vs. Luccas Lira (210 pounds)
- Shelby Murphey vs. Lavinia Barbosa (105 pounds)
How to watch: UFC FPI 9 takes place on Thursday, December 5, and will air live on UFC Fight Pass (subscription required) beginning at 9:00 PM EST.
