The Brazilian jiu-jitsu community witnessed a notable moment at WNO 29 in Miami’s Mana Wynwood venue, as veteran grappler Vagner Rocha returned to competition just six months after being hospitalized for heart failure. The 43-year-old UFC veteran’s decision win over Kit Dale marked a sharp, composed performance after a long layoff.
The main event featured two experienced athletes competing at a steady pace for 15 minutes. Rocha opened with two clean takedowns and held dominant positions during the early exchanges. Dale, coming off strong showings at CJI Trials and WNO 28, regained momentum late by securing top position and pressuring with passing attempts.
Despite Dale‘s final push, the judges sided with Rocha‘s control and takedowns. The win marked a confident return for the 2024 ADCC silver medalist, who looked sharp despite time away from competition.
Adele Fornarino, a two-time ADCC champion, secured a submission win over Jasmine Rocha. Fornarino countered a leg lock attempt and transitioned into an Aoki lock, forcing a finish that left Rocha limping afterward.
A leglock shootout with Adele Fornarino is the LAST place you want to be – she gets the gnarly finish over Jasmine Rocha.
[ #WNO29 | Live on Flo | FRI JUL 25 | Miami, FL🌴 ] pic.twitter.com/ytWpsNGKfU
— FloGrappling (@FloGrappling) July 26, 2025
There is nothing scarier than a big man with leglocks – Roosevelt Sousa gets the win!
[ #WNO29 | Live on Flo | FRI JUL 25 | Miami, FL🌴 ] pic.twitter.com/1YtdTXYhME
— FloGrappling (@FloGrappling) July 26, 2025
Roberto Jimenez continued his run in 2025 with a decision over PGF champ Ryan Aitken. The no-gi world champ attacked from the back multiple times and nearly locked in a darce choke before the buzzer. The win adds to recent victories over Elder Cruz and Giancarlo Bodoni.
Max Hanson stepped in on one week’s notice and edged out Gianni Grippo in a close decision. Hanson’s pace and timing disrupted Grippo’s rhythm and earned him the nod in a competitive match.
In the prelims, Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante made use of his MMA pedigree by heel hooking Jake O’Driscoll early. The 42-year-old former K-1 Hero’s champ capitalized on a leg entanglement to finish quickly.
WNO 29 delivered a mix of well-matched bouts and meaningful results. Rocha’s win was the night’s headline, but Fornarino and Jimenez continued to build momentum as two of the most consistent competitors in the sport.
The card underscored how experience and adaptability remain critical, with veterans like Rocha and Cavalcante showing that years on the mat still count. For the Miami crowd, WNO 29 delivered steady action, technical clarity, and a few unexpected turns.
