In a dramatic moment at UFC FP Invitational 11, Welsh grappling standout Ffion Davies experienced what sounded like a leg injury during a high-stakes match.
Davies, a celebrated BJJ black belt competing in the no-gi tournament, was caught in a leg entanglement when spectators and commentators heard an audible pop from her lower extremity.
That was loud pic.twitter.com/bSFZSO8i13
— calfkicker (@calfkickercom) May 30, 2025
The concerning incident occurred during the main event of UFC FPI 11, where Davies was positioned as the favorite.
In a candid post-match interview following her controversial win, grappling star Ffion Davies expressed mixed emotions about her performance while making bold statements about her future and women’s place in competitive jiu-jitsu.
Davies, who walked away with the victory via judges’ decision, acknowledged the tense moment during the match where Fornarino secured a footlock that had many spectators concerned.
“When she was attacking the foot for sure, I was like, I don’t want to be in that,” Davies admitted.
The submission attempt created a dramatic moment in the match when it appeared Fornarino might have secured the technique.
“It popped in terms of like it cracked loud, but my foot is fine. I have cracky feet.”
The audible pop had many wondering if Davies was in serious danger, but she clarified that despite the sound, she wasn’t actually in a compromising position that warranted a submission.
“She had the bite on the foot lock, so I was like, is that going to override all this work I’ve been putting in the whole time? I knew that they probably give that round to her.”
Despite the footlock attempt, Davies felt confident in her overall performance, noting that she was the aggressor for most of the match.
“I felt like I was pushing the pace,” she said.
She also mentioned that her opponent received a stalling call during the contest.
“I’m proud that I pushed the pace, frustrated that nothing really happened in the match.”
She noted she wished the contest could have continued as she felt her opponent was tiring.
“I had no idea… I kind of felt like I might have because they gave her like a stalling call,” she explained.
Though concerned her opponent’s foot lock attempt might have swayed the judges, Davies felt confident she “was shutting down everything she was doing.”
“Five fives would be incredible… I like longer the better because I feel like I can wear someone down.”
She emphasized her cardio and pace as competitive advantages.
Regarding her status among female grapplers, Davies remained humble.
“I don’t like to say, ‘Oh, I’m this, I’m that. I’m pound for pound,” she noted, highlighting Anna Vieiraa as “one of the goats of our sport” whom she would love to face.
Davies also revealed her reluctance to continue cutting weight, preferring to compete at 135 pounds.
“When I’m focused on cutting, it really pulls the love out of the sport for me,” she explained. “I don’t think it’s necessary for me to cut weight. I think I’m strong enough.”
