Ffion Davies secured a decisive victory over UFC star Mackenzie Dern at the Craig Jones Invitational superfight on Saturday night in Las Vegas. The Welsh grappling sensation’s impressive performance not only showcased her exceptional skills but also highlighted the need for a dedicated women’s division in high-profile jiu-jitsu events.
Davies, who has rapidly risen to prominence in the grappling world since Dern transitioned to MMA, dominated the match from the outset. She quickly took Dern down, demonstrating superior positional control and submission threats throughout the contest. The climax came just 44 seconds into the second round when Davies locked in an inverted triangle and attacked Dern’s arm, forcing the UFC star to submit to an armbar.
In her Alley interview, Davies seized the opportunity to advocate for greater representation of women in competitive jiu-jitsu. “It’s amazing, and I really think we need a women’s division,” Davies stated, emphasizing the entertainment value that female grapplers bring to the sport. She added, “The women are being left out time and time again. It’s time for that to end.”
The match between Davies and Dern, both highly respected figures in the grappling community, drew significant attention from fans. The crowd’s enthusiasm was evident, with many spectators sporting shirts supporting Davies, underlining the growing fanbase for women’s jiu-jitsu.
Dern competed at UFC Abu Dhabi just a couple weeks ago and deserves praise for honoring her comitment to CJI.
