Episode 7 delivered the semifinal drama fans were waiting for, with injury drama, teammate battles, and two spots in the finals officially locked up.
Injury Shakeup Changes Everything
The welterweight semifinal took an unexpected turn when Elijah Carlton was forced to withdraw due to an elbow injury. In a twist that shows the tournament’s adaptability, Jason Nolf – who Carlton had defeated in the quarterfinals – stepped back in to face Andrew Tackett.
The replacement didn’t change the outcome much. Tackett wasted no time, taking Nolf’s back early in round one and locking in a rear naked choke for the tap in just two and a half minutes. Clean, efficient, and exactly what you’d expect from a seasoned competitor. Tackett advances to the welterweight final.
Teammates Collide in Lightweight Battle
The lightweight semifinal delivered the kind of technical chess match that makes UFC BJJ compelling viewing. With both Kyvann Gonzalez and Danilo Moreira from Team Musumeci, coach Mikey had to train them separately – an awkward but necessary situation.
The match lived up to expectations with three rounds of back-and-forth action. Moreira’s leg lock game was on full display, constantly hunting for foot attacks while Gonzalez scrambled and countered with his own submission attempts. Round two saw more of the same technical exchanges, with Moreira’s corner feeling confident heading into the final frame.
Round three brought the drama. After more scrambling and leg lock battles, Moreira managed to snatch up an anaconda choke attempt, but Gonzalez held on for the final thirty seconds. When the decision came down, Moreira got the nod and advances to the lightweight final.
Tournament Standings
Team Musumeci maintains their lead at 6-4, but the real story is how the bracket has shaken out. With Moreira and Tackett now in the finals, we’re guaranteed some compelling matchups.
What’s Next
Tomorrow brings the final episode with the remaining two semifinals:
- Welterweight: Andy Varela (#2 Team Gabriel) vs Davis Asare (#3 Team Musumeci)
- Lightweight: Isaac Doederlein (#8 Team Musumeci) vs Carlos Henrique (#4 Team Musumeci)
The lightweight bracket being all Team Musumeci means Mikey’s already locked up that division – now it’s just about which of his athletes takes the title.
Looking Ahead to UFC BJJ 1
June 25th will feature the coaches themselves competing, with Mikey Musumeci and Rerisson Gabriel battling for the inaugural bantamweight championship alongside the tournament finals.
Episode 7 perfectly set up what should be an explosive finale!
Watch the full episode here
