UFC BJJ 9: Full Fight Card, Start Times & How to Watch Fowler vs Johnson

Mason Fowler puts his UFC BJJ Light Heavyweight Championship on the line this Thursday night, headlining a nine-fight grappling card at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The reigning champion meets challenger Devhonte Johnson in the main event of UFC BJJ 9, an event streaming live and free on the organization’s official YouTube channel on June 4, 2026.

The card features a mix of established stars from the MMA world and dedicated submission grappling contenders. Former UFC title challenger and decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Gilbert Burns makes a high-profile return to the mats, while fan-favorite Nick Rodriguez also competes in a featured light heavyweight bout. The women’s divisions are represented with two matches, as athletes look to build momentum in the developing UFC BJJ rankings. With multiple world champions and submission specialists scheduled, the event offers a comprehensive look at the current state of elite no-gi grappling.

Main Event: Championship Showdown

Reigning champion Mason Fowler defends his 205-pound title against the surging Devhonte Johnson. Fowler has built his reputation on a methodical, pressure-based game that prioritizes control and capitalizes on opponent mistakes. A veteran of numerous high-stakes matches under the UFC BJJ banner, his composure in championship settings has made him a difficult puzzle for elite grapplers to solve, establishing him as a cornerstone of the division. His career includes victories over other top-tier competitors, often secured through positional dominance leading to late submissions or decision wins.

Johnson represents a stark stylistic contrast. Known for his athleticism and aggressive pace, the challenger will look to create chaotic scrambles and disrupt Fowler’s systematic approach. Johnson has risen through the ranks with a series of impressive performances, showcasing a willingness to engage in risky positions to hunt for finishes. A victory for Johnson would mark a significant upset and usher in a new era for the light heavyweight throne. The clash between Fowler’s proven experience and Johnson’s explosive momentum defines the evening’s headline attraction, with the champion’s tactical pressure tested against the challenger’s dynamic offense.

Gilbert Burns Returns to Grappling

One of the card’s most notable names is UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns, who steps back into pure grappling competition against Horlando Monteiro in a middleweight contest. Burns, a multiple-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion long before his MMA success, brings elite credentials and a notoriously submission-heavy approach. His grappling resume includes a gold medal at the 2011 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the brown belt division and a reputation as one of the most dangerous guards in the sport during his competitive prime. For Monteiro, the bout represents a chance to score a career-defining win over one of the sport’s most recognized figures. A strong performance from Monteiro could reshape his standing overnight, while Burns aims to demonstrate that his world-class ground game remains sharp despite his focus on mixed martial arts.

• Event: UFC BJJ 9
• Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
• Location: UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada
• How to Watch: Live stream, free on the UFC BJJ Official YouTube channel

Full Fight Card and Key Matchups

The complete UFC BJJ 9 lineup blends established veterans with emerging talent across multiple weight classes. Alongside the title fight and Burns’ return, the card features several other compelling contests that could shape future rankings. Each match provides a platform for athletes to advance their position within the UFC BJJ ecosystem, where consistent performance is key to securing title shots and main event opportunities.

In a light heavyweight bout, the explosive and popular Nick Rodriguez faces Joao Nicolite. Rodriguez is renowned for his wrestling base, relentless forward pressure, and knack for finish-oriented performances, making him a consistent threat for highlight-reel submissions. His aggressive style has made him a fan favorite in events like the ADCC World Championships. Nicolite enters as the underdog but with a major opportunity to catapult his name into contender discussions with a strong showing. A win over a known commodity like Rodriguez would represent the most significant result of Nicolite’s career to date.

The women’s matches see Bella Mir, an aspiring MMA fighter and daughter of former UFC champion Frank Mir, take on Nichelle Johnson at featherweight, while Ana Lima meets Amanda Mazza at strawweight. With the UFC BJJ women’s divisions still evolving, impressive performances here could fast-track the winners toward future title opportunities. All bouts are subject to change, and the event will stream in its entirety starting at the announced broadcast time. The UFC APEX in Las Vegas continues to serve as the home for these events, providing a consistent and controlled environment for the athletes. The broadcast will be available globally via the UFC BJJ digital platform, allowing international fans to watch the action live as it happens.