TheGrappl - June 2nd, 2025

🌟 Professor's Note

Welcome to debut of TheGrappl, your no-gi guide to all the chaos, comebacks, and controversy in professional jiu-jitsu. This week, the theme is simple: the women of jiu-jitsu aren’t just catching up — they’re running the game. From record-breaking wins to big money brackets (finally), here’s your top-of-feed dispatch from the latest in the grapplingverse.

🌟 Mia Funegra Becomes Youngest IBJJF World Champion Ever

In a performance that has BJJ historians updating their spreadsheets, 18-year-old Mia Funegra dominated the 2025 IBJJF World Championships and became the youngest black belt world champ ever. At just 18 years and 193 days old, she beat Tye Ruotolo’s record — and did it with style.

With a composed pressure game and an aggressive submission arsenal, Funegra didn’t just win — she arrived. Her performance lit up the brackets and signaled the beginning of a new era. The future isn’t coming. It’s already here — and her name is Mia.

 🖤 Sarah Galvão Promoted to Black Belt on the Podium After Worlds Breakout

Sarah Galvão — yes, that Galvão — stepped out from behind her father’s shadow and made her own name at Worlds. After a dominant performance in her division, Sarah was promoted to black belt by her legendary coach (and father), Andre Galvão, right there on the podium.

Her transition from colored belts to the highest level isn’t just a milestone — it’s a warning shot. She’s got the pedigree, the pressure-tested style, and the hunger to shake up an already stacked women’s black belt division. And she’s just getting started.

🧠 Ffion Davies Wins at UFC FPI 11, Proves She’s Still the One to Beat

Ffion Davies reminded the world why she’s still the queen of tactical grappling. Facing the fast-rising Adele Fornarino at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 11, Davies showed poise under pressure, neutralizing her opponent’s movement and grinding out a split decision victory.

It wasn’t highlight-reel flashy — it was smarter than that. And in the post-match aftermath, she doubled down on her critique of underfunded women’s events, pushing for structural changes while still collecting wins. That’s what a leader looks like.

💰 Craig Jones Puts Up $100K for Women's Bracket at CJI 2

After catching heat from Ffion and a growing wave of critics, Craig Jones stepped up — announcing a $100,000 women’s tournament at CJI 2. The four-woman bracket will run alongside the main card and aims to give elite women’s grappling the payday it deserves.

Jones, never one to shy away from a mic drop moment, summed it up with: “Put your money where your mouth is.” Consider it done. No names announced yet, but expect serious talent. When the check clears, the game changes.

📺 Craig Jones + FloGrappling = Free Streaming for CJI 2

In a move that absolutely no one saw coming, Craig Jones and FloGrappling are teaming up — and not behind a paywall. CJI 2 will stream for free on YouTube, giving fans and fighters a wider audience and a much-needed alternative to the usual subscription model.

The partnership is unexpected, but potentially game-changing. It’s also a signal that CJI isn’t just trying to compete with the ADCCs of the world — it’s trying to reinvent how grappling is consumed altogether.

🪓 Jay Rodriguez Cut from B-Team After Misconduct Allegations

Jay Rodriguez has officially been booted from B-Team Jiu Jitsu following serious misconduct allegations. Teammate Ally Wolski took to social media to confirm the incident, advocating for transparency and respect in the sport.

The jiu-jitsu world has long struggled with accountability, but this case has reignited discussions about safety, community standards, and the responsibility that comes with a growing spotlight.

🥊 WNO 28: Felipe Pena and Luke Griffith to Fight for Vacant Heavyweight Title

With Gordon Ryan once again vacating his WNO heavyweight title (classic), Who’s Number One needed a new main event. Enter Felipe Pena and Luke Griffith — a veteran vs. upstart matchup with real heat.

Pena’s legacy is on the line after recent losses, while Griffith is quietly turning into the guy no one wants to face. The title match on June 13 will crown a new king — assuming Gordon doesn’t “unretire” halfway through the walkouts.

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