Two top Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) promotions went head-to-head on Saturday, as stars from both Polaris and WNO faced off in a “Squads” team grappling match at Polaris 35.
The co-promoted Polaris 35 main event ended up pretty close and competitive, but it was the hometown grapplers from Polaris that came out on top. Already having extensive experience under the unique team ruleset, “Polaris Squads” champions Eoghan O’Flanagan and Owen Jones got key submissions that led them to a win over their WNO
rivals.
O’Flanagan submitted both WNO Open Weight champ Declan Moody and Luccas Lira, while Jones got a crucial submission over a heavyweight in Devhonte Johnson that added three points on the board — two for the submission and one extra for finishing a larger opponent.
While Moody and Johnson also landed three wins each for Team WNO to keep things close, those key submissions from Polaris grapplers made the difference as they ended up winning with a slim two point margin.
Team Polaris, which also had Lucas Kanard, Santeri Lilius, Meyram Maquine and team captain Taylor Pearman, beat Team WNO with the score of 14-12.
Check here for full results from the team grappling match up that consisted of a whopping 22 matches.
Levi-Jones Leary wins Polaris title, Adele Fornarino calls for major changes to jiu-jitsu
There were two super-fights outside of the Squads battle at Polaris 35, with both Levi Jones-Leary and Adele Fornarino putting on fairly dominant performances.
Jones-Leary, who hasn’t really been active since his standout performance as a finalist at CJI 1, shook off some of that rust and methodically broke down UFC BJJ vet Davis Asare. The Australian BJJ star not only scored several sweeps from his vaunted guard, he also showcased his top game as he repeatedly passed Asare’s guard throughout the three round affair. Despite being out for the entire 2025, Levi Jones-Leary made his 2026 return at Polaris 35 look easy and he also picked up the promotion’s middleweight title in the process.
Reigning ADCC double champion Adele Fornarino also proved why she was the favorite at Polaris 35, as she finished Selma Vik with a second round rear naked choke.
After her victory, Fornarino called for major changes to the sport and its problematic “hierarchal” structure. She says things have to be fixed as the sport keeps coaches in a position of power that lends to them “taking advantage of the most vulnerable” members in jiu-jitsu.
While they didn’t give out specific names, Jones-Leary also voiced support for Fornarino and said that “abusers” should be weeded out of the sport.
MMA Mania’s 2025 BJJ Awards:
- Best Submissions
- Best Events
- Best Breakthrough Grapplers
- Best Promotions
- Best Female Grapplers
- Best Male Grapplers
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