UFC BJJ 3 happens on Thursday (Oct. 2, 2025), and it will have an incredibly talent rich card, along with a headliner that fell short of what was promised.
Mikey Musumeci is a big name and considered the
best in the world in his division, but all his recent opponents in the UFC has been criticized by Craig Jones and other prominent members in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) community. To defend the UFC, Musumeci previously claimed he would be competing against a “top 5” opponent next, which wasn’t exactly true. He will be facing Keven Carrasco (2-0 UFC BJJ/FPI), a talented grappler in his own right, but whose credentials doesn’t come close to Musumeci’s claims.
Outside of nitpicking the big name main event, the rest of the UFC BJJ 3 card is still stacked with several credentialed IBJJF world champions, along with ADCC medalists and trials winners. That’s what we will focus on to preview this promising UFC BJJ 3 event.
On the UFC’s third event since their rebrand, here are the top three matches to watch outside of the Mikey Musumeci main event.
1. Gomes vs. Batista: Is Jansen Gomes UFC BJJ’s next big star?
Some of jiu-jitsu’s biggest stars like Kade Ruotolo (welterweight), Tye Ruotolo (middleweight) and Mica Galvao (welterweight-middleweight) are all tied up to ONE Championship and FloGrappling, but UFC has picked up a champion who could potentially be their next big star at middleweight.
UFC BJJ’s most intriguing new signing involves two-time IBJJF world champion Jansen Gomes.
Gomes is only 23, and the reigning world champion has a particularly aggressive and fun style that has the Ruotolos themselves joking that he’s the third Ruotolo brother. He already has has wins over the top stars like Tye Ruotolo and Tainan Dalpra, so with his resume and grappling style, he has the potential to be one of the stars UFC BJJ can really get behind and promote.
The promotion has yet to crown a middleweight champion, and should he perform well in his debut, Gomes could be someone that the UFC can build around, much like they’re trying to do with Andrew Tackett at welterweight.
Before all of that can happen though, Gomes will have a rougher road to the belt as he will need to beat a familiar foe and longtime rival in Gustavo Batista.
Gomes and Batista are currently the number 1 and 2 ranked super-middleweights in the gi, respectively, making this pro no gi bout the one to keep an eye on at UFC BJJ 3.
The bout clearly has title implications, and their matches have all been incredibly close and competitive. Batista is currently ahead 3-2 in their rivalry, but those were in the gi, and Gomes has won two of their last three meetings.
2. Alex Enriquez vs. Cassia Moura: Battle of no gi world champions
While it’s easy to put the Carlos Henrique vs. Matheus Gabriel title bout on this slot, I think the battle between female no gi world champions at UFC BJJ 3 is far more intriguing.
Teenage BJJ prodigy Cassia Moura was the youngest no gi world champion when she won it in 2024. She will now face the no gi world champion from the previous year, and an ADCC Trials winner in Alex Enriquez.
Apart from their major titles, both grapplers have also impressed in the UFC BJJ/FPI stage and have each gone 2-0 in the promotion. The Filipino-American Enriquez has two highlight reel submissions in the UFC this year already, while Moura has notable wins over UFC fighter Talita Alencar and fellow BJJ prodigy Sarah Galvao.
This match should be a closely contested, high level affair and certainly a must watch at UFC BJJ 3. It will be interesting to see which BJJ star can remain undefeated in UFC competition, and make a case to be involved in the inaugural title in their division.
3. Andy Varela vs. Daniel Sathler: Guaranteed fireworks at UFC BJJ 3
While the first two UFC BJJ 3 bouts listed had major title implications, Andy Varela vs. Daniel Sathler makes it to this list due to the sheer action it is almost guaranteed to produce.
Varela always lives up to his “Ninja” nickname, and as seen through his tournament run that earned him a UFC BJJ title shot, he will always be involved in action packed matches regardless of result. After losing to current champion Andrew Tackett, Varela will now be moving up to middleweight to face a fellow grappler known for fun exchanges.
Sathler is constantly involved in wild matches, from his Match of the Year contender at WNO 25, to his multiple flying armbar wins — like the time he jumped from the top of the pit for the Ray Mysterio-esque finish. Sathler is already a must watch in any event, but combining him with Varela pretty much guarantees fireworks.
UFC BJJ 3 live stream, start time, how to watch
UFC BJJ 3 happens Thursday (October 2, 2025) inside UFC’s Apex venue in Las Vegas, Nevada. The no gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) event will stream LIVE on YouTube, starting at 8 p.m. ET. You can watch the live stream for free on the video embedded here.
The UFC BJJ 3 full fight card is below.
UFC BJJ 3 fight card
October 2, 2025, UFC Apex, Las Vegas
- Mikey Musumeci vs. Keven Carrasco [UFC BJJ bantamweight title]
- Carlos Henrique vs. Matheus Gabriel [UFC BJJ lightweight title]
- Kennedy Maciel vs. Samuel Nagai
- Cassia Moura vs. Alex Enriquez
- Jansen Gomes vs. Gustavo Batista
- Kris Olivo vs. Andy Murasaki
- Andy Varela vs. Daniel Sathler
- Ana Mayordomo vs. Shye Lilly
- Jalen Fonacier vs. Pedro Nakano
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