The UFC BJJ Opens Pathway Just Passed Its First Real Test

The UFC BJJ Opens promise became tangible on Thursday night.

Daniel Deeder entered UFC BJJ 11 as an Opens qualifier. He left the Meta APEX with a third-round kimura over Kolby Gonzalez.

That result will not receive the attention of Mikey Musumeci's decision over Bryce Mitchell or the split draw between Mason Fowler and Nick Rodriguez. It may still be one of the most important results on the card.

Deeder did more than win a preliminary match. He demonstrated what the new UFC BJJ Opens pathway can look like when it works.

From an open tournament to the UFC BJJ stage

UFC BJJ has described its Opens series as a route from public competition to its professional events. The tournaments are open across youth, adult and masters divisions, while champions compete for the opportunity to advance toward UFC BJJ.