UFC BJJ: Road to the Title – Episode 3 Recap

Pressure, Precision, and a Perfect Game Plan

After an emotional upset in the lightweight division, Episode 3 brings us back to the welterweights where Texas grit meets Norwegian calculation. The matchup: #3 seed Davis Assari of Team Musumeci versus #6 seed Austin Arande of Team Gabriel.

This one didn’t go three rounds. It didn’t need to.

Texas Roots and Family Ties

Austin Arande comes into the tournament with a full heart and a deep foundation. Raised in Southeast Texas, he earned his black belt under his brother Damian and now runs two jiu-jitsu academies with his family. His stepfather believed in their vision when they were still teenagers, and now Austin is bringing that belief with him onto the UFC BJJ stage.

Adding more flavor to the story, Austin’s brother-in-law Carlos Enrique is also in the tournament. He’s on the opposing team, which means family bragging rights may be on the line later in the season.

The Road from Norway to Texas

Davis Assari, born in Norway to Ghanaian parents, shares a unique cultural upbringing. He found jiu-jitsu through his brother’s love of MMA and eventually committed to the sport full-time. In 2022, Davis moved to Austin, Texas to train at the highest level. That decision led him to John Danaher and Gordon Ryan at New Wave Jiu-Jitsu, where he has honed a dangerous pressure-based style.

Davis may still wear a purple belt, but it’s clear that his rank doesn’t match his skill. He’s calm, tactical, and backed by one of the most analytical coaching teams in the sport.

Friendly Fire and Mental Warfare

The pre-fight tension never tips into trash talk. Instead, we get classic locker room humor. Someone stirs the pot by telling Davis that Austin said he’d get a 30-second tap. Both guys laugh it off, with Austin joking, “I think we both know that’s not happening.” The tone is competitive but respectful, and that makes the stakes feel even higher.

📺 Watch here: UFC BJJ: Road to the Title | Episode 3

The Fight: A Masterclass in Execution

From the opening bell, Davis plays the long game. He sticks to the plan laid out by Mikey Musumeci, circling, flanking, and patiently exposing Austin’s right leg. The setup is textbook. The finish is clinical.

Just over one minute into the match, Davis locks in a tight foot lock and forces the tap. It’s the second submission win of the tournament and a showcase of what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

Austin, ever the sportsman, congratulates Davis post-fight. But the pain in his foot is real. He describes a burning sensation and explains how the submission caught him off guard. Still, there’s no bitterness. Just mutual respect.

What’s Next?

With the win, Davis Assari advances to the welterweight semifinals, joining Andrew Tackett in the final four.

Next episode, the competitors step away from the mats for a little Vegas-style fun. Bowling, side bets, and some much-needed bonding before the brackets resume. When the action picks back up, it’s a lightweight showdown between #4 Carlos Enrique (Team Musumeci) and #5 Gianni Grippo (Team Gabriel).

One step closer to the title. One roll closer to history.