UFC BJJ: Road to the Title – Episode 4 Recap

Bowling, Brackets, and a Statement Finish

Following Davis Assari’s explosive foot lock win, Episode 4 brings a refreshing blend of lighthearted moments and high-stakes action. From alley strikes at the Red Rock Casino bowling lanes to powerful submissions on the mat, this episode bridges camaraderie with competition in the most UFC BJJ way possible.

Bowling, Banter, and Team Bonds

Before the tournament resumed, the fighters took a break from grips and guard passes to enjoy some friendly fire at the bowling alley. Teams bet money on each round and let loose. Mikey Musumeci, Verrisson Gabriel, and others showed that while they are killers on the mat, they can still laugh like kids during strikes and gutter balls.

It is a fun intermission that shows the humanity of these athletes. Behind every chokehold is someone just trying to hit a strike and clown their teammate with a dance move. For some, like Carlos Enrique, it is also a rare moment to soak in the moment with family and reflect on the stakes.

The Matchup: Giani Grippo vs. Carlos Enrique

The feature match of the episode pits two dangerous lightweights on a collision course:

• Giani Grippo, a seasoned black belt under Marcelo Garcia with 23 years of experience
• Carlos Enrique, a surging Brazilian prospect with size, hunger, and a newborn on the way

Carlos, a big lightweight cutting from 170 to 155, entered the match with extra motivation. With a child on the way and his wife in the crowd, he carried the pressure of family legacy into the cage. Giani, meanwhile, represented veteran sharpness, bringing elite passing, control, and durability.

📺 Watch here: UFC BJJ: Road to the Title | Episode 4

Technical Chess and Tactical Pressure

The opening round saw back-and-forth exchanges with Giani applying positional control and looking for dominant angles. Carlos gave up his legs a few times too freely, allowing Giani to come close to finishing with a leg drag and pressure passes. Mikey advised Carlos to be more selective with his entries and increase pressure.

Round two flipped the script.

Carlos started chaining passing attempts with submission threats, eventually working his way into a clean transition and locking up a tight submission. He forced the tap on one of the most respected names in the bracket, shocking the crowd and solidifying himself as a legitimate title threat.

Winner by submission: Carlos Enrique
Team Musumeci now moves another fighter into the semifinals.

Reflections and Real Talk

Post-fight, emotions ran high. Giani was visibly disappointed but self-aware, expressing frustration about his performance while reminding himself that moments like this are fuel for evolution. Meanwhile, Carlos was embraced by teammates and family. His win was more than just a victory. It was a statement.

“I do everything in my power and then God gives me what’s mine,” Carlos said afterward. For him, this was not just about points or placement. It was about purpose.

What’s Next?

Episode 5 promises to bring the heat with two quarterfinals in one action-packed installment:

• #4 welterweight Elijah Carlton (Team Gabriel) faces #5 Jason Nolf (Team Musumeci) in a clash of pressure versus unpredictability
• #7 lightweight Kyvann Gonzalez (Team Musumeci) aims to pull off a major upset against #2 seed Josh Cisneros (Team Gabriel)

But it is not all smooth sailing. A weight cut problem throws one grappler’s future into jeopardy, creating uncertainty and potential reshuffling in the brackets.

The road to the title is never straight. For some, it just got a whole lot bumpier.