Tezos WNO (Who’s Number One) is back for its fifth and final event of the 2023 season. WNO 21 is set to emanate from the Palmer Event Center in Austin, Texas, and will feature a main event of light heavyweight champion Pedro Marinho defending his title against longtime veteran and former Bellator MMA middleweight champion Rafael Lovato Jr.
Grappling fans can catch Tezos WNO 21: Marinho vs Lovato Jr. streaming live on FloGrappling, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with a preliminary card that can also be streamed on the the FloGrappling YouTube channel. However, the main card will be available exclusively on FloGrappling for a monthly feel of $29.99, or $150 annually.
Main Event — Marinho vs. Lovato Jr.
In the main event, Marinho, the reigning light heavyweight champion, will aim to retain his title against Lovato Jr, an experienced fighter in Tezos WNO with two consecutive submission victories.
Lovato Jr’s most recent appearance in Tezos WNO saw him securing a victory over Ricardo Evangelista with an impressive back triangle. Before that, fighting in his hometown of Oklahoma City, Lovato earned a finish against the up-and-coming Elder Cruz, submitting him with a rear naked choke.
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Originally, Lovato was set to challenge Marinho for the championship in his previous Tezos WNO outing in October. However, an injury forced Marinho to withdraw, leading to Lovato facing a substitute opponent in Evangelista.
Marinho’s previous fight in Tezos WNO occurred in the initial event of 2023, in February, where he successfully defended his title for the first time against ADCC champion Giancarlo Bodoni. He steps back onto the mat tonight, hoping to make his second successful title defense.
Tezos WNO 21: Marinho vs Lovato Jr. Results
Main Card
Pedro Marinho def. Rafael Lovato Jr. via Decision — For the WNO Light Heavyweight Championship
Mica Galvao def. Kody Steele via RNC at 12:38 — For the WNO Welterweight Championship
Diego Pato def. Diogo Reis via Injury Submission at 8:55 — For the WNO Featherweight Championship
Giancarlo Bodoni def. Lucas Barbosa via Decision
Luke Griffith def Roosevelt Sousa via Heel Hook at 3:25
Helena Crevar def. Julia Maele via Decision
Tainan Dalpra def. Troy Russell via Armbar at 4:30
Preliminary Card
Owen Jones def. Dominic Mejia via Decision
Reese LaFever def. Estevan Martinez via Decision
Mia Funegra def. Janice Russell via Armbar at 5:02
Nick Mataya def. Ian Butler via Kimura at 3:25
