Who’s Number One (WNO) on July 14 is now just days away, and the card has seen some shuffling. ADCC invitee Andy Varela has withdrawn from his match against fellow ADCC qualifier Jacob Rodriguez; stepping into Varela’s place will be New Wave Jiu-Jitsu representative Giancarlo Bodoni.
FloGrappling announced the change on Instagram.
Both Bodoni and Rodriguez are ADCC North American Trials winners in the 88 kg. division, meaning the pair could match up again at the ADCC World Championships in September.
Bodoni won the first North American Trials on the strength of wins over Jacob Couch and Elder Cruz. A technician with excellent back-takes and skills in all areas, Bodoni is one of Gordon Ryan’s primary training partners. He holds a recent decision win over Rodriguez at Subversiv.
The younger brother to ADCC silver medalist Nick Rodriguez, Jacob Rodriguez burst onto the scene earlier this year when he won the second ADCC North American Trials, submitting all of his opponents — all with just 18 months of training under his belt. Rodriguez suffered an early exit from the “Who’s Next” reality show that was filmed in late 2021, but has since bounced back with impressive showings in a variety of rulesets. Rodriguez is a talented wrestler with excellent body lock guard passing and back-takes, as well as a dangerous buggy choke.
How to watch: Who’s Number One takes place on Thursday, July 14 and will air live on FloGrappling (subscription required).
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