Did the unthinkable happen? UFC legend Demetrious Johnson stepped onto the mats at the IBJJF Masters Worlds, but things didn’t go as planned. Meanwhile, Ffion Davies put on a masterclass! You won’t believe what went down in Las Vegas this weekend.

The 2025 IBJJF World Master Jiu-jitsu Championship in Las Vegas recently concluded, delivering a weekend of unexpected upsets and dominant performances, most notably featuring UFC legend Demetrious Johnson’s surprising injury and submission loss, alongside grappling star Ffion Davies’ triumphant return to the gi.

Among the notable competitors over the age of 30, longtime UFC world champion Demetrious Johnson garnered significant attention. Known for his incredible mixed martial arts career, “Mighty Mouse” has continued to challenge himself in the gi after retiring from MMA, having previously dominated the 2023 IBJJF Masters Worlds as a brown belt before earning his black belt, solidifying his status in the world of **Demetrious Johnson BJJ**.

Competing in the Masters 2 featherweight division (for ages 35 and up), Johnson faced Takuto Kako, a familiar adversary from 2024. While Johnson had previously defeated Kako, the Japanese grappler secured a dramatic revenge at this year’s **IBJJF Masters Worlds**. The match saw a close initial exchange before Kako strategically threatened with K-guard entries, eventually transitioning to a 50-50 position to target Johnson’s right leg.

In the final minute of the intense encounter, Kako, despite being down by an advantage, showcased veteran experience by locking in a devastating kneebar. This forced Johnson to tap out, marking a shocking turn of events for the UFC legend. Post-match, Johnson candidly revealed, “I felt about one or two pops,” adding, “At the end of the day, I would be f—ng mad as f—k if I had to get surgery for doing a competition where I’m not making any money.” This candid statement highlighted the financial realities for professional athletes competing in amateur **Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu** tournaments.

Following his significant victory over Johnson, Takuto Kako continued his impressive run through the bracket. He secured two more wins before ultimately falling in the semi-finals, earning a well-deserved bronze medal in a highly competitive division. His performance underscored the depth of talent present at the **IBJJF Masters Worlds** and highlighted the unpredictable nature of **combat sports**.

Shifting focus to another standout performance, top pound-for-pound **BJJ star** Ffion Davies also graced the mats at the 2025 **IBJJF Masters Worlds**. Despite not competing in the gi since her second IBJJF world title win in 2023, the ADCC world champion picked up exactly where she left off, demonstrating her unparalleled skill and competitive drive, making headlines in **Grappling News**.

The 30-year-old Davies competed in the Master 1 lightweight division (141.6 lbs) for ages 30 and up. She delivered an impeccable performance, winning all four of her matches to secure her first gi gold medal in two years, solidifying her status as a premier Ffion Davies grappling talent. Several other elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners also took home gold medals, including two-time world champion Josh Hinger, 2024 IBJJF world champ Jansen Gomes, CJI 2 Team Europe coach Adam Wardzinski, and BJJ legend Xande Ribeiro, all dominating their respective Master 1 divisions.

The 2025 IBJJF Masters Worlds proved to be a compelling showcase of enduring talent and the unpredictable nature of **combat sports**. From the unexpected injury of an MMA icon to the masterful return of a grappling phenom, the tournament provided plenty of memorable moments for **jiu-jitsu fans** and reinforced the global appeal of high-level BJJ competition, truly a highlight in **Grappling News**.