CFFC BJJ 16 results: Oliver Taza taps out late replacement Andrew Kochel to close submission-filled night

Judges not needed at historic event for organization, as all eight main-card contests feature finishes

PHILADELPHIA – On a night that featured new scoring criteria and judging procedures for the very first time, the evening's CFFC BJJ 16 main-card athletes decided to take the cards out of the equation, with all eight matches on UFC FIGHT PASS ending via submission.

That included the night's main event, where legendary grappling ace Oliver Taza tapped out the always entertaining Andre Kochel with a second-round triangle choke, closing out the action at 2300 Arena.

In total, 12 of the evening's 17 matches ended via submission, with another five decided by a Golden Score victory in overtime.

Taza was originally expected to face top UFC welterweight and CFFC Hall of Famer Sean Brady, who was forced to withdraw from the contest in the week leading up to the event. Kochel, always up for the biggest opportunities available, agreed to step in on short notice against the more accomplished Taza but ultimately struggled to get much going in terms of offense.

In the opening round, Kochel tried unsuccessfully to engage on his terms, only to find himself on his back halfway into the frame. From there, Taza was able to steer clear of his opponent's guard and advanced all the way to the back, forcing Kochel to play a more cautious game than he'd generally favor.

In the second, Taza stepped up his attack even further, earning an early takedown and again getting to the back. Kochel defended well, even escaping back to the feet, but after attempting to pull guard, he found himself immediately in trouble. Taza pressed past his opponent's guard, stepped over the head, locking in a triangle choke and squeezing for the finish.

Afterward, Taza had nothing respect for the durability of his opponent and was appreciative for helping him to remain on the card.

"I knew he was going to be tough to put away," Taza told Din Thomas. "He surprised me a bit on the feet. I thought he would pull a bit faster, and hats off to him for taking the match. Not a lot of people are willing to step up like that on short notice, so mad respect to Andrew for taking the match."

Additionally, after becoming the first CFFC BJJ headliner to prove victorious under the newly adopted UFC BJJ rules format, the multiple-time UFC Fight Pass Invitational veteran made his case for another crack at the sport's highest level.

"The champion at UFC BJJ right now is Andrew Tackett," Taza said. "I had a match against him. It was pretty close, a pretty good match. It was back and forth. I think he's taking on everyone. If he runs out of options, Andrew, you can always count on me for a fun match."

Complete CFFC BJJ 16 results include:

MAIN CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS)

• Oliver Taza def. Andrew Kochel via submission (triangle choke) – Round 2, 3:09

• Alexandr Romanov def. Brian Newman via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 1:19

• Joslyn Molina def. Ansley Cox via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:53

• Max Hanson def. Steve Joachim via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 3:33

• Matt Masch def. Nick DiGiacomo via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:04

• Savion Maranon def. Tyler Carroll via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:32

• Max Livingston def. Joshua Lorton via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 1, 2:43

• Joey Milano def. Anthony Frost via submission (D'Arce choke) – Round 1, 2:08

PRELIMINARY CARD (OnlyFans)

• RJ Jimenez def. Matt Pontano via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 1, 1:48

• Anthony Williamson def. Isaiah Herring via Golden Score (takedown) – Overtime, 1:04

• Nieko Malone def. Sage DiGuiseppe via Golden Score (takedown) – Overtime, 0:43

• Dave Oberrender def. Kenny Cockerill via Golden Score (takedown) – Overtime, 1:37

• Mike Bonaccorsi def. Brian Wiggins via Golden Score (pass) – Overtime, 1:35

EARLY CARD (YouTube)

• Ryot Quinn def. Case Lester via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 0:43

• James Brady def. Jackson Fowler via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 0:49

• Julian Bair def. Carter Kelley via Golden Score (pass) – Overtime, 0:20

• Audrina Webb def. Parker Kelley via submission (head-and-arm choke) – Round 1, 4:50