CFFC BJJ 17 results: Oliver Taza, Keith Krikorian claim inaugural titles; teenager Joslyn Molina wins again
A pair of belts were handed out in the featured matchups of Friday's event, which streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS from Philadelphia's historic 2300 Arena
PHILADELPHIA – Oliver Taza picked up his second win in as many CFFC BJJ appearances, but this time it earned him a gold belt.
Taza outworked Sean Yadimarco over the course of three rounds in the CFFC BJJ 17 headliner, taking home a clear decision win, as well as the inaugural CFFC BJJ middleweight title for his performance at Friday's event at the historic 2300 Arena. The night's main card streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS.
Yadimarco was capable in defense, fending off attacks and never letting Taza get too close to a match-ending submission. However, it also didn't allow him many opportunities to attack, and Taza was seemingly effortless in his control of the positioning. It wasn't the highest-paced affair, but it was one that was incredible easy to score, and Taza walked away with 30-27 scores across the board, as well as CFFC BJJ gold.
The night's co-main event saw Keith Krikorian claim the inaugural CFFC BJJ lightweight title in a thrilling rematch with a game Matt Masch.
In an unbelievably fast-paced matchup, the submission attempts were flying in both directions, with two skilled, high-volume grapplers putting their talents on display. Ultimately, after multiple attempts to attack his opponent's legs, Krikorian turned his attention to the neck and locked up a D'Arce choke, stepping over to mount as Masch tried to roll free. Unable to create space, Masch was forced to tap.
After the win, Krikorian made his case for a return to UFC BJJ.
"UFC BJJ, I hope you're watching," Krikorian told Michael Chiesa. "I put on exciting matches. I don't care who I'm going against. I'll go against anyone the world. I'm one of the best grapplers in the world, by far. I'm one of the most exciting. Put me in there."
Meanwhile, in a featured matchup, 14-year-old phenom Joslyn Molina scored her second straight submission win over a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, needing just under two minutes to tap out Kate Sandmeyer.
After snapping the action down to the canvas, Molina set up in side control and begin to attack, locking up a D'Arce and switching out to North-South. Sandmeyer tried first to roll free, then survive in the hold, but neither worked, and she was forced to tap at the 1:58 mark of the first round.
With an incredibly bright future in the sport clearly on the horizon, Molina said she's not limiting her potential accomplishments.
"I see myself being rich and traveling the world," Molina said of her plan. "That's my goal. The reason I do this is to go and see different communities and make new family for myself around the world."
Complete CFFC BJJ 17 results include:
MAIN CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS)
Oliver Taza def. Sean Yadimarco via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) – to claim inaugural middleweight title
Keith Krikorian def. Matt Masch via submission (D'Arce choke) – Round 2, 3:56 – to claim inaugural lightweight title
Joslyn Molina def. Kate Sandmeyer via submission (D'Arce choke) – Round 1, 1:58
Max Livingston def. John Romero via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Danny Maira def. Peter Fazekas via submission (heel hook) – Round 2, 1:18
Kelly Chan def. Amanda Mazza via submission (kneebar) – Round 2, 1:05
Brandon Smith def. Tyler Carroll via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 3, 1:43
Molli Zborowski def. Bella Miller via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Joey Milano def. Mike Murray via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
PRELIMINARY CARD (OnlyFans)
Steve Joachim def. Ezra Outlaw via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 2:53
Nick DiGiacomo def. Angelo Sullo via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:35
Casey Malik vs. RJ Jimenez declared a draw
John Lyons def. TJ Salas via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 0:56
Nieko Malone def. Adam Krinic via submission (D'Arce choke) – Round 1, 3:23
Jimmy Gutierrez def. Mike Bonaccorsi via technical submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:20
Aldo Beqiraj def. Christian Hagans via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 4:59
Lia Knox-Hershey def. Angelina Hernandez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:53
Sam Hoke def. Aidan Velez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:24
Kyleigh D'Agostino def. Taylor Schmidt via Golden Score (pass) – Overtime, 1:15
EARLY CARD (YouTube)
Vincenzo Romeo vs. Tobias Malaise via submission (triangle choke) - Round 1, 1:47
Cole Erickson def. Adam Osgood via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 0:07
Briar Rose Rodriguez def. Savannah Green via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:44