Hey folks. This is the Roll Report. We’re a day late as we watched UFC Fight Pass Invitational instead of writing.

Key results:

• Craig Jones def. Felipe Pena via Fastest Escape Time

• Glover Teixeira def. Anthony Smith via Unanimous Decision

• Nicholas Meregali def. Cyborg Abreu via Armbar (Overtime)

• Nicky Rodriguez def. Dan Manasoiu via RNC (Overtime) to win absolute tournament

• Roman Bravo-Young vs. Alex Perez Ends in a Time Limit Draw

Couple of thoughts. First, Nicky Rod seems like the guy most likely able to beat Gordon right now. He’s got the size, the speed, and now we are seeing the technique too. He showed this last night to escape a nasty armbar.

And made a bold offer to Gordon after winning. We’re here for it.

Second, we really need to see a Meregali and Jones rematch. Don’t see a match that makes sense for these two other than this right now.

Finally, I really enjoyed seeing Roman Bravo-Young (RBY) and Alex Perez on the card. What made this so fun was seeing non-jiu-jitsu athletes crossover to take each other on. RBY, a 2x D1 NCAA champ, and Alex Perez, a UFC veteran. Looking forward to more matches like this.

Roll Film: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Cinema

When I was a white belt, I found myself confined at home due to a bout of the flu (this was pre-Covid, so it was the flu). In my idle state, I discovered a film, “John Wick," available on-demand. With no better options, I decided to purchase the movie, and, to my surprise, I was instantly captivated by the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) moves showcased. Although I couldn't execute those techniques myself, I could identify them. To this day, I have submitted a lone opponent with a triangle choke, primarily due to my less-than-ideal leg length. In John Wick's case, he used this technique to dispatch his adversary (full disclosure, the cause of death was a point-blank headshot).

I thoroughly enjoy movies incorporating BJJ, so I would like to share my top five favorites that excel in showcasing this "gentle art."

5. "Kickboxer: Vengeance" (2016): This reboot of the original "Kickboxer" series showcases various martial arts, including BJJ. The movie features Dave Bautista, Gina Carano, and Jean-Claude Van Damme and includes fight sequences where BJJ techniques are utilized to kick ass.

4. "Haywire" (2011): Directed by Steven Soderbergh, "Haywire" stars Gina Carano as a former covert operative who finds herself targeted by her employers. The movie features intense fight sequences incorporating martial arts, including BJJ. Carano's character utilizes BJJ techniques throughout the film. I was skeptical about Soderbergh directing an action film, but he was more than serviceable in this outing.

3. "Never Back Down" (2008): While "Never Back Down" primarily focuses on mixed martial arts (MMA), it includes scenes that showcase BJJ techniques. The movie features training sequences and fights scenes that demonstrate the ground-fighting aspect of BJJ and how it can be used in a competitive setting. There was one particularly awesome top-spin (on a side note, they don’t call me Top-Spin Chris for nothing).

2. "Redbelt" (2008): Directed by David Mamet, "Redbelt" revolves around a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor played by Chiwetel Ejiofor. The film explores themes of honor, integrity, and the martial art's practical application. It prominently features BJJ techniques and provides an authentic portrayal of the art's principles and effectiveness. I had high hopes for this movie, being written and directed by one of my favorite writers, Mamet. You can tell it is his love letter to BJJ, but the film’s plot missed the mark, like my cross-collar chokes from closed guard.

1. "John Wick" series (2014-2023): While the "John Wick" franchise is primarily known for its gun-fu and high-octane action, it also incorporates elements of BJJ into the fight choreography. The film's star, Keanu Reeves, trained extensively in BJJ for the role with Professor Rigan Machado. I am a massive fan of the Wick franchise, and as of this writing, it sets the gold standard for incorporating BJJ into fight scenes.

***Editor’s note: Apparently our writer lost his mind and forgot about “Warrior” (2011) starring Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton as brothers who enter an MMA tournament on opposite sides of the bracket. With Hardy as an angry, ex-wrestler, war veteran and Edgerton as a broke, retired UFC fighter with slick submission skills, grappling is showcased excellently throughout - the rare Hollywood sighting of an omoplata even makes an appearance. In addition to stellar grappling, a moving performance from Nick Nolte as the father makes this just a fantastic film. Warrior should clearly be in the number 1 spot.***

What else is happening?

• UFC on ESPN: Strickland vs. Magomedov is on July 1st at 4pm PT

• IBJJF American Nationals kick-off on July 6th

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