Felipe Bunes’ Grappling Masterclass: From Underdog to Octagon Maestro at UFC Vegas 101

In the pulsating realm of mixed martial arts, where the canvas of the octagon serves as both a battlefield and a stage, Felipe Bunes etched his name with precision and flair at UFC Vegas 101. Against a towering and presumably formidable opponent, Bunes demonstrated a masterclass in grappling—a trait deeply embedded in Brazilian fighting culture.

The storyline was set from the get-go. Jose Johnson, standing at an imposing six feet in the flyweight division, came out with every intention to dominate. His strategy? Overwhelm Bunes early, perhaps exploiting his reach and height advantage. But, as the saying goes, ‘the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.’ Bunes, unperturbed by Johnson’s size, decided to launch the first tactical move—a takedown attempt that was promptly countered by Johnson, who found himself in an advantageous top position.

What followed was like watching a chess master in a blitz match—intense, calculated, and thrilling. Bunes, from his back, sought an armbar, a maneuver that Johnson, through sheer will or skill, initially evaded. Yet, anyone familiar with Brazilian jiu-jitsu knows that a true practitioner never truly gives up on a move, but rather transitions, adapts, and repositions. And that’s precisely what Bunes did.

The scramble that ensued was a testament to Bunes’ tenacity and expertise. In a swift re-engagement, Bunes latched his submission specialist skills onto Johnson once more. Before the crowd could fully grasp the elegance of the technique, Johnson was compelled to tap out—a stark reminder of the armbar’s potency and Bunes’ grappling dominance.

Official time of stoppage? 2:04 into Round 1. A pristine execution that not only turned heads but also sent a clear message to the division: underestimate “Felipinho” at your peril.

Bunes’ victory was a stark contrast to his previous outing, where he was halted by Joshua Van in the second round. This triumphant display was capped off with a callout to UFC veteran Tim Elliott—an audacious move, but one befitting a fighter replete with renewed confidence.

For Johnson, however, the night was doubly bitter. His campaign for 2025 has started under gray skies, marred first by missing weight—over by 2.5 pounds, costing him a significant chunk of his purse—and now, with his record slipping to 1-3 in the UFC.

In the ever-evolving dance of mixed martial arts, the narrative is constantly shaped and reshaped by the performers inside the cage. On this night, Felipe Bunes not only shaped the narrative—he owned it.