Renato Canuto Defeats Ethan Crelinsten to Win UFC BJJ Lightweight Title

At the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 8, 2026, Renato Canuto captured the vacant UFC BJJ lightweight title via a unanimous decision victory over Ethan Crelinsten at UFC BJJ 12. The co-main event clash saw Canuto achieve his dream of championship glory, drawing gasps from the crowd early on with a superb foot sweep and an initial takedown.

As the action progressed, Crelinsten countered with his own technique and strength to take Canuto’s back. Canuto escaped and locked up an anaconda choke, applying heavy pressure before Crelinsten worked free from the hold just before the horn sounded near a footlock attempt. The second round opened with Crelinsten pulling guard, followed by Canuto working his way free from top position into side control before Crelinsten scrambled back to top position.

Championship Action at Meta APEX

The event also featured a main event where reigning women’s bantamweight champion Cassia Moura faced Australian contender Adela Fornarino. Moura edged Fornarino via split-decision to claim the inaugural women’s flyweight title, making her the first double champion in UFC BJJ history. Fornarino repeatedly targeted the Brazilian’s leg with submission attempts, while Moura received a stalling warning from referee Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro in the opening frame.

Controversies and Unresolved Questions

Moura bounced back in the second round with a double-leg takedown and a late-round back take following a referee break. However, the final round was temporarily paused when Moura caught Fornarino with a thumb to the eye, leaving the Australian in clear pain on the side of the Bowl before a quick meeting with the doctor and a dab to the eye with a wet towel allowed the match to resume.