Who’s Number One 27 is scheduled for April 18th, 2025 and we’ve put together a full preview of every match on both the preliminary and main card. The main event is a battle between two of the top heavyweights in the sport, as Nicky Rodriguez and Kaynan Duarte meet for the third time. There’s plenty of other great matches throughout the night of course only and even a fun meeting between two legends, Xande Ribeiro and Richie ‘Boogeyman’ Martinez. There’s one title on the line at WNO 27 though, as the women’s featherweight title is being defended for the first time when Elisabeth Clay faces Helena Crevar.
Who’s Number One 27 Full Card Preview
Kaynan Duarte vs Nicky Rodriguez
Kaynan Duarte vs Nicky Rodriguez is easily one of the best matches that could be made right now. Both men had the best performances of their lives on the same weekend last year, as Rodriguez won the inaugural CJI and Duarte became the ADCC double champ. Duarte has won their previous two meetings, but both of them were 6 years ago and Rodriguez is a whole different grappler now. He is also coming off a recent loss to Victor Hugo at UFC FPI 10 though, so Duarte would still be the slight favorite to win what should be a pretty close decision.
Victor Hugo vs Luke Griffith
The co-main event is another heavyweight matchup of epic proportions, as Victor Hugo takes on Luke Griffith. Hugo has proved himself to be one of the best heavyweights in the world over and over again, and the most recent time was his win over Nicky Rodriguez. Griffith on the other had has just enjoyed the best performance of his career in winning a silver medal at ADCC 2024, and he could present some trouble for Hugo. Hugo is still the favorite though, and it would be a huge achievement if Griffith comes away with the win.
Elisabeth Clay vs Helena Crevar – Featherweight Title-Fight
Elisabeth Clay is the reigning featherweight champion but she’s never actually defended her title before, and she’s taking on a very tough challenge in her first attempt. Opposite her is Helena Crevar, who completed her journey from top prospect to serious contender just last year. Her silver medal at ADCC has gotten her some bigger superfight opportunities and so far, she’s passed every test with flying colors. Crevar is also strong in the same areas that Clay is; so even though this match is expected to be close, Crevar has the slight edge.
Andrew Tackett vs Fabyury Khrysthyan
This match has instant classic written all over it, as both Andrew Tackett and Fabyury Khrysthyan are both very exciting competitors. Tackett in particular has a very high finishing-rate and his guard passing is truly amazing, so he has a pretty clear path to victory if he can get top position. Khrysthyan could find success if he can strangle the match and slow Tackett down but if he gets stuck playing at his pace then Tackett has the ability to wear anyone down. The most likely outcome is a win for Tackett, but there should be plenty of action from both men.
Owen Jones vs Julian Espinosa
Owen Jones had an incredible breakout moment at ADCC 2024 and although he finished fourth at under 66kg in the end, he made a serious statement. Jones has some fantastic leglocks and a brutal overhook armbar that can clearly finish anyone, but Julian Espinosa is able to fight fire with fire if he does try to attack the legs. Both men are going to be gunning for the finish right from the start but Jones has been able to win matches at a higher level than Espinosa, so the smart money is on him being the one to get it.
Xande Ribeiro vs Richie Martinez
This is a really fun matchup between two veteran competitors, BJJ legend Xande Ribeiro and one of the earliest 10th Planet success stories; Richie Martinez. Ribeiro managed to reach a much higher level during his competitive career but Martinez is a very difficult opponent to prepare for. He has a pretty unique style that Ribeiro could struggle with if he finds himself playing into it, but Ribeiro undoubtedly has a gameplan of his own. Ribeiro is almost impossible to pass and has a great top-game, so he should end up getting his hand raised one way or another.
Preliminary Card
Chris Wojcik vs Michael Esquivel
It really wasn’t that long ago that Chris Wojcik was a virtual unknown, but last year saw him finish fourth at ADCC 2024 and make it all the way to the final of PGF Season 7. He’s made himself undeniable in the space of just a few months and although his leglocks are top-tier, he’s actually very well-rounded. Michael Esquivel is a veteran of pretty much every promotion in North America though, so there’s not much that he hasn’t seen. It’ll be a very difficult match, but Wojcik should be able to come out on top regardless of what Esquivel throws at him.
Sebastian Attard vs Colin Carr
Sebastian Attard shot to fame last year but it was more for his actions off the mats than what he did on it, as he was handed a one-year IBJJF ban for jokingly swearing at an opponent. He’s still shown that he’s a very talented grappler though and he’s had some good performances, including winning his promotional debut at WNO 25. Colin Carr is a 10th Planet brown belt and he enjoyed some solid wins last year, but Attard is used to facing a higher level of competition. Attard is the favorite to win and although Carr won’t make it easy for him, he’s the favorite for a reason.
Taylor Hishaw vs Trinity Pun
It’s a surprise that this match isn’t on the main card, as both women are excellent grapplers who can compete with some of the best in the world. Trinity Pun was a top prospect on everyone’s radar for quite a while and now at the age of 24, she’s completed the transition into becoming a top contender. Taylor Hishaw is on a similar career-path but much earlier on, as the B-Team Jiu-Jitsu purple belt is just 18 years old. She’s already beaten a few elite competitors in the last year but Pun is definitely a step up in competition. Although Pun would probably be the favorite on paper, we’re picking Hishaw to get the win and continue her run to the top.
Ben Eddy vs Josh Wyland
10th Planet are out in force on the Who’s Number One 27 card, and Ben Eddy is the final representative in this preview. He’s been competing at a high level for over a decade at this point, breaking out with what became his signature submission at the very first EBI back in 2014. Eddy is quite possibly the best rubber guard player on the planet and although everyone knows his paths to victory, he still finds them more often than not. Josh Wyland has a completely different skillset and he’s an excellent wrestler who should be able to maintain a much higher pace than Eddy. Wyland should get the win in theory but Eddy has proven time and time again that he can finish anyone if he gets even the tiniest chance.
The full Who’s Number One 27: Kaynan Duarte vs Nicky Rodriguez card, including every match in this preview, is available to watch live on April 18th, 2025 on FloGrappling, click here to subscribe and watch.
