WNO 29 on July 25 marked a huge moment in the career of a former UFC fighter.
Several UFC veterans have been in action over the past few weeks with varying results.
Melvin Guillard’s losing streak continued after he was booked to face an undefeated opponent on just one day’s notice at FURY FC 106 last weekend.
Former UFC heavyweight title challenger Jeff Monson announced his retirement after competing on a Russian regional show in his 93rd pro fight.
Last night in Miami, another former member of the roster didn’t just return to competition with a win; they did so following a major health scare at the start of the year.
UFC veteran Vagner Rocha returns to grappling with a win six months after heart failure
In the main event of Flo Grappling’s WNO 29 on July 26, Vagner Rocha returned to competition with a win, beating Kit Dale via decision in the main event.
As a former two-time silver medallist at ADCC, having only earned the second of these two accomplishments last year, the Brazilian is still an incredibly high-level grappler at 43.
Rocha’s career nearly ended sooner than he expected when he revealed earlier this year that he had been hospitalized with heart failure.
He previously competed four times inside the UFC Octagon, facing the likes of Donald Cerrone and Jonathan Brookins before making a brief return in 2014 where he was beaten by Jake Matthews.
Rocha retired from MMA in 2017 but has gone on to have great success in the grappling world, having previously competed on the UFC Fight Pass Invitational.
In a competitive main event, Rocha was awarded the decision over Dale following a strong start to the matchup that allowed him to control more of the contest.
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Vagner Rocha headlined the card alongside his daughter
Vagner Rocha’s return in the main event of WNO 29 wasn’t just a huge moment for him after the adversity that he has fought through in 2025.
It also gave the Brazilian the opportunity to top the card alongside his daughter, Jasmine Rocha.
She was submitted in the co-main event in Miami, losing to Adele Fornarino via Aoki lock.
In recent years she has earned podium finishes at ADCC and the IBJJF world championships thanks to training under her father.