An incident on Episode 3 of the UFC’s BJJ “Road to the Title” is stirring up a firestorm with fans and critics online.
The bout featured Davis Asare vs. Austin Oranday, and it ended in a Round 1 submission.
Right out of the gate, Asare secured a takedown and pushed the pace—something Austin never managed to keep up with. His coach, Mikey Musumeci, had told Davis that Oranday likes to keep his right leg open, and Davis snatched it up like clockwork.
Austin tried to defend, but to no avail, and he took too long to tap—resulting in a submission win that caused a serious injury.
So what created all the drama?
The opening moment.
When the match started, Austin Oranday appeared to go for the customary slap and fist bump—but Davis went straight in for the takedown.
He made QUICK work in his #UFCBJJ debut ⚡
Davis Asare is carving out his spot as a serious threat at 170!
[ #UFCBJJ: Road to the Title || LIVE and FREE on YouTube ] pic.twitter.com/86b1zsXkNt
— UFC BJJ (@ufcbjj) June 18, 2025
People are calling that dirty.
However, I went back and watched the match on YouTube, where it premiered. Before either fighter dropped into the bowl, the referee asked if both were ready. They both nodded and dropped in. I watched it multiple times, and there didn’t seem to be any clear communication between the two about a customary fist bump like we see in UFC fights before the bell rings.
Austin should have been ready.
“Distinctly lacking in sportsmanship,” one user commented.
“Really not acceptable—and then to tear his opponent’s knee? I don’t think that’s the immediate outcome with a respectable handshake to start. Unclass,” another added.
Sometimes I really wonder about these people who leave comments. Do they actually train?
First of all, it was crystal clear that the match was live. Second, if you fake a fist bump on me in class and shoot a double leg? Yeah, I’m probably going to be upset. But in a live match where the ref gives the green light and you both drop in? Sorry, folks. They’re not pillow fighting.
Also—if you watch the match—there were several moments early on when Austin could have stood up. He chose to play seated guard.
And about the injury—
Look, these guys signed a contract. Their job is to fight. If someone gets hurt, the organization (in this case, the UFC) covers the injury costs. They both knew what they were getting into.
There should be zero controversy over what Davis did. If the two had communicated and agreed to bump fists before dropping in, that’d be different. But that’s not what happened.
One more thing—this is a UFC promotion. And honestly, it might be the best thing that’s ever happened to the BJJ world and to these grapplers. When it’s game time, you go out there to destroy your opponent.
We can hug and bump fists afterward.
