Former UFC bantamweight contender Brett Johns marked a comeback moment at Way of Warrior FC’s latest event, WOW 21, held at the Auditorio Marbella in Spain. Johns impressed fight fans by capturing a rare Suloev stretch submission in the first round against Levan Kirtadze last Saturday night, showcasing a highly unusual technique rarely seen in MMA competition. This victory took place under the banner of Ilia Topuria’s MMA promotion, highlighting its growing prominence in the sport.
Ilia Topuria, UFC’s rising lightweight star and recently crowned champion since June, has expanded his role in MMA by becoming a part–owner of the Spanish promotion Way of Warrior FC in 2024. The promotion continues to attract notable fighters like Johns, reflecting Topuria’s ambition to build a reputable platform for emerging and experienced talent. WOW 21 represented one of the bigger events yet for the organization, strengthening its foothold in Spain’s MMA scene.
Brett Johns’ Journey Through UFC, Bellator, and PFL Before Joining WOW
Brett Johns had an established career competing in the UFC bantamweight division, compiling a record of 5-2 inside the Octagon. Notably, Johns earned recognition for executing only the second calf slicer submission in UFC history during his tenure. After losses to top contenders Aljamain Sterling and Pedro Munhoz, Johns secured two additional wins before leaving the promotion.
Following UFC, he fought in Bellator and then in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) but ended his stint there in early 2024. The cancellation of events in the German Fighting League (GFL) also played a role in his transition before signing on with Way of Warrior FC. Johns’ arrival at WOW allowed him to reestablish momentum, culminating in the remarkable submission finish at WOW 21.
The Suloev Stretch: One of MMA’s Rarest Submission Techniques
The Suloev stretch remains one of the rarest submissions in mixed martial arts, with very few successful attempts recorded historically. Before Johns’ recent execution, UFC 228 in September 2018 stood out as a landmark event where two Suloev stretch submissions occurred on the same fight card. Kenny Robertson initially held the only UFC victory via the technique after submitting Brock Jardine at UFC 157.
At UFC 228, Aljamain Sterling used the kneebar submission during the prelims, and later on the main card, Zabit Magomedsharipov locked in a Suloev stretch to submit Brandon Davis. Despite the uniqueness of these finishes, neither fighter received a performance bonus for their submissions at that event. Johns’ similar feat at WOW 21 adds another significant moment for this uncommon ground technique.
Ilia Topuria’s Growing Influence in MMA and Future Prospects
Ilia Topuria remains a prominent figure in the lightweight division, with fans and contenders speculating on his next UFC opponent following his championship win. Though discussions continue around potential matchups with fighters like Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett, Topuria’s focus has also extended beyond competition through his ownership role in Way of Warrior FC.
His involvement aims to elevate the promotion’s stature and create opportunities for fighters across Spain and beyond. The success witnessed at WOW 21, powered by Topuria’s backing and fighters like Johns participating, signals a promising future for the promotion. This development could influence the broader MMA landscape by fostering new talent and innovative events outside of major organizations.