Renato Canuto vs Yonathan Cardenas

Renato Canuto, a former UFC BJJ welterweight title challenger, earned a unanimous decision win over Chile's Yonathan Cardenas in their 170-pound matchup at UFC BJJ 7: Tackett vs Rocha. In the first round, Canuto went to the ground immediately and attempted a D'Arce choke, but Cardenas maintained a safe angle to prevent it from closing and forced Canuto to disengage. Cardenas then pressed forward looking for a takedown, though Canuto fended him off and the round ended with neither man gaining a clear edge.

Canuto pulled guard early in Round 2, which gave Cardenas the initiative as he applied top pressure, though he could not find a submission opening. The action eventually returned to the feet, and Canuto scored a takedown near the end of the round. Cardenas opened Round 3 with a double-leg takedown, putting Canuto on the mat, but he was unable to generate offense from there and referee Jason Herzog called for a stand-up.

Once the action resumed, Canuto used a series of feints before taking back control of Cardenas. He continued to shift positions and angles in search of a late submission, but Cardenas defended throughout and the match went to the judges. There was little doubt over the outcome, as Canuto was announced the unanimous decision winner.