BREAKING: Mica Galvao Returns to Face Elite Competition at WNO 28 in Costa Mesa

The grappling world is about to witness another blockbuster event as Who’s Number One (WNO) 28 has been officially confirmed for Friday, June 13, 2025, in Costa Mesa, California. And folks, this isn’t just any event – BJJ phenom Mica Galvao is making his highly-anticipated return to the WNO stage!

If you’ve been following the elite submission grappling scene, you know this is massive news. Galvao has been nothing short of spectacular in his young career, and now we get to see him back in action on one of the sport’s biggest platforms.

Mica Galvao’s WNO Return: What We Know So Far

At just 21 years old (by the time of the event), Galvao has already established himself as one of the most exciting talents in jiu-jitsu. His technical prowess, explosive athleticism, and finishing ability have made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opponents.

While details about his opponent are still emerging, sources close to the event indicate he’ll be facing another elite-level competitor. The matchmakers at WNO have consistently delivered intriguing stylistic matchups, and this one promises to be no different.

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Why This Match Matters in the BJJ Landscape

I’ve been covering the grappling scene for years, and I can tell you – when Galvao competes, people pay attention. The Brazilian prodigy has been on an absolute tear, collecting gold medals and submission victories against world-class opposition.

What makes Galvao special isn’t just his technical ability (which is off the charts), but his approach to the sport. Unlike many competitors who play it safe, Mica hunts for submissions with relentless pressure. This is exactly the kind of athlete WNO wants to showcase – someone who embodies their submission-focused ruleset.

Costa Mesa: The Perfect Venue

The choice of Costa Mesa is significant too. Southern California has become the unofficial capital of high-level jiu-jitsu in the United States, with numerous world-class academies and a passionate fan base. The Orange County crowd will undoubtedly create an electric atmosphere for this stacked card.

If you’re in Brevard County and planning to make the trip west for this event, you’ll be joining fans from across the country converging on Costa Mesa for what’s shaping up to be one of 2025’s premier grappling showcases.

What to Expect from WNO 28

Beyond the Galvao match, WNO 28 is expected to feature a lineup of compelling bouts. The promotion has consistently delivered cards that appeal to both hardcore grappling enthusiasts and casual combat sports fans.

From what I’m hearing, several other high-profile matches are in the works for this card. The promotion typically announces the full lineup in the months leading up to the event, so keep your eyes peeled for updates.

The Crossover Appeal for MMA Fans

If you’re primarily an MMA fan, there’s plenty to appreciate here. The technical exchanges, submission attempts, and positional battles on display at WNO events provide a masterclass in the ground game that makes up such a crucial component of mixed martial arts.

Many of the skills you’ll see on display at WNO 28 are directly applicable to MMA, and several competitors have successfully transitioned between the two sports. The pure grappling format allows for a deeper appreciation of the technical nuances that sometimes get lost in the faster pace of MMA fights.

How to Watch WNO 28

The event will be streamed live on FloGrappling, which has become the premier platform for high-level jiu-jitsu competition. A subscription is required, but for serious grappling fans, it’s worth every penny for the quality and quantity of content available.

For those lucky enough to be in the Costa Mesa area, tickets are expected to go on sale approximately two months before the event. Based on previous WNO shows, I’d recommend securing yours early – these events have been known to sell out, especially with a star like Galvao on the card.

Will This Be Galvao’s Biggest Test Yet?

The question on everyone’s mind is just how challenging Galvao’s opponent will be. WNO has never been shy about putting together tough matchups, often pitting rising stars against established veterans or creating dream matches between stylistic opposites.

Whoever stands across from Galvao on June 13th will need to bring their A-game. The Brazilian has shown few weaknesses in his game, combining pressure passing, slick back takes, and devastating submissions into a package that few can handle.

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Mark Your Calendars Now

Whether you’re a dedicated grappling enthusiast or an MMA fan looking to deepen your appreciation of the ground game, WNO 28 is shaping up to be an event you won’t want to miss. June 13, 2025, might seem far away, but in the world of elite grappling, this is already one of the most anticipated events on next year’s calendar.

I’ll be updating this story as more matches are announced and details emerge about Galvao’s opponent. One thing’s for certain – when the lights go down in Costa Mesa next June, we’re in for a technical showcase from some of the world’s best grapplers, headlined by one of the sport’s brightest young stars.

Are you excited to see Mica Galvao back in action at WNO? Drop a comment below with your predictions for his match and who you’d like to see him face!

Source: Initial report from WNO officials