Vagner Rocha is making a return to professional Jiu-Jitsu after suffering heart failure just six months ago!
He’ll step back onto the mats at Who’s Number One (WNO) 29 on July 25th, 2025, in a matchup against Kit Dale.
The event, taking place in Florida, also features Rocha’s daughter Jasmine, who will face off against ADCC double-gold medalist Adele Fornarino – making this a major night for the Rocha family.
Rocha’s comeback is nothing short of remarkable. After being hospitalized earlier this year, many fans and peers believed the longtime MMA and BJJ veteran might be forced into retirement.
In his 40s and with a long combat sports résumé, Rocha openly shared how serious and life-altering the heart failure episode was.
But rather than stepping away from competition, he’s opted for one of the toughest paths imaginable: facing an in-form Kit Dale on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Dale, for his part, is on a career resurgence of his own. After years away from the scene, he returned in 2025 with strong performances at the CJI 2 Australasian Trials, earning four wins and four draws against top regional talent.
He followed that with a statement victory over the legendary Xande Ribeiro in his WNO debut.
Therefore, Rocha versus Dale is more than just a battle of veterans.
It’s a showdown between two highly experienced and stylistically contrasting grapplers, each carrying personal narratives of redemption and revival.
View this post on Instagram
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
