Mason Fowler

Mason “The Mangler” Fowler is an American BJJ athlete, submission grappler, and former MMA fighter who became the inaugural UFC BJJ Light Heavyweight Champion.

Profile

The story

Fowler began MMA training at Thrive MMA at the age of eighteen and built an undefeated amateur career along with a brief professional MMA record. He then focused entirely on competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Under the guidance of Caio Terra, who awarded him his black belt in December 2021, Fowler became a two-time IBJJF World Champion and a two-time brown-belt no-gi world champion. He also won European and Pan-American titles.

Fowler won the ADCC Submission Fighting World Trials and the Submission Underground Absolute title twice. In 2025, he became the inaugural Light Heavyweight Champion at his UFC BJJ debut by defeating David Garmo via rear-naked choke. His style combines pressure-based passing, strong control, and a preference for finishing via rear-naked choke.

In the ring

Fighting style

Pressure-oriented guard passer with a strong foundational base from the Caio Terra system. Fowler combines control, positional pressure, and competition-focused BJJ technique with a strong preference for the rear-naked choke.

Results

Performance

Two-time IBJJF World Champion at brown belt; two-time no-gi World Champion at brown belt; European and Pan American titles; two-time ADCC Submission Fighting World Trials winner; winner of the Submission Underground Absolute title; inaugural UFC BJJ Light Heavyweight Champion.

Over the years

Timeline

Around 2011: begins MMA training at Thrive MMA.
2014-2015: makes his professional MMA debut and earns two professional victories.
After 2015: leaves MMA and focuses on competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
December 2021: receives his black belt from Caio Terra.
After 2021: wins a European black belt title and the Submission Underground Absolute title.
2025: becomes the inaugural UFC BJJ Light Heavyweight Champion by defeating David Garmo via rear-naked choke.

Influence

Legacy

Fowler holds a foundational place in the UFC BJJ lightweight division. His transition from MMA to specialized BJJ and his inaugural UFC BJJ title illustrate the cross-pollination between both disciplines.

Moments