Who’s Number One (WNO) is a professional submission grappling event series created by FloGrappling. The promotion was designed to showcase elite-level grapplers through high-profile superfights and competitive matchups between some of the best athletes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling.Unlike traditional tournament organizations that rely primarily on large brackets, belt divisions, and qualification systems, WNO focuses on identifying and matching elite competitors against each other in individual professional bouts.WNO has become one of the most recognizable modern no-gi grappling platforms and is known for featuring many of the top competitors in the sport.

WNO Competition Prestige

WNO is considered one of the most important professional submission grappling event series of the modern era.The event gained recognition through:

Elite athlete matchups: WNO regularly features high-level professional grapplers.Professional superfight format: The organization emphasizes individual matchups rather than large tournament brackets.Frequent events: WNO provides regular opportunities to showcase elite competition.Modern rankings influence: The event has contributed to discussions around athlete rankings and competitive status.

While ADCC is generally considered the most prestigious no-gi championship event, WNO plays an important role as a professional platform where top athletes compete regularly outside major championship cycles.

WNO Competition Structure

WNO events are primarily built around:

Professional superfightsChampionship matchesRanked matchupsInvitational bouts

The format focuses on selecting competitors based on:

Competitive reputationRecent performanceWeight categoryRankingsStyle matchups

Rather than progressing through large qualification brackets, athletes are invited into specific matchups designed to create high-level competition.

WNO Match Format

WNO matches are conducted under no-gi submission grappling rules.Competitors use:

Wrestling techniquesBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu systemsSubmission attacksGuard strategiesPositional controlScrambling ability

Matches are typically decided by:

Submission victoryJudges’ decision if no submission occurs

The format rewards active engagement, offensive grappling, and attempts to finish.

WNO Ruleset

The WNO ruleset has been designed to encourage aggressive submission grappling while allowing judges to determine winners when matches reach the time limit.Important ruleset factors include:

Match durationScoring or judging criteriaLegal submission techniquesOvertime procedures when applicablePenalties for inactivity

Rules have evolved over time depending on the specific WNO event format.

WNO Scoring and Judging

Unlike IBJJF competitions, WNO does not primarily use a traditional point system based on positional achievements.Instead, matches are evaluated based on overall effectiveness.Judging criteria may include:

Submission Attempts

Athletes are rewarded for:

Creating finishing opportunitiesThreatening submissionsMaintaining offensive pressure

Examples include:

Heel hook attemptsBack attacksChoke attemptsArm locksLeg lock sequences

Positional Dominance

Judges may consider:

TakedownsGuard passesMount controlBack controlDominant positional advancement

Overall Control and Activity

Factors may include:

Effective aggressionForward pressureAbility to dictate exchangesSuccessful attacks and transitions

This creates a different strategic environment compared with point-based competitions.

WNO Divisions and Weight Classes

WNO has featured matches across multiple weight categories.Common professional divisions include:

Men’s Divisions

Lightweight divisionsMiddleweight divisionsHeavyweight divisionsAbsolute/openweight matchups

Women’s Divisions

Multiple weight categories depending on event structure

Unlike IBJJF, WNO does not primarily organize competitors through belt-level divisions. Matches are generally created around elite competitive ability.

WNO and No-Gi Grappling

WNO has contributed significantly to the growth of modern professional no-gi grappling.The format rewards athletes with strong skills in:

Wrestling

Important areas include:

TakedownsScramblesFront headlocksTop control

Leg Lock Systems

Modern WNO competitors commonly use:

Heel hooksLeg entanglementsKneebarsLeg lock transitions

Submission Chains

Elite athletes develop interconnected attacks involving:

Back takesLeg attacksUpper body submissionsPositional transitions