Jonathan Piersma Submits Luis Francischinelli
A Statement Victory in Niagara Falls
On November 21, 2025, at LFA 223 in Niagara Falls, New York, rising welterweight contender Jonathan Piersma delivered a career-defining performance, submitting Luis Francischinelli with a rear-naked choke at 1:22 of the third round. The bout headlined a stacked card at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, streamed worldwide on UFC Fight Pass.
The Fight: Pressure, Grappling, and Precision
From the opening bell, Piersma showcased his relentless pace, mixing sharp striking with calculated takedown attempts. Francischinelli responded with heavy counters, but Piersma’s grappling pressure steadily wore him down.
By the second round, Piersma had established control on the mat, threatening with transitions and forcing Francischinelli to defend multiple submission attempts. The momentum was clear: Piersma’s ground game was dictating the fight.
In the third round, Piersma capitalized on a scramble, taking Francischinelli’s back and locking in a tight rear-naked choke. With no escape, Francischinelli was forced to tap, handing Piersma a decisive victory in front of a roaring crowd.
Why This Win Matters
This victory solidifies Piersma’s reputation as one of LFA’s most dangerous welterweights. His ability to blend striking pressure with submission finishes makes him a legitimate threat for future title contention.
For Francischinelli, the loss is a setback, but his resilience and willingness to engage in scrambles showed he remains a tough competitor in the division.
The Road Ahead
With this submission win, Piersma is expected to climb the LFA rankings and potentially earn a shot at the welterweight strap in 2026. His performance at LFA 223 demonstrated not only technical skill but also the composure required to finish fights under pressure.
Final Word
Jonathan Piersma’s third-round submission over Luis Francischinelli was more than just a win—it was a statement. In a promotion known for producing future UFC stars, Piersma proved he belongs in the conversation.
The welterweight division has a new name to watch, and his rise may only just be beginning.
