Las Vegas, Nevada is set to host one of the most anticipated professional jiu-jitsu events of the year on Friday, September 1st, as the IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix takes center stage. Among the elite athletes ready to showcase their skills on this grand platform is none other than 2X World Champion Fellipe Andrew. 2023 has been a pivotal point in Fellipe's career, and he's poised to continue his remarkable streak of competition at the IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix.

With an amazing record this year of 30-1 with a 51.61% submission rate and gold medals at the Europeans, Brasileiros, and Worlds, Fellipe Andrew has firmly established himself as one of the best competitors on the planet. At the 2023 Worlds, Fellipe was awarded the #1 overall black belt ranking for the 4th consecutive season, a testament to not only his skill but also his consistency. Fellipe attributed his success this year to several things, stating, “I think everything was a process until I lined up a lot of things in my life this year, not just jiu-jitsu but physically, and especially mentally.”

One of the most significant changes that Fellipe made in 2023 was the decision to compete in the heavyweight division. This transition proved to be a brilliant move as he conquered three major titles at the new weight. “It was certainly a great choice I made because I was pushing hard to stay at the top of the super heavyweight division, and I ended up compromising a lot of things in my way of fighting. My natural weight is between 199/200 when I’m in camp and I feel great that way.”

The highlight of his year came with his second World title, a monumental accomplishment that held profound personal significance for him. This victory was not only a showcase of Fellipe’s amazing jiu-jitsu but also helped solidify his place in the sport in his mind. “I think winning this title kind of validates my other title. It was something I’ve been looking for for a long time, twelve years actually."

Now Fellipe is gearing up for his third appearance in an IBJJF GP event amid the best moment of his career. The Absolute Grand Prix is renowned for attracting the elite of the black belt division, and this edition is widely considered the best one yet. Sharing the mat with fellow black belt World Champions like Nicholas Meregali and Victor Hugo is a testament to the elite level of competition that defines this event. “The GP is always a great show. In this edition we will have some of the biggest names in jiu-jitsu in the world. So without a doubt it will be a unique show. All the athletes in the GP have a chance of being champion. They are athletes of the highest level and certainly an oversight or mistake there can cost the victory. But I am very confident to get the victory. I’m excited and very happy with the phase I’ve been living in all aspects. I just want to fight forward. I want to show beautiful jiu-jitsu without strings attached and without being boring. The fans want a show without a doubt.”

Watch the IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix on Friday, September 1st, exclusively on FloGrappling.