February 25th and 26th marked the inaugural IBJJF Tampa International Open. Though the organization has a long history in the Sunshine State, this event was the first hosted in Wesley Chapel, a suburb just outside the city of Tampa Bay. The following were some of the most notable results from the event.

3X World Champion Pe De Pano Returns to Competition

Marcio “Pe De Pano” Cruz is a 3X IBJJF World Champion and made his return to competition at the 2023 Tampa Open. He won his first World titles in 2002, winning weight and open class gold. Throughout his career, Pe De Pano faced highly accomplished competitors such as Fernando Terere, Xande Ribeiro, Saulo Ribeiro, Fabricio Werdum, and Roger Gracie. This weekend he competed in the Master 3 ultra heavy division in Tampa, winning two matches to take home gold. 

Roosevelt Sousa Submits Everyone In Ultra Heavy And Open Class Divisions

After a successful 2022 that included a 3rd place finish at the Pans and a super fight win at the IBJJF Absolute GP, Roosevelt Sousa competed for the first time in 2023 at the Tampa Open. In his division, he submitted his opponents with a bow n’ arrow choke and a choke from the mount. Roosevelt would hit a cross choke from closed guard and another bow n’ arrow in the open class to claim double gold. 

“I came yesterday to showcase everything I have been training in anticipation for Pan Ams and I felt great physically, technically, and mentally. I was excited to fight a couple of tough guys in my division and about some potential fights but it was a great tournament overall. Now my focus for 2023 is to commit myself to elevate my career to new heights. I now have a team in my corner; a coach, physical therapist, and psychologist. I am excited to show the evolution of my work and you will see me in all the big events and I will put on a great show on the mats.”

Thamires Monteiro Wins Gi And No-Gi Gold For Second Straight Weekend

At last weekend’s Memphis Open, Thamires Monteiro of CheckMat won gold medals with and without the gi. She returned to Tampa Bay, Florida and had phenomenal results there as well. In the gi, Thamires won her matches by seven and twelve points, respectively, utilizing takedowns and guard passes to secure her victories. In Thamires’ no-gi open class final, she hit a 50/50 outside heel hook to get the win.

2X World No-Gi Champion Dante Leon Wins Double Gold

2X World No-Gi Champion Dante Leon of Pedigo Submission Fighting was the standout competitor without the gi in Tampa. Between the middleweight and open class divisions, Dante had four matches. He submitted three of his four opponents, hitting a rear naked choke, an armbar from the guard, and a mounted guillotine. 

2023 Tampa Open team results:

1. R1NG BJJ

2. Gracie Barra

3. Fight Sports

2023 Tampa Open No-Gi team results

1. Fight Sports

2. R1NG BJJ

3. Gracie Barra