An astounding collection of female black belts prepare to clash for Brasileiro glory. The third Grand Slam event of the 2026 season guarantees intense action. Remarkable talent, storylines, and matchups headline the eight female weight divisions. Black belt action commences Saturday (5/2) and finishes with finals day on Sunday (5/3).

Roosterweight

The 107lb division presents a small but talented bracket of female athletes. Mayssa Bastos, the #3 ranked female in the world, hailing from AOJ headlines the bracket. The six-time World Champion and four-time Brasileiro Champion returns to São Paulo with lofty expectations. As one of the top pound-for-pound females in the sport and former Grand Slam Champion, fans can take pleasure in watching the beauty in Mayssa’s jiu-jitsu. Thaís Loureiro of Mekka Jiu-Jitsu is the #2 seed in the bracket and has proven her game is phenomenal as well. The former No-Gi World Champion and current European Champion utilizes strong guard play and athleticism to frustrate her opponents. The European Championship final between Mayssa and Thaís showcased the strengths of both athletes, while Thaís claimed the narrow victory. A potential finals rematch between the two athletes would surely provide electricity to the atmosphere. Former Pan and European Champion, Jessica Caroline, enters the division as the #3 seed. Jessica has proven her ability to take out elite level athletes under the unique pressure of a Grand Slam event. Gabrielle Etzel, Julia Lima, and Roberto Medeiros round out the tough roosterweight division.

Light-Featherweight

Ashlee Funegra is back in major title competition to continue her phenomenal rookie campaign. Ashlee maintains an undefeated record at the black belt level, with Pan and European titles already secured in 2026. Ashlee displays incredible technique and tactical prowess, in combination with a fierce mentality that seems unshakable. Maria Luiza enters as the #2 seed, representing JFC Almedia. The former Pan and Brasileiro Champion has a proven track record of strong performances at major events. A potential finals matchup between Maria and Ashlee would certainly deliver fireworks. Andressa Guirau claims the division’s three seed as a former World silver medalist and Brasileiro bronze medalist.  Andressa seems to have found her footing, while continuing to contend for her inaugural major title at the black belt level. Vitoria Assis represents a rising talent aiming for her first major title in the gi. After securing the No-Gi Brasileiro title in 2023, Vitoria has claimed three major gi podium finishes. Vitoria has a potential second round matchup against Ashlee Funegra, a highly-anticipated light-featherweight duel. The 118lb division provides formidable opponents for the undefeated Ashlee Funegra, as she aims for her third consecutive Grand Slam triumph.

Featherweight

Mia Funegra returns to the Grand Slam mats at the 2026 Brasileiro. The last major event outing for Mia resulted in the crowning of the youngest female World Champion in history. Mia, like her sister Ashlee, remains undefeated at the black belt level with her highlight moment at the highest echelon coming at the 2025 Worlds. Although her title came at the light-featherweight division, Mia joins a tough featherweight division with high expectations. Gabriela Pereira of Brothers Club claims the #2 seed in the 129lb division. A former Brasileiro and World bronze medalist, Gabriela hopes to claim her first major title at the black belt level. Keanna Klay of Gracie Barra is coming off an impressive bronze medal performance at Pans. In her rookie black belt campaign, Keanna is proving she belongs amongst the division's top athletes. Giovanah Oliveira, representing JFC Almeida, is proving her dominant color belt career can translate to the highest level. Her bronze medal at the No-Gi World Championships in December, only heightened expectations surrounding the young talent. Mia Funegra steals much of the attention in the featherweight division as she makes her return to Grand Slam competition hoping to pick up where she left off.

Lightweight

Sarah Galvão has quickly become one of the brightest stars in the jiu-jitsu landscape. Her rookie season has provided plenty of memorable moments and achievements at just nineteen years of age. Through two major events in 2026, Sarah has earned three titles including her latest double-gold performance at Pans. Although she has proved dominant in the lightweight division, much of her recognition comes from her battles with legendary athlete Gabi Pessanha in the open class division. Many fans are hoping for a third confrontation between the two phenoms in the Brasileiro absolute division. The lightweight division holds a number of upset worthy talents, however, including Vitoria Vieira of GF Team. Vitoria is a former Brasileiro Champion in both gi and no-gi competition. Her 2025 Worlds bronze medal performance only furthered her confidence and motivation as she aims to return to her major title success at Brasileiro. Stephanie Delphine and Randryely Souza represent dangerous competitors with a proven ability to upset anyone in their path. Dark horses Patricia Pacheco, Lina Grosset, and Thamyres Tavares aim to shake up a lightweight division that is under the control of Sarah Galvão.

Middleweight

The middleweight division expects to be one of the most competitive female weight divisions of the event. Elisabeth Clay of Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu claims the top-seed as a proven veteran with dynamic finishing ability. Notably, her last outing resulted in a Pan silver medal despite suffering an apparent and serious knee injury. The six-time No-Gi World Champion returns to Brasileiro where she claimed the middleweight title in the last edition. Her defense must be staunch, however, as a horde of talent sets their sights on her throne. Larissa Martins, representing DreamArt, returns to major title contention after securing the European Championship title in January. The 2024 World silver medalists hopes for a breakout campaign in 2026, resuming her success with a Brasileiro title. Lillian Marchand, the reigning lightweight No-Gi World Champion, returned to major title contention at Pans after a disappointing performance at Europeans. The Atos Jiu-Jitsu standout certainly delivered a captivating performance, resulting in a middleweight Pan title. The rookie black belt seems to be gaining confidence, and elevating her level with each Grand Slam outing. Gisele Menezes, Alexia Arantes, and Ana Beatriz represent young talent with major upset potential.

Medium-Heavyweight

The medium-heavyweight division offers a small but highly-skilled bracket. Maria ‘Maca’ Vicentini claims the top-seed as the reigning Brasileiro Champion of the weight class. So far in 2026, Maca has claimed a European bronze and Pan silver medal, surely leading to increased motivation to top the podium in São Paulo. The AOJ standout undoubtedly possesses the technical and physical ability to claim her second consecutive Brasileiro title. Ingridd Alves of BJJ College returns to major title contention following her European silver medal to start the year. The former European and Pan Champion, World silver medalist, and Brasileiro bronze medalist has a proven track record of success under the bright lights of a Grand Slam event. Sabatha Lais returns to Brasileiro as a former three-time Champion of the event. The Fratres BJJ athlete also claims a European title and World bronze finishes, making her a legitimate threat for the rest of the field. Giovanna Carneiro of GF Team is a young athlete who continues to improve her form. Giovanna claimed the 2024 No-Gi Brasileiro title before earning a bronze medal in the gi at Brasileiro in 2025. There is plenty of talent in the medium-heavyweight to not only excite, but deliver thrilling duels throughout the bracket.

Heavyweight

The heavyweight division presents some fascinating matchups across the five-competitor bracket. Tamiris Silva takes the top-seed as a former World and Brasileiro Champion. Her extensive Grand Slam experience will undoubtedly give her an edge in a talented division. Yara Soares returns to Brasileiro after claiming the heavyweight title last season. To commence her 2026 campaign Yara captured the European Championship, setting the stage for a phenomenal campaign. As a three-time World silver medalist and former Pan Champion, Yara has the experience and talent to reclaim her Brasileiro crown. Isabely Ribeiro, Natacha Ribeiro, and Barbara Gomes aim to upset the division’s top two seeds.

Super-Heavyweight

Gabi Pessanha headlines the super-heavyweight division at Brasileiro. The Infight Jiu-Jitsu legend has an unbelievable resume that draws the respect of the entire jiu-jitsu community. The ten-time World Champion, ten-time Pan Champion, and ten-time European Champion is aiming to capture her ninth and tenth Brasileiro titles this weekend. Her bid includes five fellow super-heavyweight competitors including Marina Carraro who claimed silver and bronze medals at the 2026 European Championships. Marina has also achieved phenomenal success on the Brazilian competition scene, earning her the #3 ranking in CBJJ competition. Simone Abreu of CheckMat rejoins Grand Slam competition after reaching the podium at both Pan and European Championships this season. The super-heavyweight spotlight is clearly focused on Gabi Pessanha as she attempts to make history at Brasileiros. The jiu-jitsu world also remains focused on a potential open class rematch with Sarah Galvao, a rivalry that has brewed at both Pan and European open class finals.

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