2026 Crown | Leo Souza Joins Featherweight
Six Blades Product Eyes Crown Prize
2026 IBJJF Crown Announcement
The 2026 Crown is building a phenomenal list of athletes for its fourth edition. Forty-eight world-class competitors will converge inside the famous Long Beach Pyramid on November 8th with hopes of securing one of the most sought after trophies in the sport, as well as the $20,000 cash prize.
Leo Souza is officially announced as the fourth middleweight Crown contender. Leo has become accustomed to high-profile, ultra-competitive brackets in which he is tested by the world’s best athletes.
Leo Souza - Seeking Crown Breakout
Leo Souza enjoyed his most memorable event at the 2025 European Championships. Leo submitted each of his four opponents en route to securing his inaugural black belt major title. If you have not seen his incredible run, it is certainly worth a visit to FloGrappling's 2025 IBJJF European Championship to check it out.
The Six Blades product showcases an uptempo style highlighted by his remarkable submission arsenal. Equally dangerous from bottom or top positions, Leo is a significant challenge for any middleweight Crown contender. Spectators are guaranteed a fascinating display of athleticism, technique, and relentless offense.
Leo Souza is a fan-friendly, world-class athlete making his Crown debut. Jose Steve, Tarcisio Santos, and Rafael Gamba stand as fellow middleweight contenders who have been officially announced, leaving four spots in the stacked bracket.
The event is scheduled for November 8th from the legendary Pyramid in Long Beach, California. Stay tuned to official IBJJF channels for continued updates on the 2026 IBJJF Crown.
