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2026 IBJJF Crown Announcement

The fourth edition of the prestigious Crown event is rapidly approaching. Forty-eight of the sport’s top competitors prepare to converge inside the infamous Pyramid in Long Beach, California with the Crown throne hanging in the balance. Check out the official 2026 Crown Event Guide for further event details, athlete profiles, and relative information.

 

Each division is composed of world-class athletes who consistently display elite ability. Every contender has earned their right to compete in the invitation-only event through years of producing strong results at the sport’s biggest events. The lights will shine bright on the fascinating collection of athletes as they vie for the Crown throne, and the $20,000 cash prize.

 

The official brackets of all six weight divisions have been announced. The first round matchups prioritize each athlete’s rankings given their performance on the IBJJF Grand Slam circuit, prior Crown outings, and recent performances on the Open circuit. In addition to these factors, athlete placement in each bracket is designed to produce exciting matchups that build unique anticipation. Given these insights on the ranking process, let’s dive into each of the six brackets at the 2026 Crown.

 

Official Bracket Breakdowns

Male Featherweight

The 154lb division has widely been respected as the most competitive weight class over the past decade. No featherweight has repeated as World Champion since Reubens ‘Cobrinha’ Charles won his fifth title in 2017. Similarly, no athlete has repeated as Crown champion through three editions. The 2026 Crown welcomes back Sam Nagai as the division’s only returning champion, after he won the first edition in 2023.

 

Sam Nagai vs Keven Carrasco

Sam Nagai enters the featherweight bracket as a distinct favorite. The reigning Worlds silver medalist has proven his ability to shine in the sport’s biggest events. A former World and Crown Champion, Sam returns to prove he remains a dominant force in the 154lb division. 

Keven Carrasco is a proven veteran with a dangerous submission arsenal. Keven is 5-3 with two submission victories this season, as he prepares to enter the biggest competition of his calendar year.
The matchup is certainly drawing attention as one of the most potentially exciting first round fights of the division. In Crown preparation interviews, Sam has adamantly expressed his intentions of delivering an astounding run riddled with submission finishes. Keven enters as a dangerous underdog who has showcased elite ability through years of high-level competition.

 

Will Wilson vs Ademir Barreto

Will Wilson has emerged as one of the strongest rookie black blets in the world. He announced his presence with a remarkable European Championship title to start his black belt career, as he now aims to finalize his rookie season with a commanding performance at the Crown.

Ademir Barreto of GF Team is a dynamic submission artist with years of experience at the highest level. The event marks Ademir’s third Crown competition, as he looks to secure the prestigious featherweight title. 

The matchup is an intriguing dichotomy of veteran experience against rising talent. Will’s deep-half game versus Ademir’s dynamic passing. The fight is a classic clashing of styles, where Ademir aims to play a fast-paced game, while Will attempts to slow the pace and control his veteran opponent.

 

Joao ‘Bisnaga’ Mendes vs Jun Yong Cho

Bisnaga enters the division as a former World Champion and favorite to make a deep run. His guard is a fortress, and his submission ability is dangerous. The Alliance athlete is a proven veteran with major event experience.

Jun Yong Cho is an exciting prospect out of Wire Jiu-Jitsu in South Korea. The 2026 season has witnessed him secure an 8-3 record with five submission finishes, including an outstanding 2026 Asian Championship run that saw him secure four consecutive finishes and the gold medal.

The matchup is defined by two outstanding guard players. Bisnaga prefers more ‘classic’ guard setups from the lasso, de-la-riva, and spider positions, while Jun Yong utilizes one of the best coyote guard games in the world. The bottom player projects to be at a distinct advantage in this fight.

 

Rerisson Gabriel vs Mateo Cardona

Rerisson enters on the heels of a fantastic 2026 season. With a 10-2 record this season, Rerisson secured the Brasileiro title with a standout performance. The Alliance talent now enters the Crown with distinct momentum and confidence as a rising star.

Mateo Cardona of AOJ utilized his rookie season to grasp as much experience as possible. His 16-6 record this season was highlighted by a European Championship silver medal, as he prepares for his second Crown run. The 2025 Crown witnessed the fresh black belt fight against the eventual middleweight champion, Andy Murasaki, to a tough decision loss. 

The matchup features two rising talents who project to play at an excitingly high-pace. This showdown represents strong tactical, technical, and physical athletes in a match with no clear cut favorite.

 

Female Lightweight

The 141lb female division is set to showcase four fascinating first-round matchups. The division boasts the full spectrum of exciting black belt talent including rookie phenoms, superstar athletes, and World Champion pedigree. The returning champion, Sarah Galvao, is back to retain her title against an elite collection of lightweight competitors.

 

Janaina Lebre vs Nikolett Kis

The reigning back-to-back lightweight World Champion returns to the Crown for redemption. Janaina has earned silver medals at the Crown in the last two editions, as she brings world-class talent to the lightweight division yet again.

Nikolett Kis is one of the most exciting rookie black belts in the sport. Her 2026 season witnessed her earn European double-gold, Pan gold, and a World title with all submission victories. 

A classic matchup between a rising talent and a proven World Championship veteran is sure to draw distinct attention. Nikolett enters as an underdog in the opening round, while Janaina attempts to break through at the prestigious event. 

 

Elisabeth Clay vs Sabrina Gondim

Elisabeth Clay is back at the Crown after a phenomenal run since the 2025 edition. Since the last Crown, Elisabeth has earned World No-Gi double-gold, Brasileiro No-Gi gold, Pan gold, and a Worlds silver medal. Elisabeth is an elite submission artist who consistently delivers exciting performances on the sport’s biggest stages.

Sabrina Gondim achieved her dream at the 2026 World Championships. The GF Team veteran dropped into the featherweight division where she secured a commanding performance to earn her first World title. She now bumps back up into the lightweight division for her second attempt at a Crown title.

This matchup carries several interesting wrinkles ahead of the event. For starters, both athletes are very active and experienced in major competition, yet they have never faced at the black belt level. Also, Elisabeth commonly competes at middleweight while Sabrina has recently found success at featherweight, meaning a significant size advantage may become an important factor. All-in-all this fight is a must-watch matchup between two elite competitors.

 

Sarah Galvao vs Giovanah Oliveira

The division’s returning champion is back to retain her throne. Sarah Galvao has captured the attention of the global jiu-jitsu community in her first year at the black belt level. The Atos athlete secured the 2025 Crown title, European gold, Pan double-gold, Brasileiro gold, and a Worlds silver medal in the last calendar year. 

Giovanah is a rising talent under the JFC Almeida banner. Giovanah completed a fantastic brown belt career in 2025, and earned three bronze medals in black belt competition across Brasileiro and World Championship competitions.

Sarah enters the matchup as a distinct favorite, however Giovanah has showcased the dynamic ability to knock off big names. Sarah is one of the most exciting athletes in the female categories and will look to overwhelm her smaller opponent with constant pressure.

 

Aghata Rabelo vs Keanna Klay

Agahta Rabelo of CheckMat is set to make her Crown debut. Aghata has been an elite competitor since her color belt days, setting the stage for an exciting black belt rookie season. In 2026, Aghata captured Jiu-Jitsu Con and American National titles, alongside Pan bronze.

Keanna Klay is a promising talent out of Gracie Barra. Her bronze medal performances at both Pan and Brasileiro events built momentum that culminated in a commanding Asian Championship double-gold performance.

The matchup features two rising talents with similar career trajectories. The most intriguing aspect of this opening round match is the weight disparity, as Aghata drops from her usual middleweight and Keanna bumps up from the featherweight division to meet for a fascinating fight.

 

Male Middleweight

The 181lb division has arguably drawn the most recognition heading into the event. The weight class features top pound-for-pound star Mica Galvao, two-time Crown Champion Andy Murasaki, and a host of top middleweight talent. There is certainly no shortage of starpower, elite ability, and mesmerizing matchups in the middleweight category.

 

Mica Galvao vs Leo Souza

Mica Galvao returns to the spotlight at the 2026 Crown. Mica has not been active since his outstanding 2024 season in which he claimed all four major event titles. He remains one of the sport’s biggest stars and remarkable talents as a twenty-three year old that has conquered nearly every major event. 

Leo Souza of Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu is an active competitor who consistently delivers incredible action. His well-balanced game and up-tempo style make for a can’t-miss competitor. The former European Champion secured two bronze medals in 2026 Grand Slam competition this season.

The matchup is one of the most anticipated opening-round fights of the event. The return of Mica to major competition is exciting in of itself, however his matchup against a dangerous contender makes the fight an absolute stunner. Both athletes are submission hunters who utilize a relentless pace. The real question is, what is Mica’s form in his return? If he can return to his 2024 form, he will be a clear cut favorite to reach the finals stage. If he shows signs of ring-rust, Leo Souza may be able to capture the biggest win of his career.

 

Andy Murasaki vs Rafael Gamba

Andy Murasaki joins the middleweight division after taking the Crown in the past two editions. Now with AOJ, Andy intends to showcase his improved game while defending his throne. The Brasileiro, European, and World No-Gi Champion is experienced, talented, and extremely dangerous.

Rafael Gamba enters the competition as one of the most exciting rookie black belts in the sport. The Alliance standout completed a fascinating brown belt career in 2026 with European, Brasileiro, and World Championship titles. All signs point towards a superstar in the making.

The opening-round matchup is as intriguing as any in the event. Andy possesses championship ability in all aspects of the game. Rafael is a dangerous prospect with elite ability. A specific aspect to watch is the guard play of Rafael Gamba, his triangle system is as refined as any we have seen in recent years. Nevertheless, it’s nearly impossible to bet against the returning Crown Champion. 

 

Natan Chueng vs Tarcisio Santos

Natan Chueng is a strong middleweight contender who made a big statement at the 2026 World Championships. The Unity Jiu-Jitsu athlete traversed a stacked middleweight division to reach the finals and ultimately secure a silver medal. 

Tarcisio Santos of Marcio Andre Jiu-Jitsu was one of the most impressive rookie black belts this season. The young talent remained incredibly active on the Open circuit, while taking on some of the sport’s most formidable competitors. His Grand Slam season culminated in a Worlds bronze medal, including a qualifier victory of Andy Murasaki.

The matchup projects to be a tightly contested showdown. Tarcisio appears to be improving each time he takes the mats, while Natan is a tactician with experience on his side. Tarcisio constantly pushes the pace with athleticism and relentless attacks, while Natan is an absolute gamer under the bright lights.

 

Matheus Luna vs Jose Steve

Matheus Luna joins the event on short notice, as Uanderson Ferreira had to back out. Matheus is a CheckMat veteran with tons of experience against the globe’s top competitors. His 2026 Grand Slam season was defined by Brasileiro and World Championship bronze medals.

Jose Steve had an impressive rookie black belt season. The DreamArt athlete secured European and Brasileiro silver medals, alongside his Worlds bronze. Jose is a dynamic athlete that uses strong side-to-side top pressure and intricate guard play. The young prospect continues to improve with each performance, and enters as somewhat of a crowd favorite.

This opening round matchup pairs an up-and-coming talent against a veteran presence. Matheus has the technical and tactical ability to contend in any bracket, while Jose continues to improve upon his already dynamic game.

 

 

Male Heavyweight

 

The 208lb division is easily one of the most stacked categories at the event. Three World Champions and the reigning brown belt double-gold World Champion are all in the division. In addition, European Champions, Brasileiro Champions, and Pan Champions are all represented in a scary deep division. This is must-watch warfare from the opening round to the finals.

 

Vinicius Liberati vs Omar Nada

Vinicius Liberati enters the competition as the reigning super-heavyweight World Champion. The Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu veteran is riding incredible momentum from a fantastic 2026 season that included European, Brasileiro, and World Championship titles. His 27-1 record on the year clearly highlights his elite form ahead of the event.

Omar Nada made a resounding statement at the 2026 Worlds. The brown belt secured a dominant double-gold performance, instantly drawing immense recognition as he earned his black belt promotion. Omar is a hyper-physical and aggressive competitor who weaponizes pressure and pace to overwhelm his opponents.

The matchup features a world-class black belt champion against an up-and-coming talent. Vinicius enters the showdown as a distinct favorite, while Omar intends to play the underdog role to shock the world.

 

Nico Maglicic vs Leo Ferreira

Nico Maglicic is officially the reigning the heavyweight Gi and No-Gi World Champion. The Australian standout has enjoyed a spectacular year of competition as he aims to prove his ability under the bright lights yet again. 

Leo Ferreira is one of Alliance’s brightest stars. The reigning European and Brasileiro Champion is amongst the most elite heavyweight contenders in the world. His guard play is world-class and his submission arsenal has been proven against top contenders.

The matchup projects to be a hard-fought, back-and-forth battle. Both Nico and Leo have experience against the sport’s most elite athletes, and seem to elevate their level on the biggest stages. Leo prefers to attack from his guard while Nico is a master tactician with a balanced game that is capable of winning from nearly any position.

 

Nolan Stuart vs Davi Vetoraci

Nolan Stuart returns to the heavyweight division to retain his throne. The Brea Jiu-Jitsu representative secured a breakout performance on the Crown stage in the last edition, certainly translating to distinct confidence ahead of the event. The two-time Pan Champion possesses one of the most dangerous submission systems in the world, as his omaplata game is respected by every contender in the division.

Davi Vetoraci of Blvckout is set to make his Crown debut. One half of the dynamic twin brothers enters the heavyweight division as one of the most dynamic and exciting athletes in the division. Davi weaponizes a relentless pace with supreme athleticism and physicality to overwhelm his opponents. The former European Champion is no stranger to the omoplata game as he often utilizes his own version against top competitors.

The matchup is fascinating on paper. Nolan is a veteran contender with great submission ability. Davi is a dynamic athlete with a kill-or-be-killed mentality. The showdown is projected to deliver fireworks in the opening round of the heavyweight division.

 

Fellipe Andrew vs Windson Torres

Fellipe Andrew is one of the early favorites in the heavyweight division. The former Crown and World Champion is as proven as they come. His submission ability and experience against the sport’s most dangerous competitors has earned him the respect of the global jiu-jitsu community.

Windson Torres seems to constantly improve his game. The Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu product is a former European Champion and a constant force in the super-heavyweight division. A potential victory over Fellipe would be one of Windson’s biggest victories of his career thus far.

The matchup is certainly exciting. Windson is a physical presence that forces his opponents to work for every inch. Fellipe maintains elite technique, however he hasn’t been as active in recent years due to injuries. Windson will provide a significant test for Fellipe, as the world awaits to see the veteran’s response.

 

Female Super-Heavyweight

 

The super-heavy category has been dominated by Gabi Pessanha in recent years. The twelve-time World Champion returns to the event in search of her fourth consecutive Crown title. Meanwhile, an incredible collection of talent lies in wait, hoping to upset the legendary favorite and complete a career-defining performance.

 

Gabrieli Pessanha vs Maria Ruffatto

Gabi Pessanha is one of the most dominant competitors the sport has ever seen. The winningest female World Champion of all-time has never lost through three editions of the Crown, and is strongly favored to secure another title this weekend. Her experience, control, and finishing ability make her a must-watch athlete at the 2026 Crown.

Maria Ruffatto enters the event coming off a Pan No-Gi silver medal. The BTT product has shown steady improvements, as she attempts to deliver a shocking upset under the bright lights.

The matchup is tilted in the InFight athlete’s favor. Gabi is 3-0 against Maria, winning all three bouts by way of submission. Gabi is one of the top pound-for-pound athletes in the sport, as she continues to build upon her legendary resume.

 

Hazel Salazar vs Anabel Lopez

Hazel seems primed to take the black belt division by storm. The newly minted black belt has already secured double-gold victories at Chicago Open and Jiu-Jitsu Con events. During the 2026 Grand Slam season, Hazel delivered incredible results at the brown belt level with Euros gold, Pan double-gold, Brasileiro double-gold, and World Championship double-gold performances. She is undeniably one of the most promising rookie talents in the sport.

Anabel Lopez enters the competition as a young but experienced competitor on the sport’s biggest stages. The former European No-Gi and World No-Gi Champion returns to the Crown after participating in the 2025 edition. Anabel is a physical athlete who certainly possesses the ability to contend with the division’s top contenders.

A fascinating matchup between two top talents. Hazel enters with immense expectations after showcasing phenom potential throughout her color belt career. Anabel has more experience at the highest level and seems to match up well with her rising opponent. 

 

Larissa Dias vs Ingridd Alves

Larissa returns to the Crown event after recently securing her third World Championship title. The Elementum standout is amongst the top pound-for-pound females in the world, and commits to the Crown event after securing bronze in the last edition. 

Ingridd Alves is a top contender representing AGORA. Ingridd is a former European Champion who showcases a balanced game with attacks from seemingly every position. 

The matchup favors the three-time World Champion, however Ingridd is no stranger to facing elite talent. Larissa will have to deal with the dynamic athleticism while maintaining a noticeable size advantage of Ingridd.

 

Yara Soares vs Maria Alencar

Yara Soares enters the super-heavyweight division as one of the most experienced contenders. The reigning Brasileiro and European Champion has reached the podium of all four Grand Slam events throughout her career. Yara’s elite guard play remains one of the top systems in the bracket.

Maria Alencar finalized an impressive rookie season at the black belt level following her brown belt World Championship in 2025. The Atos Jiu-Jitsu product collected two silver medals this season at Pan and World Championship events respectively. 

The matchup projects to be a tightly contested showdown between a veteran champion and a rising talent. Both athletes are physically long and athletic, while boasting elite technique. Yara projects to attack out of her guard while Maria will likely attempt to utilize consistent pressure in pursuit of a breakthrough.

 

Male Ultra-Heavyweight

 

The largest athletes of the event are set to take the mats in ultra-heavyweight action. Erich Munis has earned the Crown in three consecutive editions, however, a strong collection of contenders intend to knock him off the throne. The colossal action is sure to deliver fireworks.

 

Erich Munis vs Francisco Papasidero

Erich is one of the best pound-for-pound male athletes in the sport. The Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu leader has secured seven World Championship titles as well as his three consecutive Crown titles. His elite guard play is feared across the ultra-heavyweight division. Erich is truly a special talent.

Francisco prepares to enter the Pyramid for his second Crown competition. Francisco delivered a remarkable performance in the 2025 edition, securing a bronze medal in a stacked division. Now back with another year of experience under his belt, Francisco projects to be a tough out.

Erich is favoured to win the division, however, Francisco seems to feel quite comfortable competing as an underdog. Erich will likely attack from his world-class guard, while Francisco aims to fend off the onslaught and capitalize on the small windows.

 

Alexander Sak vs Matheus Vetoraci

A true specialist in the art of the breadcutter. Alexander Sak has showcased strong standing ability, overwhelming top pressure, and an elite breadcutter finish from side control. Alexander steps into possibly the toughest bracket of his career as the 2026 Asian Championships double-gold and World Master Champion.

Matheus Vetoraci is one of the most explosive athletes in the event. The Blvckout competitor weaponizes consistent pressure and physicality to break down his opponents. His submission hunting and high-pace combine to create a dangerous athlete with Crown title intentions.

The matchup is set to deliver fireworks. Both athletes seem to prefer attacking from the top position, and represent physically dominant competitors. A classic showdown decided by the athlete who successfully imposes their will.

 

Seif-Eddine Houmine vs Thierry Felipe

Seif completed a fascinating 2026 Grand Slam season at the age of thirty-eight. The GF Team powerhouse and Moroccan native secured European and Pan titles, alongside the second World Championship of his career. Seif utilizes his immense frame to overwhelm his opponents, as he has showcased on the biggest stages in the world.

Thierry Felipe is a fresh black belt representing Marcio Andre Jiu-Jitsu. Thierry also boasts a large frame, but also utilizes distinct agility to the surprise of many. The young prospect is in the beginning stages of what projects to be a dazzling black belt career.

The matchup is noticeable. The two biggest competitors in the event are set to clash in the opening round of the ultra-heavyweight. Thierry is younger, more agile, but far less experienced. Seif seems to be approaching the end of his incredible career, with hopes of another major event title.

 

Pedro Machado vs Anderson Kauan

Pedro Machado is an experienced and skilled contender representing Machado Jiu-Jitsu. Known for his strong guard play, Pedro has developed into a well-rounded veteran who has vast spotlight experience. 

Anderson Kauan recently finalized the most successful Grand Slam season of his career. The Infight athlete earned three major event medals including a World Championship double-bronze performance. Anderson blends size, technique, and agility as a legitimate Crown contender.

The matchup features two athletes that would be considered dark horses in the division. Pedro Machado is the smallest athlete in the division, but certainly one of the most technical. Look for Pedro to utilize his guard against the passing pressure of Anderson.

 

2026 Crown Ready

Each of the six brackets at the 2026 Crown present unique storylines and fascinating matchups. The intense action is set to go down November 8th from the Pyramid in Long Beach, California. Don’t miss any of the action by purchasing your tickets at the event page, or following the event with the exclusive FloGrappling live stream. Stay up-to-date with all things Crown with the official Crown Event Guide.