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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.

Sarah Galvão has officially been announced as the eighth and final lightweight Crown contender. The division’s reigning Champion returns to the event in another stacked bracket.

Sarah Galvão - Crown Starpower

Sarah Galvão returns to the event that propelled her into a phenomenal rookie season. The Atos standout earned her black belt following a 2025 World title at the brown belt level. Sarah was then invited to the 2025 Crown as a rising prospect, although she quickly and effectively cemented herself as a world-class champion. 

Sarah’s first year at the black belt level was undeniably fascinating. Apart from earning Crown, European, Pan, and Brasileiro titles, Sarah found herself in arguably the biggest storyline of the 2026 Gi Grand Slam season. Her open class finals battles against Gabi Pessanha captured the attention of the global jiu-jitsu community. Sarah proved her ability to dominate the lightweight division, as well as compete against larger opponents and triumph. 

The young talent now returns to The Crown as a more experienced and refined competitor who is clearly capable of retaining her title. Her fellow lightweight contenders, however, have distinct intentions of their own. The complete lightweight division includes Sarah Galvão, Janaina Lebre, Elisabeth Clay, Sabrina Gondim, Aghata Rabelo, Giovanah Oliveira, Keanna Klay, and Nikolett Kis. 

This remarkable division, along with all the Crown brackets, go live on November 8th from the Pyramid in Long Beach, California. Stay tuned to official IBJJF channels for continued updates surrounding the 2026 IBJJF Crown.