World-class black belts converged at the 2026 Pans, delivering memorable action across nine female divisions.  The jiu-jitsu spotlight remained focused on the prestigious grand slam event, as elite athletes etched their name in the history books.

Female Roosterweight

Nine of the sport’s premier roosterweight competitors clashed for major title recognition. The division saw exceptional action, culminating in a gold medal for Fight Sport’s Ana Lima.

Ana’s opening-round confrontation against Mara Kelly resulted in a lightning-fast triangle-armbar submission just ten seconds into the match. Her semifinal matchup against Jessica Caroline again highlighted the Fight Sport athlete’s dangerous guard play. Following back-and-forth exchanges, Ana launched a triangle with surgical accuracy, finishing with an armbar variation with ninety seconds remaining. The roosterweight finals paired Ana with Mariana Rolszt, a dangerous competitor. This contest affirmed the two athletes' comparable skill level as they traded attacks, with Ana once again showcasing her formidable guard play. Ana ultimately secured a narrow victory over her tough opponent by clinging to a single advantage generated from another one of her perfectly timed triangle setups.

Ana’s Pans triumph represents her first major black belt title, a significant achievement for the young Fight Sports standout. Fans were treated to her intricate guard play and relentless submission prowess, earning her well-deserved recognition at the 2026 Pans.

 

Female Light-Featherweight

The female light-featherweight division was anchored by two dominant AOJ athletes. Mayssa Bastos and Ashlee Funegra entered the event with high expectations of reaching the Pans finals.

Mayssa Bastos’ journey to the finals included a semifinal victory over Andressa Guirau in under five minutes. Her sole match showcased her exceptional back-tacking capability, as she utilized her berimbolo-to-crabride sequence before securing the finish with a lapel choke. Ashlee Funegra achieved a pair of victories during her run to the light-featherweight finals. A quarterfinals matchup against Josefine Modig resulted in a two-point victory for the young AOJ star. Ashlee faced another highly competitive duel in the semifinals against Brenda Larissa, concluding with another two-point victory and a finals placement.

Ultimately, Mayssa Bastos added a fifth Pans title to her comprehensive championship record. Mayssa is expected to continue her grand slam event success at Brasileiros and Worlds in 2026.

 

Female Featherweight

The featherweight division was defined by the return of an elite athlete to major competition and the presence of the reigning World Champion. The two stars would ultimately clash in the finals, delivering spectacular action.

Margot Ciccarelli of AOJ rejoined major title contention after injuries had hindered her grand slam aspirations for nearly a year. Margot began her finals run with a second-round armbar initiated from the rear triangle, demonstrating both her back-taking and finishing prowess. Eonju Im challenged Margot in the semifinals, a match that concluded with yet another beautiful armbar finish after securing the rear triangle position. The finals pitted the reigning World Champion, Larissa Campos, against her former teammate, Margot Ciccarelli. The two elite athletes traded fierce attacks, resulting in an even score until the last second. Margot secured the referee decision victory, marking the first Pan title of her career. With a European and now a Pan title, Margot is undeniably establishing herself as a dominant force in the featherweight division.

 

Female Lightweight

The lightweight division boasts a new dominant force who consistently delivers remarkable results accompanied by a bright smile. Sarah Galvao entered the 2026 Pans with tremendous momentum following her triumphs at the Crown, European Championship, and Grand Prix superfight over the previous four months.

Sarah’s lightweight gold medal run commenced with a quarterfinal kneebar in just over a minute. In the semifinals, Sarah was matched against the consistently tough Sabrina Gondim. Despite her high-level opponent, Sarah commanded the match from the outset, securing a six-point victory to advance to the black belt finals day. Much to the delight of spectators, the finals presented a rematch of the Crown finals from December, against the top-ranked Janaina Lebre. The tightly contested duel saw Sarah exclusively operate from the top position, applying substantial pressure from various angles. Although she was unable to breach Janiana’s formidable guard, Sarah earned a unanimous referee decision to claim the lightweight gold medal.

Sarah proved once again that her technique and competitive spirit are far more developed than her years suggest. As a rookie black belt, Sarah has generated incredible momentum as she pursues a grand slam event sweep in 2026.

 

Female Middleweight

A highly talented athlete entered the 2026 Pans middleweight division as the lowest seed. Through four matches, she conclusively proved that this ranking did not accurately reflect her ability or composure under the intense scrutiny of the grand slam event.

Atos Jiu-Jitsu standout Lillian Marchand initiated her spectacular gold medal run against the number two seed, Giselle Menezes. Her opening-round matchup proved to be a significant challenge, as the two high-level competitors exchanged attacks until time expired with a tied score. After securing the referee decision victory, Lillian claimed a rear naked choke finish in the quarterfinals. A highly anticipated match between two rising talents, Lillian and Aghata Rabelo, was set with a finals opportunity on the line. Lillian showcased her potent passing pressure, which led to back exposure and concluded with a lapel choke finish, securing her debut in a major final. Elisabeth Clay, despite having sustained a leg injury on day one, presented a dangerous and seasoned opponent. However, Lillian once again leveraged her powerful passing techniques to open a route to Elisabeth’s back. Without hesitation, Lillian isolated an arm and extended for a beautiful submission victory, capturing her first major title in the gi.

As a rookie black belt, Lillian has exhibited phenomenal skill and competitive vigor on the grandest stages. Her No-Gi World Championship and Pan titles serve as a testament to the bright future awaiting the Atos athlete.

 

Female Medium-Heavyweight

Six talented women contended for the medium-heavyweight title at the 2026 Pans. Familiar faces on the grand slam podium were challenged by ambitious competitors who injected distinctive intensity into the bracket.

Elizabeth Mitrovic entered the Pans having never clinched a major gold medal, despite numerous attempts and near triumphs. Her opening-round matchup presented a significant obstacle, as she collided with the current European Champion, Denise Krahn. Elizabeth displayed superior control, securing a four-point victory to advance to the finals. Facing the reigning Brasileiro and Pans Champion, Maca Vicentini, the finals culminated in a gritty and passionate victory for Elizabeth.

The Alliance representative claimed her first grand slam gold medal, signifying the champion’s relentless drive and profound self-belief. Elizabeth’s post-finals message elaborated on the critical importance of perseverance in the face of immense adversity, a lesson she has acquired over years of high-level competition.

 

Female Heavyweight

The reigning World Champion in the heavyweight division returned to major competition in Florida. Larissa Dias was challenged by six fellow contenders who possessed the technical and athletic capacity to upset the top seed.

The Elementum Jiu-Jitsu star began her gold medal campaign with a ninety-second toe hold submission in the second round. Advancing to the finals, Larissa was matched against veteran Maria Malyjasiak for the heavyweight title. Utilizing phenomenal top pressure and aggressive attacking angles, Larissa successfully secured a guard pass and attacked the back just as time expired. The three-point victory secured Larissa’s second consecutive Pan title, firmly establishing her position atop the heavyweight division.

The Elementum standout is currently ranked sixth among females globally, holding a World Championship along with her two Pan titles. Larissa is undoubtedly a marquee athlete on the global jiu-jitsu circuit at such a young age, generating tremendous excitement regarding her promising competitive future.

 

Female Super-Heavyweight

Gabi Pessanha entered the event with immense expectations as a nine-time Pan Champion. The super-heavyweight division included three other contenders hoping to stun the jiu-jitsu world with a victory over the legendary Infight Jiu-Jitsu star.

Gabi’s opening-round matchup with the notably smaller Rose Walsh offered negligible resistance. After an immediate pull to closed guard, Gabi swiftly initiated a smother choke, finishing her opponent in a mere twenty-seven seconds. Raniele Alencar stood as a young and skillful obstacle on Gabi’s path to another Pan title. Gabi displayed the decisive control that fans have become accustomed to, executing a sweep and guard pass to set up her finishing sequence. Ultimately, the Infight sensation secured a head-and-arm choke finish from the knee-on-belly position to earn her tenth Pan title.

Gabi exhibited the dominance befitting the world’s top-ranked female competitor. Her superior control and submission ability consistently deliver outstanding performances at the sport’s most significant events.

 

Female Open Class

Eleven formidable competitors applied for open class contention at the season’s second major event. Many spectators presumably desired a rematch of the European Championship open class finals between Gabi Pessanha and Sarah Galvao. The two female stars entered the bracket as the top seeds on their respective sides.

Gabi Pessanha began her open class finals campaign with a physical struggle against Lillian Marchand. The Infight representative employed suffocating pressure and aggressiveness to secure a six-point victory over a highly talented opponent. Her semifinal matchup with Beatrice Jin showcased Gabi’s proficiency in back-taking, resulting in a lapel choke finish in one minute.

Sarah Galvao commenced her day one competition with an expertly executed triangle setup, concluding with Americana pressure over Maria Fragoso in sixty seconds. The semifinals match presented a riveting duel between Sarah and Elisabeth Clay, with a finals placement hanging in the balance. The two star athletes traded dynamic attacks, accumulating a total of eight points before Sarah secured a decision victory.

The female open class was arguably the most anticipated match of the entire event. The rematch from the Euros open class final between Gabi Pessanha and Sarah Galvao generated a palpable intensity throughout the arena. The match started with a demanding standing battle, where the larger Gabi controlled much of the engagement. As time elapsed, Gabi earned three advantages, establishing an important lead with one minute remaining. With only thirty seconds left, Sarah executed a quick single leg, forcing Gabi to turn toward the boundaries, allowing Sarah to leap to the back and secure two hooks as they rolled out of bounds. By earning four points and achieving the back position upon the reset, Sarah delivered one of the most remarkable moments of the 2026 season. Sarah Galvao’s double-gold triumph at the 2026 Pans undeniably stands as the most monumental moment in her young black belt career.

 

For exclusive full match replays of all the 2026 Pans action, visit FloGrappling.