Days four and five of the 2026 Pans presented the world’s most formidable male athletes competing for prestigious grand slam event glory. The jiu-jitsu community was captivated by numerous compelling narratives unfolding alongside relentless, elite-level competition. Ten division champions demonstrated exceptional skill and unwavering spirit, culminating in their gold medal victory and a share of the Pans spotlight.

 

Male Roosterweight

The roosterweight division was highly anticipated entering the event, featuring five former World Champions and an extraordinary depth of talent. The division unequivocally delivered, showcasing spectacular performances characterized by the palpable intensity exclusive to a grand slam event.

Ultimately, the AOJ product, Marcos Gomes, seized the gold medal. Marcos initiated his 2026 Pans campaign with a stunning lapel choke finish in just over a minute during his opening-round confrontation. Progressing to day two, Marcos faced a formidable test when he was scheduled to meet the reigning Pans, Euros, and World Champion Jalen Fonacier in the quarterfinals. In a significant upset over the division’s top seed, Marcos clinched the victory by points, advancing him to the semifinals against two-time No-Gi World Champion Everton Teixeira. Marcos once more demonstrated his sharp tactical awareness and well-rounded game, triumphing over his opponent by a two-point margin. The finals match pitted Marcos Gomes against Carlos ‘Bebeto’ Oliveira for the roosterweight title. Facing his third World Champion of the day, Marcos stepped onto the black belt finals mats visibly confident and determined to showcase his ability under the bright Pans lights. The AOJ standout’s early berimbolo attempt opened a critical opportunity to attack Bebeto’s legs, which quickly signaled the end of the roosterweight final. Marcos locked a tight ankle grip and transitioned into a bell-down position to generate crushing pressure. Marcos secured the submission victory, ultimately claiming the roosterweight Pans title.

In a span of just four months, Marcos Gomes has captured both of his major championship titles. His incredible run powerfully emphasizes the young athlete’s phenomenal work ethic and dedication to his craft. Marcos secured a No-Gi Worlds title in December, before shifting his focus to gi competition, a journey that culminated in his 2026 Pans accolade. Marcos expressed that he finally feels like the marquee athlete among world-class competitors as he secured his inaugural gi major title in Florida.

 

Male Light-Featherweight

The light-featherweight division boasted exceptional talent entering the event. This depth was highlighted when the division’s lowest seed earned a quarterfinals placement, while the fifth-ranked light-featherweight fought his way into the finals match. Despite the sheer volume of world-class competitors, one athlete earned distinct recognition both arriving at and departing from the prestigious event.

Diego Pato of AOJ entered the Pans as a heavy favorite to claim his fourth Pans title and extend his dominating presence at grand slam events. Pato, a reigning Grand Slam Champion at the start of 2026, had already secured the European Championship title in January before setting his sights on yet another major gold medal. Pato secured a commanding points victory in his second-round match, propelling him into the black belt finals day. His quarterfinal bout against Malachi Edmond was undeniably one of the light-featherweight division’s marquee matchups. Pato demonstrated his world-class skill, securing a rear naked choke victory with forty-five seconds remaining. Capitalizing on this momentum, the AOJ star challenged Leo Barros in the semifinals, achieving a similar, decisive outcome. Pato exhibited his superior sweeping, back-taking, and passing skills, accumulating twelve unanswered points before finishing the match with a lapel choke from the back. The light-featherweight finals match featured the division’s top-seed against Shoya Ishiguro, a rising sensation on the Asian circuit. Despite Shoya’s admirable campaign, which saw him defeat multiple elite competitors, Pato proved overwhelming, countering every move with razor-sharp execution. Pato earned a six-point victory and his fourth Pan title, sustaining his domineering performance on the grand slam circuit.

The AOJ phenom is slated to pursue his quest for a second consecutive Grand Slam Champion title in 2026, with his next target being Brasileiros at the close of the month. Fans continue to be presented with the unique opportunity to witness history being made every time Pato steps onto the yellow and blue mats.

 

Male Featherweight

Another exceptionally accomplished and highly anticipated division entering the Pans was the male featherweight division. The roster featured household names including Joao ‘Bisnaga’ Mendes, Cole Abate, Kennedy Maciel, and Samuel Nagai, alongside a host of emerging talents. The 154-pound division certainly delivered thrilling action between some of the top pound-for-pound athletes globally.

Cole Abate reigned supreme in this talent-ridden featherweight bracket, securing four definitive victories. The AOJ prodigy was certainly tested in his sole match on day one of the black belt competition, where he narrowly maintained a two-point advantage against Israel Almeida. Advancing into the finals day action, Cole secured another tense victory, overcoming Sebastian Serpa by a single advantage. Bisnaga, the reigning featherweight World Champion, clashed with Cole in a star-studded semifinals matchup. Cole rose to the challenge, employing his reliable guard play to invert beneath Bisnaga and latch onto a devastating knee bar to claim the submission victory. Cole’s finals appearance pitted him against another former World Champion, Sam Nagai, who appeared to be in peak form throughout his Pans run. The two elite champions traded masterful techniques until the final bell, with Cole executing the match-winning sweep with under twenty seconds remaining, then successfully defending a dangerous knee bar to capture his first Pans title.

Cole had conceded the Pans gold medal to his teammate, Pato, in the 2025 edition, making the triumph of securing the top of the podium this year all the more gratifying. Cole impressed not only with his remarkable technique but also with his composure and superior tactical awareness, particularly in the late stages of his matches. The AOJ sensation proves yet again that his abilities far exceed his years.

 

Male Lightweight

The lightweight division highlighted top young talents striving for their inaugural Pans title. Directly challenging these rising stars was a proven veteran from CheckMat, Jackson Nagai. Entering the bracket as the top seed, Jackson’s veteran presence created a variety of exciting potential matchups.

Jackson delivered spectacular performances beginning with his opening round, where a back-and-forth contest with Lucas Lima concluded with Jackson executing a beautiful triangle finish. Jackson progressed to day two action with a quarterfinal bout against the young and dangerous Fabyury Khrysthyan. Jackson relied on his veteran composure and strategic expertise to secure a narrow victory over Fabyury via advantages. The semifinals saw Pablo Lavaselli challenge Jackson for a finals opportunity, which again showcased the relentless submission hunting of the CheckMat representative. Jackson secured a kimura finish over Pablo in just over seven minutes, setting the stage for a rookie-versus-veteran finals duel. Representing Marcio Andre Jiu-Jitsu, Will Wilson entered the finals with the ambition of defeating the former World Champion. Jackson had contradictory plans, as the two elite athletes exchanged explosive attacks with time winding down, culminating in a wild onslaught of action in the final minute. Down by two points with exactly one minute remaining, the athletes reset with Will latched onto a rear body lock. At this crucial moment, the Jackson scramble show began, as he rolled through and successfully flipped Will over his back. Jackson proceeded to secure his own back exposure, earning two points and nearly finishing with a bow-and-arrow choke before time elapsed. 

Jackson consistently delivers thrilling matches through constant forward progress and risk-taking, qualifying him as one of the most exciting competitors in the sport.  The former World Champion added a second Pans title to his impressive resume, reaffirming his world-class ability at the age of 32.

 

Male Middleweight

A division that has been continuously dominated by a singular force was once again put to the test at the 2026 Pans. Tainan Dalpra entered the event aiming to extend his grand slam event supremacy by capturing his fifth Pans title. Remarkably, given his sustained success at the biggest events, Tainan is only twenty-five years old, yet he has controlled the middleweight division for approximately six years.

Tainan’s opening round matchup lasted a mere three minutes, as he amassed five points and finished the contest with a rear triangle. Entering the black belt finals day, the AOJ phenom dispatched of Matheus Pereira utilizing a belly-down lapel choke in the quarterfinals. Tainan then advanced to the semifinals against Pablo Oliveira, a rising young talent. With astonishing control, Tainan scored fifteen unanswered points before securing another lapel choke to move into the finals against Elijah Dorsey. Leading into the event, many fans eagerly anticipated this finals clash between the explosive athlete from Team Lloyd Irvin and one of the sport’s biggest stars from AOJ. The match commenced with dynamic action, featuring Tainan’s intricate guard play and Elijah’s athletic passing prowess. Less than three minutes into the duel, Tainan executed a flawless sweep directly into the mount position, earning six points. From that moment, Tainan exhibited the commanding top pressure that fans have come to expect, seamlessly transitioning through various positions with elegance and precise execution. While attacking a deep rear triangle finish, time expired, resulting in a decisive nine-point victory for the now five-time Pans Champion, Tainan Dalpra.

Tainan’s command over the middleweight division endures. He has secured the last six major event titles and continues his pursuit of a Grand Slam title in 2026. Tainan’s ability demands global recognition as a generational talent in the prime of his illustrious career.

 

Male Medium-Heavyweight

The medium-heavyweight division was widely predicted to be one of the most competitive brackets of the event. A wealth of young athletes and highly skilled competitors converged, all seeking the season’s second major title.

Elementum Jiu-Jitsu boasts the exceptional talent of Enderson Dias, who was focused on claiming the first major title of his career. Enderson entered the bracket as the number nine seed among twenty-two competitors. His first-round match with Charles Grifasi showcased the bright prospect's well-rounded game, where he scored nine points before securing a lapel choke finish. Enderson’s second match of day one black belt competition proved more challenging, as the Elementum product secured a two-point victory over Matheus Spirandeli. Day two black belt action saw Enderson demonstrate sophisticated control in the quarterfinals, leading to a nine-point victory over Gavin Sonnier. Moving into the semifinals against Luiz Victor, the energy visibly escalated. The fiercely contested match between two athletes with rapidly ascending careers culminated in a two-point victory for Enderson, marking his inaugural finals appearance at a grand slam event. With the pressure undoubtedly intensifying on the young athlete, Enderson appeared poised and focused as he faced Alex Munis for the medium-heavyweight title. The Elementum athlete showcased his technical and tactical supremacy in a hard-fought advantage victory, securing his first major title at the black belt level.

Enderson demonstrated the grit and championship-caliber skill throughout his 2026 Pans title run. The elation of winning his inaugural major title amidst a large gathering of friends, family, and teammates undoubtedly created a profound and lasting memory for Enderson.

 

Male Heavyweight

Sixteen formidable heavyweights applied for major title contention at the 2026 Pans. The surge of emerging athletes defined this division, as the eventual heavyweight champion captured his first major title at the black belt level.

Felipe Assis commenced his heavyweight campaign against Max Nogara in the opening round, exhibiting his high-level skill en route to a head-and-arm choke finish. Advancing to his second day of competition, Felipe secured a quarterfinals victory over Joab Oliveira via a lapel choke from the back. Continuing his commanding title run, Felipe decisively beat Igor Ferreira in the semifinals, earning ten points in the victory. The division’s top seed, Rider Zuchi, awaited Felipe in the finals for what proved to be a highly technical and tactical matchup. The duel was exceptionally tight, with a single penalty ultimately deciding the outcome as time expired. Felipe’s unrelenting spirit was on full display in the final seconds, as he tenaciously held onto a kneebar, successfully thwarting Rider’s attempt to secure a match-winning sweep.

Felipe was overcome with joy as he received his inaugural major event gold medal, solidifying his remarkable talent and heart as world-class attributes.

 

Male Super-Heavyweight

A compact but deeply talented bracket of eight world-class super-heavyweights converged at the 2026 Pans. The division's top seed, Nolan Stuart, entered with a clear intention to reestablish his dominance on the grand slam circuit.

Super-heavyweight action began on black belt finals day, with Nolan securing an omoplata finish over Caio Goncalves in the quarterfinals. Nolan then advanced into the semifinals against Eldeson Santino with a finals placement hanging in the balance. The Brea Jiu-Jitsu phenom once again deployed his signature omoplata to secure another submission victory in just over five minutes. The stage was set for a thrilling finals confrontation between the European Champion, Vinicius Liberati, and the reigning Pans and Crown Champion, Nolan Stuart. In a dynamic, back-and-forth match, brimming with elite technique and crowd-pleasing intensity, it was Nolan who delivered a match-defining back-take near the six-minute mark. Having acquired a four-point lead with four minutes remaining, the Brea Jiu-Jitsu product showcased his phenomenal guard retention skills to deny Vinicius a second major title this season.

Nolan successfully defended his title as Pan Champion, marking his second major black belt title and his first of the 2026 season. Nolan’s ascension has been remarkable, as he continues to firmly establish his position among the global elite competitors. He wields one of the most dominant submission systems in the sport, exhibiting lethal omoplata execution from which few are able to escape. Fans should no longer be surprised by the Brea Jiu-Jitsu sensation as he aims to further amplify his resume with Brasileiro and World titles.

 

Male Ultra-Heavyweight

Top ultra-heavyweights began their 2026 Pans campaign on black belt finals day. Seif-Eddine Houmine re-entered major title contention after securing the European Championship in January.

Seif’s first-round matchup with Guilherme Cypriano showcased the GF Team standout’s immense top force, securing a pressure tap to propel him into the finals. Anderson Kauan awaited Seif, as the two prepared for an ultra-heavyweight battle with the Pans title on the line. The finals featured a highly contested standing exchange for the opening six minutes, before Anderson pulled to his guard. Once more, Seif’s top pressure proved insurmountable, as he achieved a guard pass to side control and secured a three-point lead. Having reached the dominant position, Seif maintained his focus on securing a submission, grasping a lapel and executing a clock-choke finish approximately seven minutes into the match.

Seif claimed his inaugural Pans title, adding a significant accomplishment to his existing European and World titles. Seif presents a formidable challenge in the ultra-heavyweight division as he continues a dominant 2026 season that he hopes culminates in his second World Championship.

 

Male Open Class

Twenty-nine distinguished contenders entered the black belt open class division, all harboring aspirations of securing the prestigious title. Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu once again asserted their dominance, mirroring their success from the European Championship open class by advancing two athletes to the finals.

Gabriel Veloso launched his Pans campaign with a resounding statement, securing a bow-and-arrow choke finish over Francisco Papasidero in under ninety seconds. Following an unfortunate quarterfinals victory due to an injury, Veloso faced Harryson Pereira in the semifinals. The Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu competitor exhibited decisive control, accumulating eight unanswered points to secure his spot in the open class finals.

Fellow Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu athlete, Gabriel Galvao, entered the Pans open class with distinct momentum despite being the twenty-fifth seed in the division. His opening-round matchup against Mateus Rodrigues concluded with a narrow two-advantage victory for Galvao. The Soldiers standout then faced former No-Gi World Champion, Wallison Oliveira, whom he defeated by a score of 2-0. Another tightly contested quarterfinal match saw Galvao secure a four-point victory over the formidable opponent Gabriel Almeida. This set up a thrilling semifinal bout between Galvao and the eventual heavyweight champion, Felipe Assis. A back-and-forth encounter ultimately resulted in Gabriel securing a two-point victory and a placement in the open class finals.

The finals match between the two Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu athletes powerfully demonstrated the team’s immense depth of talent. Gabriel Veloso masterfully commanded the majority of the match from the top position, leveraging his superior strength and control to neutralize the relentless sweeping attempts from his teammate. Veloso ultimately secured the open class title via two points.

This open class triumph marks the second absolute title for Veloso in as many opportunities in 2026. His indomitable spirit, combined with elite technique, has positioned Veloso atop all open class discussions, with two major events remaining this season.

 

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