The global jiu-jitsu scene prepares to witness history in the making on days four and five of Pans.  The sport's foremost athletes and premier stars are slated to contend for the second major title of the season.  The prestigious event generates an incredible opportunity for fans to experience thrilling action from the highest echelon in jiu-jitsu.

Male Roosterweight

A supremely talented roosterweight division, featuring five former World Champions, is poised to deliver explosive action. Fourteen elite technicians converge on the mat, vying for a podium finish at the season’s second major tournament. Reigning roosterweight World Champion and Alliance standout, Jalen Fonacier, headlines the division following his dominant performance at the European Championships in January.  Notably, Jalen returns to the Pans event that began his incredible 2025 success, with homes of repeating his triumph. No-Gi World Champion Marcos Gomes of AOJ has enlisted in the 127lb roosterweight division, despite having competed primarily in the light-featherweight (141lb) and featherweight (154lb) brackets throughout her career. Carlos ‘Bebeto’ Oliveira joins the major title contention boasting impressive prior accolades such as No-Gi World Champion, Gi World Champion, and Pan Champion honors. Thalison Soares enters the event as a formidable presence with extensive experience at the highest echelons of the sport. Thalison secured World Championship status in 2022, preceding his Pans title achievement in 2024. Two-time No-Gi World Champion, Everton Teixeira, completes an exceptional roster of roosterweight World Champions ready to augment their impressive resumes with another major title. Lucas Castro, Samuel Marquez, Bruno Sena, and Rodrigo Otavio represent a fearsome collection of dark-horses who are fully capable of achieving a deep run to the podium. The roosterweight division is one of the event’s most anticipated brackets, showcasing accomplished and thrilling athletes who are certain to command the Pans spotlight.

 

Male Light-Featherweight

The light-featherweight division features twenty-one of the world’s top 141lb athletes. Diego Pato is expected to deliver another exhilarating performance as he aims to extend his major championship streak. Pato has triumphed at every major event since the 2024 Pans, accumulating an astounding seven major titles within that short span. The four-time World Champion maintains consistent success at Pans, having secured gold in 2021, 2024, and 2025. Fellow reigning Pans champion, Rerisson Gabriel, returns to major competition carrying high expectations. His dynamic guard play and potent submission ability establish the Alliance athlete as a clear favorite for a podium finish. Cleber Sousa, also representing Alliance, enters the light-featherweight division as a former Brasileiro Champion and Worlds medalist. Malachi Edmond continues his relentless pursuit of a major championship in 2026, following his recent bronze medal at the European Championships. The Team Lloyd Irvin product possesses extensive high-level experience as a former European Champion and World silver medalist. Gustavo Ogawa, a young and dangerous contender on the rise from AOJ, competes in the light-featherweight division after earning a silver medal at the European Championships. Anderson Duarte of Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu poses a serious threat, capable of derailing his opponents' championship ambitions. Anderson is coming off an impressive performance at the Salvador Fall Open just a few weeks ago, a result that undoubtedly bolsters his confidence ahead of his Pans contention. Arta’s Shoya Ishiguro hopes to achieve a breakthrough moment on the major circuit by capturing a Pans title. Shoya is a former European silver and bronze medalist, and a Worlds bronze medalist in 2025. Representing the emerging wave of talent from Asia, Shoya stands as a serious contender poised to retain podium honors this weekend. Keven Carrasco from Ares BJJ, Junior Righetti of Alliance, and CheckMat’s Rodnei Barbosa exemplify the immense depth of talent present in the 141lb weight class.

 

Male Featherweight

An elite contingent of featherweight competitors is set to clash in Florida, all striving for the coveted Pans Champion status. Kennedy Maciel and Cole Abate return to major competition following their intense European Championship finals match. Kennedy now enters the event with a formidable resume as a two-time European Champion, No-Gi World Champion, and Pans Champion, leading to lofty expectations. Cole Abate recently secured a notable superfight victory at the IBJJF Grand Prix. The reigning lightweight Crown Champion, two-time No-Gi World Champion, and Brasileiro Champion joins the division as a marquee athlete with early projections favoring his podium placement. Reigning featherweight World Champion Joao ‘Bisnaga’ Mendes has enlisted in the Pans competition, marking his first major title pursuit of the 2026 season. Bisnaga’s proven guard play and strategic mastery will certainly present substantial challenges for the rest of the stacked bracket. Former World and Crown Champion Sam Nagai rejoins the major title circuit in the featherweight division. The Inevat BJJ product is expected to showcase the dynamic athleticism and relentless submission ability for which he has become notorious. Ademir Barreto of GF Team looks to capture the first major title of his career. Ademir possesses the requisite championship experience needed to topple the division’s favorites and claim his breakthrough moment. Dudu Granzotto enters Pans with heightened confidence after several impressive performances at Open events to inaugurate his 2026 campaign. Israel Almeida, Ismael Santos, and Sebastian Serpa are formidable threats prepared to make a significant impact in a talented featherweight division.

 

Male Lightweight

An impressive array of lightweight competitors is garnering significant attention leading up to the Pans. Jackson Nagai, the 2024 middleweight World and Pans Champion, enters the division as a highly experienced and exciting athlete. Jackson consistently delivers remarkable action and promises a list of potentially thrilling matchups. Will Wilson returns to major contention following his outstanding gold medal performance at the European Championships in January. Will’s masterful guard play and overpowering top pressure position him as a favorite to secure a podium placement in Florida. An ascending talent from Marcio Andre Jiu-Jitsu is set to make his black belt major debut. Tarcisio Santos has made a profound impression at the start of his black belt career with dominant performances at the Orange County, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles Opens in 2026. Notably, he has defeated numerous top athletes across various weight classes, generating a wave of excitement around his inaugural major title bid. Pablo Lavaselli is another athlete making significant noise in the Open circuit in 2026. Pablo’s resurgence in adult competition is a welcome sight for fans who appreciate highly technical and submission-oriented jiu-jitsu. His teammate, Mateo Cardona, narrowly missed gold in Europe, resulting in a silver medal at his first major title opportunity. Mateo is certain to bring immense vigor and motivation to the event as he strives for redemption and the 2026 Pans title. Julio Arantes of Vision returns to Pans after earning the bronze medal in the last edition. Sandrey Silva’s thrilling jiu-jitsu will be on full display in the lightweight division as he aims to upset the competition en route to claiming a podium placement. Mateus Moraes undoubtedly possesses the capability to navigate the talented lightweight division and contend vigorously for the Pans title. Danilo Moreira, Fabyury Khrysthyan, and Igor Feliz are competitors to watch, capable of significantly disrupting early projections. The 168lb weight class is guaranteed to offer intense action and world-class skill across the twenty-eight man bracket.

 

Male Middleweight

Tainan Dalpra spearheads an impressive cast of middleweights heading into Florida for the 2026 Pans. Tainan boasts an exceptional resume at Pans, including four titles and an unblemished 15-0 record at the black belt level. Following a remarkable showing at the European Championships in January, Tainan has fixed his attention on the season’s second major event. The three-time World Champion, representing AOJ, is widely expected to maintain his outstanding form as he contests for his sixth consecutive major title. Team Lloyd Irvin standout Elijah Dorsey returns to major contention at an event where he achieved phenomenal success during his color belt tenure. To secure his first Pans title at the black belt level, Elijah will undoubtedly rely on his aggressive passing prowess and robust submission systems. Pablo Oliveira secured a bronze medal in Europe before channeling his focus toward Pans for a chance to clinch his first black belt major title. Six Blades standout athlete Leo Souza draws substantial recognition with his thrilling style and lethal submission skills. Matheus Luna makes his major debut in 2026, following a bronze medal performance at the No-Gi World Championships in December. Gabriel Galvao is surely exuding confidence ahead of Pans, coming off resounding performances at the Curitiba and Teresopolis Opens. Rafael Borges, Lucas Foguinho, and Thiago Saboia are among the world-class contenders vying fiercely for the Pans middleweight title. The division has largely remained under the authoritative control of Tainan Dalpra, though a younger generation of talent continues to elevate their game in hopes of dethroning the middleweight king.

 

Male Medium-Heavyweight

The medium-heavyweight division is projected to be one of the most intensely competitive brackets of the entire tournament. Notable entrants include Wallisson Oliveira, Tommy Langaker, Uanderson Ferreira, Sebastian Guevara, Luccas Lira, and Enderson Dias. Wallison possesses an established winning pedigree as a former No-Gi World Champion and Gi Worlds medalist. Tommy Langaker presents one of the most compelling storylines entering the event, as the European star makes his return to major competition following a debilitating bicep injury at the 2025 No-Gi Euros. As a former No-Gi Worlds and No-Gi Euros Champion, Tommy unquestionably holds the skill and experience necessary to make an impactful statement at Pans. Uanderson Ferreira spearheads the charge of young, athletic competitors aiming to make a huge impact in the medium-heavyweight division. Representing Carlson Gracie Team, Uanderson has exhibited champion-level skills despite settling for bronze finishes at Brasileiros and two European Championships. Enderson Dias, a consistent presence on the open circuit, targets his first major title at the black belt level. Luccas Lira seeks to maintain his top form after an impressive showing at the Miami Open earlier this season. GF Team’s Sebastian Guevara is a dangerously skilled medium-heavyweight who often flies under the radar. Pedro Silva from AOJ and Alex Munis representing Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu aspire to play the role of spoilers en route to a fiercely contested podium placement. Exciting matchups are guaranteed to amplify the buzz surrounding the medium-heavyweight division at the 2026 Pans.

 

Male Heavyweight

Heavyweight aspirants converge in Florida for the chance to seize the coveted Pans title. Francisco Papasidero rides a wave of momentum into the event, having secured early 2026 victories at the Albuquerque, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, San Jose, and Sacramento open events. Papasidero’s game has appeared exceptionally sharp across all facets, highlighted by his intricate guard passing and masterful scrambling ability. Rider Zuchi, a competitor steeped in championship experience, is prepared to display his potent skillset and physically commanding style. With a Brasileiros title, a European silver medal, and multiple Worlds podium placements to his credit, Rider is unequivocally focused on securing his first Pans gold medal at the black belt level. Mateus Rodrigues enters the Pans heavyweight division with demonstrated success in the last two iterations of the event. His 2024 Pans gold medal performance signaled a breakthrough for the AOJ competitor, which was followed by a bronze medal finish in last season’s event. Gracie Barra’s Lucas Norat returns to Pans holding two bronze medals from previous campaigns, hoping to capture his inaugural major title at the black belt level. Lucas Calado, a proven force on the open circuit, joins the major title contention with his sights firmly fixed on topping the podium. Igor Ribeiro, the 2025 Sul-Americano Champion, represents Team 6 BJJ under the bright lights of the 2026 Pans. Elder Cruz offers a wealth of experience as a two-time No-Gi World Champion, now vying for his first gi major title. Alex Liscano, in his rookie season, intends to make a powerful statement in his inaugural black belt gi major event. The heavyweight division promises relentless action throughout one of the most competitive brackets among the black belt divisions.

 

Male Super-Heavyweight

A highly skilled eight-man super-heavyweight division is set to generate compelling matchups. Nolan Stuart returns to Pans having secured the super-heavyweight title in the previous year's event. Since his Pans triumph, Nolan has gone on to earn a Worlds silver medal and a Crown title. The Brea Jiu-Jitsu competitor aims to reclaim his winning trajectory after taking the bronze medal at the European Championships in January. Vinicius Liberati clinched his breakthrough moment at the 2026 European Championships with a super-heavyweight gold medal. An explosive athlete known for his formidable top pressure, Vinicius is certainly a frontrunner to secure a podium placement at Pans. Gabriel Veloso, the 2026 Euros open class champion, returns to action with his eyes set on securing another major title. Gabriel is in the midst of a soaring trajectory as he continues what appears to be a breakout campaign in 2026 for the Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu contender. Harryson Pereira, representing Ataque Duplo, brings extensive championship experience and world-class technique to the super-heavyweight division. Having achieved podium honors at all four major events, Harryson is back to clinch the Pans title in electrifying fashion. Windson Torres from Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu remains a formidable opponent, thanks to his dynamic athleticism and powerful passing ability. A small yet highly skilled group of super-heavyweights prepares to collide in Florida for the season’s second major title.

 

Male Ultra-Heavyweight

The premier ultra-heavyweight competitors re-enter the major title contention, each hoping to add a Pans Championship to their accomplished resume. Seif-Eddine Houmine, fresh off his European title, is back to capture his second major title of the season. The former World Champion appeared to be an unstoppable force in the super-heavyweight division at Euros, and he is projected to top the podium once more at Pans. Lucas Montalvão, the 2024 No-Gi World Champion and 2025 Pans bronze medalist, joins the ultra-heavyweight division with high aspirations. Possessing an imposing physical presence coupled with a strong standing and passing skillset, Lucas holds the capacity to significantly disrupt the bracket en route to a Pans title. Luis ‘Cantareira’ Fernando, representing Team 6 BJJ, has the proven pedigree required to secure his first Pans title. The 2025 European double-gold champion and Worlds medalist is slated to make his 2026 major event debut. Cantareira skillfully combines imposing passing pressure with intricate guard play to constantly challenge his opponents and deliver spectacular action. Anderson Kauan and Lele Manara are competitors on the watchlist, possessing the ability to upset some of the division favorites. The ultra-heavyweight title will likely be determined through Seif-Eddine’s path, who faces a difficult assortment of potential matchups.

 

Female Roosterweight

Elite female roosterweights return to the action at the 2026 Pans. With reigning World Champion Mayssa Bastos moving up into the light-featherweight division, the roosterweight field is projected to showcase a highly competitive pursuit for the title. Jessica Caroline enters the event with distinct confidence as the division’s top seed and reigning Pans champion. The Pax Jiu-Jitsu athlete commences the bracket opposite the current European Champion, Thaís Loureiro. Thaís performed exceptionally well at Euros earlier this season, clinching the gold medal through razor-sharp execution. Mariana Rolszt, representing Gracie Humaita, returns to major title contention as the category’s #3 seed. The roosterweight division unequivocally features effective guard play and elite tactical awareness. Spectators are guaranteed to witness high-level technique as the category’s top athletes contend for Pans glory.

 

Female Light-Featherweight

The light-featherweight division is spearheaded by a duo of dominant AOJ athletes. Mayssa Bastos is moving up a division to challenge the world’s best 118lb competitors. With vast championship experience as a six-time World Champion, Mayssa possesses the technical, tactical, and physical abilities required to capture the light-featherweight title. Her teammate and rising sensation, Ashlee Funegra, returns to major event competition following her dominant performance at the European Championships. Ashlee competed in three fights in Lisbon, securing two submission finishes, including a lapel choke in the finals to claim her first major title in the gi. Ashlee utilizes potent guard attacks and masterful top control to ultimately execute her devastating backtake and armbar systems. Brenda Larissa, the reigning Brasileiro Champion, enters the light-featherweight division with high expectations. The Alliance product has a proven record of success in major competition, notching seven grand slam medals since 2023. Andressa Guirau, a Barreto athlete, joins the Pans title hunt as the current World silver medalist. Yasmyn Castro of Marcio Andre and Josefine Modig of CheckMat represent talented young athletes whose skill levels are rapidly ascending. The light-featherweight bracket showcases highly technical and experienced competitors vying for the Pans title on days 4 and 5 of the prestigious event.

 

Female Featherweight

The female featherweight category introduces a number of rising stars with intense aspirations of securing the year's second major event title. Larissa Campos, representing Lebre Jiu-Jitsu, is slated to headline the division as the reigning World Champion and former Pan Champion. Larissa displays a well-rounded attack coupled with high-level tactics that she will undoubtedly rely on to fend off a group of young and hungry competitors. Margot Ciccarelli of AOJ returns to major competition as an experienced and masterful technician. A former European Champion and two-time Worlds bronze medalist, Margot aims to commence her grand slam season on a triumphant note. Her potential second-round matchup against Beatriz Gutierrez promises relentless action. As the brown belt Worlds silver medalist, Beatriz aims to secure her first black belt major title in Florida. Tri-Force standout Eonju Im enters the bracket as the #3 seed among thirteen competitors. Abbie O’toole, Tayler Polhamus, and Lauren Sognefest join the division hoping to dramatically alter the bracket with resounding success.

 

Female Lightweight

Eight competitors are scheduled to contend for the 2026 Pan lightweight title. Sarah Galvão and Janaina Lebre headline the division, with many fans anticipating a potential finals rematch from the Crown last December. Sarah has been on an incredible run early in her black belt career, claiming No-Gi Pans, Crown, and European titles. Most recently at Euros, Sarah overwhelmed the lightweight division with the dynamic passing and submission ability for which she has quickly become renowned. Sarah also competed in the open division, securing multiple victories before settling for a silver medal in a closely fought finals matchup against Gabi Pessanha. The jiu-jitsu community is certainly eager to witness Sarah’s second major gi event outing at the black belt level. Janaina Lebre boasts a remarkable resume, highlighted by victories at all four grand slam events in 2025. The Lebre Jiu-Jitsu athlete possesses the technical and physical prowess necessary to successfully retain her Pans title. This event will provide the world’s first glimpse of Janaina in 2026, and anticipation is surging for the proven phenom to once again take the mats in pursuit of a Pans title. Sabrina Gondim of Fights Sports and Beatriz Jin are set to collide in a first-round matchup that is expected to be filled with relentless action. Tamara Toros and Mayara Santos meet in the opening round for what projects to be another intriguing duel. The lightweight division is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated categories in the female field.

 

Female Middleweight

The female middleweight division is projected to be one of the most competitive brackets in the entire tournament. Rising phenoms Lillian Marchand, Aghata Rabelo, and Gisele Menezes represent young athletes possessing immense talent. Lillian Marchand, an Atos Dream Team member, burst onto the black belt scene at the 2025 No-Gi Worlds event in December, where she dominated the middleweight division en route to claiming her first black belt major title. Aghata Rabelo of CheckMat has consistently demonstrated the skill level required to contend with elite athletes under the brightest lights. Gisele Menzes of GF Team enters the event as the reigning middleweight Pans Champion, generating high expectations for the young standout. The most proven high-level athlete in the middleweight division remains Elisabeth Clay. The Six-Blades star is fresh off an incredible double-gold performance at No-Gi Worlds, where she stunned the world with remarkable victories over many of the sport's foremost female competitors. Refocusing on gi competition, Elisabeth promises more action-packed matches against elite-level opponents. She enters the division as the top seed and is expected to continue her impressive run of major event success.

Female Medium-Heavyweight

A compact yet highly talented medium-heavyweight division features standout athletes such as Denise Krahn and Maca Vicentini. Denise is energized following her incredible European Championship performance, where she defeated several elite-level opponents. The Hilti BJJ representative secured her first black belt major title in January and returns to grand slam competition with the aspiration of continuing a breakthrough campaign. Maca Vicentini of AOJ joins the medium-heavyweight division as another favorite to top the podium. As the reigning Brasileiro and Pans Champion, Maca possesses the proven capability to secure a third major title at the black belt level. Barbara Gonçalves, Olivia Schauer, Elizabeth Mitrovic, and Kauane Ramos complete a very intriguing medium-heavyweight division.

 

Female Heavyweight

Larissa Dias of Elementum Jiu-Jitsu headlines the heavyweight division as a two-time Pans and reigning World Champion. Larissa has a demonstrated history of delivering astonishing performances when competing under the high-pressure environment of a grand slam event. Leticia Teixeira, an Atos Dream Team standout, joins the major gi circuit possessing the skill level necessary to contend fiercely for the Pans title. Maria Malyjasiak of Abmar Barbosa Association enters the competition as the #2 ranked heavyweight. As a former Brasileiro Champion and 2025 Pans runner-up, Maria has the experience and technical ability to mount a strong challenge for her first Pans title. Karoline Caramori, Simone Abreu, and Maria Fragroso represent potential upset contenders in the heavyweight mix.

 

Female Super-Heavyweight

The female super-heavyweight division presents a concise field of four athletes with superb ability. Gabi Pessanha enters Pans as the overwhelming favorite to once again capture the super-heavyweight title. The ten-time World Champion and nine-time Pans Champion is slated to contend for both her weight class and the open division titles. Gabi has secured the title every year since 2021, which remains the only iteration in which she did not also claim the open category gold medal. Maria Alencar presents a formidable challenge as a young and athletic competitor. The 2025 brown belt World Champion makes her gi major debut in Florida with high expectations of contending for the gold medal. Bridgett Brumbaugh and Rose Walsh complete the super-heavyweight division, which is projected to remain firmly under the control of Gabi Pessanha.

 

Tune in to FloGrappling to ensure you witness all the historic black belt action on days 4 and 5 of the 2026 Pans.