The IBJJF Grand Prix features an eight-man invitational bracket poised to deliver intense action. Elite athletes, each representing a distinct academy, are slated to compete under an absolute ruleset amidst the bright lights of The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California. The world jiu-jitsu spotlight focuses on this special event, showcasing premier competitors across nine matches for the coveted Absolute No-Gi Grand Prix title and $50,000 prize. Grab your tickets or tune in to FloGrappling for live coverage of the prestigious event on February 26th.

The action commences with four compelling quarterfinal bouts. Each matchup has been meticulously arranged to guarantee remarkable excitement and highlight unique narratives. Notably, all three rookie black belt competitors have been assigned seasoned World Champion opponents. The bracket presents an intriguing blend of established champions and ascending stars, all intensely vying for Grand Prix glory.

Victor Hugo vs Marlon Tajik

Victor Hugo welcomes Marlon Tajik to the black belt level for a high-stakes quarterfinal clash. In a bout that highlights the array of Grand Prix talent, an experienced champion converges with a youthful challenger. Victor aims to overwhelm the younger contender, with world-class technique honed through years of competition at the highest level. Meanwhile, Marlon remains intent on presenting himself to the jiu-jitsu scene as a formidable black belt, capable of capturing high-profile wins immediately. This opening-round encounter guarantees explosive engagement between two genuine submission specialists.

Victor embodies the seasoned professional role, boasting a No-Gi Worlds title alongside his four World Championships. Since achieving black belt status in 2019, immediately clinching No-Gi Worlds gold, Victor has consistently bested world-class adversaries. A well-balanced competitor who expertly blends standing and passing techniques with intricate guard play, Victor has the ability to dominate all sectors of a match. Initial expectations are for Victor to utilize his larger frame and passing ability to wear down Marlon, with hopes of overwhelming the newcomer with relentless pressure. Victor certainly possesses the finishing prowess to end the match in exciting fashion, as he has shown countless times before.

Marlon enters the invitational following a phenomenal double-gold triumph at the brown belt No-Gi World Championship. A youthful, athletic competitor whose technical brilliance demands attention, Marlon aims to launch his black belt tenure with a profound statement. Marlon undoubtedly has a difficult matchup against Victor, surely relying upon his endurance and countering ability to withstand early pressure from his adversary. The emergent athlete has proven his keen submission ability at every level of the sport, leading viewers to expect this phenomenon to continue throughout his black belt career. To capture his high-profile victory, Marlon must capitalize on the small windows of opportunity presented by his World Champion opponent.  

Diego Pato vs Pedro Marinho

Across the bracket, Pedro Marinho welcomes Diego Pato to the absolute competition. This contest pits two exceptionally gifted champions against one another, with a notable weight differential and clashing styles, promising remarkable action. The competitor who decisively dictates the style of the bout will likely secure the quarterfinal victory and continue their run towards the Grand Prix title.

Pedro Marinho of Gracie Barra is distinguished by a powerful standing game and relentless passing pressure. His approach embodies the formidable mindset and ability of a former World Champion. Pedro’s 2021 double-gold No-Gi World Championship run highlighted his dominant nature, besting elite competitors en route to a career defining performance. Viewers can expect intimidating standing strategies and constant guillotine threats that underscore Pedro’s dangerous game. A competitor who boasts extensive absolute experience, the Gracie Barra athlete understands the intricacies of imposing his will upon his adversaries. Anticipation is bursting for Pedro to showcase his world-class ability against elite contenders, while the Grand Prix throne lies in the balance.

AOJ’s Diego Pato is renowned for utilizing masterful guard systems and a complex array of leg entanglement techniques. Pato has demonstrated an ability to neutralize larger opponents with intricate offense and perpetual submission threats. A six-time World Champion including two No-Gi World titles, Pato carries the confidence of a proven champion on the world stage. He seems to be in peak form, coming off four major gi-titles in the 2025 campaign to earn Grand Slam Champion status. Beginning this season, Pato secured the light-featherweight title at the 2026 European Championships, decisively proving he remains at the top of his game.  Refocusing into no-gi competition for this Absolute Grand Prix bracket, Pato is determined to continue his spectacular trajectory towards global stardom. Spectators can expect unlimited submission threats from his boundless arsenal, as he aims to ignite the crowd with vicious finishes.

Nick Hartman vs Javier Barter

Two rising forces in the sport, Nick Hartman and Javier Barter, are set for a pivotal first-round duel. Javier announced his presence at last year’s No-Gi World Championships, with a dominant performance in the heavyweight division.  Meanwhile Nick completed a similar showing, capturing the ultra-heavyweight title at the brown belt level. Two electrifying athletes with a knack for submitting their competition collide in this quarterfinal Grand Prix matchup.

Javier Barter, hailing from Panama, brings his newly acquired No-Gi World title into the mix. His imposing demeanor mirrors his physical presence, as Javier relentlessly pursues positional dominance over his opponents. His superior standing attacks and aggressive passing methodologies generate overwhelming pressure. As seen in his aforementioned No-Gi Worlds performance, Javier possesses keen back taking ability in combination with reliable finishing mechanics that frequently spell the end of the road for his opponents. Facing a well-balanced contender, Javier is expected to navigate the complex guard play that Nick utilizes, culminating in an intriguing stylistic matchup. Javier enters the bracket with utmost confidence, as he aims to steal the Grand Prix spotlight and the $50,000 prize.

Nick Hartman, a technical submission artist possessing formidable athleticism, makes his no-gi black belt debut. The Zenith BJJ athlete poses legitimate leg-lock threats and exhibits capable standing skills. Boasting an exceptional color belt career, which showcased dominant control and unique finishing ability, Nick seems primed to translate his prior success into the sport’s highest level. His quarterfinal matchup against Javier projects to showcase opposing styles, as Nick exhibits distinctive guard play to counter Javier’s pressure-based top game. Viewers should maintain awareness around Nick’s leg lock tendencies, as he has a track record of luring opponents into his guard and inverting through for powerful submission sequences. To do so, Nick must first weather the initial storm that Javier is likely to unleash, to showcase his outstanding guard play against the coercion of Javier’s passing prowess.

Michael Pixley vs Devhonte Johnson

Concluding the quarterfinal matchups, Devhonte Johnson challenges Michael Pixley for a semifinal opportunity. In numerous respects, these two athletes exhibit similar preferences for positioning and offensive tactics. Devhonte Johnson, a former No-Gi World Champion, applies consistent pressure through rugged standing techniques and intimidating passing. Similarly, Pixley prefers to exchange offense on the feet, showcasing high-level wrestling and a menacing front-headlock system. This bout is expected to feature back-and-forth action between two exciting contenders.  Ultimately, the athlete that successfully imposes their will is likely to capture the victory and move one step closer to the Grand Prix throne.

Devhonte Johnson exemplifies hard-fought experience at the highest level. The Unity athlete has earned no-gi major titles at European, Pans, and World Championship events.  A daunting competitor with grim intentions, Devhonte employs unyielding pressure whether on his feet or in top positions.  Facing a younger athlete, Devhonte must withstand and counter the offensive onslaught he is likely to face. Devhonte, to his credit, is no stranger to physically taxing matches against vivacious opponents. While this match is anticipated to be a rigorous physical confrontation, Devhonte’s extensive experience at the sport's highest echelon may be the deciding factor. The audience should prepare to witness Devhonte press the action, persistently hunting the submission finish. 

Conversely, Pixley’s supreme confidence, cultivated through an incredible 2025 brown belt season culminating in a No-Gi World Championship, could prove to be the difference maker. The Pedigo Submission Fighting contender consistently delivered dominant performances throughout his color belt career, as he enters the sport’s highest level. Pixley seems primed to commence his black belt career with a career-defining debut against Devhonte. Pixley is known for employing his high-level wrestling technique to assume dominant positions and capture quick finishes. Viewers should be keen to his front-headlock position, which includes devastatingly swift guillotine and darce finishes. Pixley’s black belt debut commences with an opening-round contest that is certain to provide spectators with explosive action.

Regardless of how the quarterfinal contests conclude, the semifinals will present another round of captivating matchups and narratives. Elite athletes who advance will earn a second high-stakes encounter with world-class competition. Each progression escalates the stakes and the accompanying pressure. With $50,000 awaiting the victor, the Absolute Grand Prix competitors are guaranteed to bring their top form to the mats.

The final five matches guarantee to enthrall spectators with a combination of exceptional physicality and technical mastery. All eight competitors certainly possess the ability to seize the Absolute No-Gi -Grand Prix title and global recognition. Be sure to mark your calendars to witness the unique IBJJF Grand Prix event, presented by Kingz, Fuji, and Wilner & O’Reily. For tickets to the special event visit here, or tune into the exclusive FloGrappling live stream on February 26th.