The 2026 World Championships prepares to host the globe’s top jiu-jitsu athletes at the Pyramid in Long Beach, CA. Elite black belts are poised to deliver intense action with prestigious World titles hanging in the balance. Catch all the action beginning on Saturday (5/30) with black belt finals day on Sunday (5/31), airing live on FloGrappling. Prepare with a full-division breakdown of each black belt weight class as the jiu-jitsu spotlight focuses on the 30th anniversary of the World Championships.

 

Male

Roosterweight

World Champion: Jalen Fonacier

European Champion: Jalen Fonacier

Pan Champion: Marcos Gomes

Brasileiro Champion: Italo Almeida

The 127lb division has seen three distinct champions in 2026, and welcomes three former World Champions back to the division. Jalen Fonacier of Alliance receives the top-rank as the reigning roosterweight World Champion. Jalen showcases a well-balanced game with an established submission arsenal and plus back taking ability. Carlos ‘Bebeto’ Oliveira secured his World title in 2024, and returned to last year’s event with a silver medal performance. The GF Team athlete captured a Pan silver medal this season, as he attempts to claim his second World title. Thalison Soares of AOJ is the third returning World Champion in the roosterweight division. Thalison earned his World title in 2022 and has added Pan, European, and Brasileiro titles since then. Jalen defeated both Thalison and Bebeto in the last edition of the World Championships, and with Marcos Gomes out of the competition, potential rematches are likely to take place. The roosterweight division is one of the deepest brackets of the event with serious contenders such as Italo Almeida, Everton Teixeira, Shay Montague, Yuri Hendrex, and further world-class athletes set their sights on the World podium.

 

Light-Featherweight

World Champion: Diego Pato

European Champion: Diego Pato

Pan Champion: Diego Pato

Brasileiro Champion: Rerisson Gabriel

The light-featherweight division has been under the control of Diego Pato in recent years. The AOJ star has secured four of the last five World Championship titles in the division, and intends to claim his fifth World title this season. Gui Mendes, Diego Pato, and Robson Moura are currently tied for the most light-featherweight World titles in IBJJF history, providing Pato with an opportunity to rewrite the history books in 2026. Rerisson Gabriel remains a significant threat, as the Alliance athlete secured the upset victory over Pato in the Brasileiro final just a few weeks ago. Surely this is a rematch that Pato has highlighted, as he attempts to add another Grand Slam event title to his extensive resume. Clever Sousa, Malachi Edmond, and Gustavo Ogawa represent dangerous competitors in the 141lb bracket. Shoya Ishiguro also rejoins the division as a reigning medalist in each of the last four major events. The light-featherweight division projects to return to Diego Pato and AOJ, however, the dangerous field presents a number of upset-worthy athletes.

 

Featherweight

World Champion: João Mendes

European Champion: Kennedy Maciel

Pan Champion: Cole Abate

Brasileiro Champion: Meyram Maquiné 

The featherweight division consistently offers one of the most competitive brackets at each event. The 2026 Worlds projects to continue the trend with three returning World Championships and a collection of strong contenders. João ‘Bisnaga’ Mendes enters as the reigning World Champion who displays intricate guard play and strong strategic awareness. Sam Nagai is back in the division after securing his title in 2022. The CheckMat representative utilizes his athleticism to deliver dynamic performances and phenomenal submission ability. Meyram Maquiné represents the third World Champion in the bracket, as he returns to claim a potential third triumph at the event. The Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu icon has earned World titles in both  the featherweight and lightweight divisions, proving his ability to contend with the globe’s top athletes across weight divisions. Cole Abate of AOJ has a proven ability to beat world-class competition, as he has secured Brasileiro and Pan titles in his career. The young competitor has extensive experience on the biggest stages, proven by his Crown triumph late last year. Mateo Cardona, Eduardo Dudu, Marco Mendes, Admir Barreto, and Cleison Gabriel illustrate the depth of talent in the 154lb division. Featherweight action is must-watch competition at the 2026 Worlds with a number of intense matches guaranteed to thrill viewers.

 

Lightweight

World Champion: Matheus Gabriel

European Champion: Will Wilson

Pan Champion: Jackson Nagai

Brasileiro Champion: Andy Murasaki

The lightweight division remains one of the most anticipated divisions of the entire event. CheckMat competitors Matheus Gabriel and Jackson Nagai enter as the two former World Champions in the bracket, who are chased by a wave of up-and-coming athletes. Matheus Gabriel is a two-time World Champion with elite technique and strong strategic skills who is known for being stingy in giving up points. Jackson Nagai utilizes a relentless pace and a deep submission arsenal to overwhelm his opponents. Jackson secured his World title in the middleweight division and enters the 2026 edition aiming to add a lightweight title to his illustrious career. Andy Murasaki of AOJ demands specific attention as a 4x World silver medalist and an elite-level athlete. Andy blends athleticism, pacing, and technique to consistently deliver thrilling bouts under the brightest lights. Up-and-coming talent such as Tarcisio Santos, Will Wilson, and Leo Souza aim to upset the division favorites, establishing themselves as elite black belt champions. Pedro Maia, Pablo Lavaselli, and Lucas Protasio provide world-class depth to the remarkable division. Will the lightweight division witness a repeat champion, does Andy Murasaki breakthrough with his first World Championship, or does a shining prospect make a huge statement at the 2026 Worlds?

 

Middleweight

World Champion: Tainan Dalpra 

European Champion: Tainan Dalpra

Pan Champion: Tainan Dalpra

Brasileiro Champion: Tainan Dalpra 

Tainan Dalpra has established himself as the most dominant middleweight of his generation. The AOJ star has secured three World Championship titles and captured his record second Grand Slam title in 2026. With all three major events secured this year, Tainan aims to continue his domination with another Worlds triumph. Most notably, Tainan displays phenomenal technique that blends top pressure with intricate sweeping ability while maintaining a submission-oriented mindset. The runner-up at the Brasileiro and European Championship events, Jose Steve, enlists in the division as the #3 seed. The DreamArt athlete completes his rookie season at the black belt level and pursues his first major event gold medal. Elijah Dorsey of Team Lloyd Irvin remains a significant threat in the middleweight division. Elijah had a great performance at the 2026 Pans, securing a silver medal in a points loss to Tainan in the finals. Gabriel Machado, Pablo Oliveira, and Matheus Luna enter as dangerous contenders with the ability to shock the world. Tainan Dalpra remains the major storyline of the division as he chases a fourth World title to bolster his legendary resume.

 

Medium-Heavyweight

World Champion: Jansen Gomes

European Champion: Eduardo Alves

Pan Champion: Enderson Dias

Brasileiro Champion: Alex Munis

The medium-heavyweight division projects to be one of the most competitive brackets of the event. Jansen Gomes returns to the event after having tasted Worlds gold on two occasions. The CheckMat phenom has captured lightweight and medium-heavyweight World titles as he sets his sights on a third triumph. Jansen utilizes supreme athleticism to overwhelm his opponents with offense before hunting submission finishes. Eduardo Alves of CheckMat, Enderson Dias of Elementum, and Alex Munis of Soldiers are all enlisted in the 195lb division following their major event titles in 2026. Each of the three champions possess the ability to claim the medium-heavyweight World Championship title. Gustavo ‘Braguinha’ Batista receives the #2 seed as a 3x former World Champion athlete. Representing Start Doing, Braguinha has proven his skillset against the sport’s top athletes under the brightest lights. Lucas ‘Hulk’ Barbosa represents the third World Champion in the bracket after having won the event in 2018. Hulk showcases immense athleticism and physicality while maintaining constant forward pressure, making him one of the toughest draws of the bracket. The medium-heavyweight division is drawing significant attention ahead of Saturday’s black belt action, as fans prepare to witness a collection of the globe’s top athletes clash for a World title.

 

Heavyweight

World Champion: Adam Wardzinski

European Champion: Leo Ferreira

Pan Champion: Felipe Assis

Brasileiro Champion: Leo Ferreira

The sport’s top 208lb athletes prepare to contend for the 2026 World Championship title. Felipe Andrew of AOJ enters as the only returning World Champion at the black belt level. Felipe is renowned for elite technique and a dangerous submission arsenal. His return to major competition at the 2026 Brasileiros witnessed the standout athlete in top form, however, a mid-match back injury forced him to withdraw. Just weeks later Felipe returns to Grand Slam event contention with the jiu-jitsu community fully focused on his title bid. Leo Ferreira secures the #2 seed as the reigning European and Brasileiro champion. The Alliance phenom has showcased dominant guard technique and astonishing athleticism throughout the 2026 season, leading many to believe the 2026 Worlds could witness his inaugural World title. Felipe Assis of Alliance displayed his physicality and relentless pace en route to capturing the Pan title earlier this season. Rider Zuchi of Team 6 BJJ has proven he has the ability to upset the division’s favorites. Francisco Papasidero, Nico Maglicic, and Raul Basilio represent dangerous dark horses in a deep heavyweight division.

 

Super-Heavyweight

World Champion: Erich Munis

European Champion: Vinicius Liberati

Pan Champion: Nolan Stuart

Brasileiro Champion: Vinicius Liberati

The super-heavyweight division contains the #1 globally ranked male athlete, Erich Munis. The Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu star is known for elite level guard play and a phenomenal submission arsenal. His six World titles represent a career of execution at the highest level, as he aims to defend both his super-heavyweight and open class World titles this weekend. His teammate, Vinicius Liberati, enters the bracket as the #2 seed as the reigning European and Brasileiro super-heavyweight champion. Vinicius blends dynamic ability with technical prowess to control and finish high level opponents. Nolan Stuart of Brea Jiu-Jitsu receives the #3 seed following his Pan title run this season. Nolan is known for his elite guard play, highlighted by the most dangerous omoplata system in the sport. Harryson Pereira, Windson Torres, and Igor Ribeiro represent dangerous contenders whose eyes are fixated on the World podium.

 

Ultra-Heavyweight

World Champion: Roosevelt Sousa

European Champion: Seif-Eddine Houmine

Pan Champion: Seif-Eddine Houmine

Brasileiro Champion: Gutemberg Pereira 

The ultra-heavyweight division presents a collection of elite athletes vying for the World title. Seif-Eddine enters as the only returning World Champion, capturing his title in 2024. The GF Team standout uses his large frame and suffocating pressure to overwhelm his opponents. Gutemberg Pereira of CheckMat returns to the event following his double-silver performance in the last edition. In total, Gutemberg has collected three silver and one bronze medal at the World Championship event, as he hopes to claim his breakthrough moment under the brightest lights. Marcus ‘Scooby’ Ribeiro of Alliance secures the #3 seed in the division as an elite-level competitor. Scooby brings a wealth of experience into the bracket including a silver and three bronze medals from World Championship competition. Luis Cantareira represents a world-class athlete who projects to reach the podium this weekend. Luis holds a bronze medal from the last edition of the event, hoping to further his success with a World title. The ultra-heavyweight division guarantees thrilling action fueled by intense matchups.

 

Open Class

World Champion: Erich Munis

European Champion: Gabriel ‘Veloso’ Ribeiro

Pan Champion: Gabriel ‘Veloso’ Ribeiro

Brasileiro Champion: Erich Munis

Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu has dominated the open class competition through three major events in 2026. Gabriel ‘Veloso’ Ribeiro commenced the season with absolute triumphs at both the European and Pan Championships. Veloso maintains a well-balanced style with constant forward pressure and suffocating passing techniques. Erich Munis enters as the favorite to capture the title, as he did in the last edition of the event. Erich’s game provides numerous challenges, specifically from his world-renowned lasso system. Gutemberg Pereira secured the silver medal in the division in 2025, and projects to compete fiercely for the top spot in this year’s edition. Marcus ‘Scooby’ Ribeiro has the size and ability to take out anyone in front of him. Scooby is projected to claim a podium placement amongst a collection of the globe’s top talent.

 

Female

Roosterweight

World Champion: Mayssa Bastos

European Champion: Thaís Loureiro

Pan Champion: Ana Lima

Brasileiro Champion: Mayssa Bastos

Mayssa Bastos enters the event with six World titles, the most all-time in roosterweight competition. Mayssa’s guard play is world-renowned and features an intricate berimbolo system. The AOJ icon has never lost in World Championship competition since receiving her black belt seven years ago. Thaís Loureiro holds a victory over Mayssa this season, which came in the European finals. Thaís utilizes her guard to consistently off-balance and attack her opponents. Jessica Caroline of Pax Jiu-Jitsu is a proven veteran with the ability to take out the division favorites. Mariana Rolszt returns to the event after securing the silver medal in the 2025 edition, while Gabrielle Etzel hopes to secure her first World title in 2026. The roosterweight division showcases elite level technique from dynamic athletes who are poised to contend for the most prestigious title in jiu-jitsu. 

 

Light-Featherweight

World Champion: Mia Funegra

European Champion: Ashlee Funegra

Pan Champion: Mayssa Bastos

Brasileiro Champion: Ashlee Funegra 

Ashlee Funegra has thrilled jiu-jitsu fans around the globe with consistent performances on the biggest stages. The 2026 season witnessed the rookie claim European and Brasileiro titles, showcasing her well-balanced attack and submission-oriented style. Maria Luiza of JFC Almeida secures the #2 seed as an experienced competitor with phenomenal technique. The two top seeds clashed in the Brasileiro final with Ashlee securing the decision victory. Brenda Larissa of Alliance receives the #3 seed as a dangerous athlete with a proven ability to secure major championships against elite competition. Andressa Guirau brings a wealth of experience into the bracket, and is coming off Brasileiro and Pan bronze medals this season. Thaynara Victoria rounds out the top five seeds as a dangerous athlete with dynamic submission ability. Many of the top athletes have experience against one another, setting the stage for intense World Championship rematches. 

 

Featherweight

World Champion: Larissa Campos

European Champion: Cassia Moura

Pan Champion: Margot Ciccarelli

Brasileiro Champion: Mia Funegra 

The 129lb division consistently delivers exciting athletes to the World Championship stage. Three separate athletes each claimed a major event title in 2026, leading to a highly competitive Worlds bracket. Mia Funegra returns to the event after securing the light-featherweight title in 2025, becoming the youngest athlete to ever win a World Championship. The AOJ standout now enters the event as the top-seed featherweight with early projections of adding a second World title to her resume. Mia tested the featherweight competition with resounding success at the 2026 Brasileiros, securing the gold medal amidst talented competition. Margot Ciccarelli of AOJ takes the #2 seed as a highly skilled athlete with extensive championship experience. Margot utilizes dangerous guard play to consistently threaten her opponents, and as she showed in her Pan title run, maintains a dominant submission arsenal. Giovannah Oliveira of JFC Almeida is a young and dynamic athlete with the ability to claim a World title, as does Keanna Klay who secured a Pan bronze medal in 2026. Sabrina Gondim, Gabriela Andrelevicius, and Tamara Toros represent significant threats to earn podium placements. 

 

Lightweight

World Champion: Janaina Lebre

European Champion: Sarah Galvão

Pan Champion: Sarah Galvão 

Brasileiro Champion: Sarah Galvão

The lightweight division projects to be a fiercely contested title, specifically highlighting Sarah Galvão and Janaina Lebre. Sarah has secured European, Pan, and Brasileiro titles in 2026 and hopes to complete her Grand Slam event sweep with her first World title. The Atos sensation has taken the jiu-jitsu community by storm since receiving her black belt just a year ago, as she has brought her bright personality and elite ability to the highest level. Janaina enters the event as the reigning lightweight World Champion with a complete skillset. The Alliance representative utilizes intricate guard play to threaten sweeps and submissions with regularity. The two top seeds have met twice within the calendar year, with Sarah claiming a pair of victories during major events. Stephanie Delphine, Beatrice Jin, and Astrid Scholin enter as dark horses in a highly talented lightweight division. Many project a finals rematch between Janaina and Sarah, which would certainly provide thrilling action to the World Championship platform. 

 

Middleweight

World Champion: Thalyta Silva

European Champion: Larissa Martins

Pan Champion: Lillian Marchand

Brasileiro Champion: Elisabeth Clay

The middleweight division projects to be one of the most competitive brackets in the female category. Thalyta Silva enters as the top-seed and reigning World Champion in the division, leading many to believe she will retain her title. Thalyta has not competed in 2026, but remains an early favorite amidst a dangerous field. Elisabeth Clay of Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu claims the #2 seed in the division following her recent Brasileiro title run. Elisabeth is an exciting athlete with a submission-oriented style and the experience to handle the Worlds intensity. The 2026 European Champion, Larissa Martins, returns to the World Championships as the #3 seed in the middleweight division. Larissa has a well-balanced attack with consistent forward pressure and dynamic athletic ability. Lillian Marchand of Atos claims the #4 seed as an up-and-coming black belt with immense talent. Lillian has dangerous attacks from both bottom and top positions, however, her passing ability is what often stands out against the world’s best. Lillian hopes to cap off her rookie season with a World Championship triumph this weekend. The 152lb division is littered with elite athletes and incredible technique, generating specific excitement ahead of Saturday’s contention.

 

Medium-Heavyweight

World Champion: Thamara Ferreira

European Champion: Denise Krahn

Pan Champion: Elizabeth Mitrovic

Brasileiro Champion: Maria Vicentini

Thamara Ferreira returns as the back-to-back medium-heavyweight World Champion. The UAE Jiu-Jitsu star has not competed since the last edition of the event, but maintains a phenomenal game and supreme athleticism. Thamara sets her sights on a third World title amongst a stellar collection of 163lb athletes. Maria ‘Maca’ Vicentini of AOJ claims the #2 seed in the division following her silver medal in the 2024 edition. Maca recently secured the second Brasileiro title of her black belt career with a commanding performance in São Paulo. Ingridd Alves of Guigo JJ brings athleticism and experience to a deep division. Ingridd is a former European and Pan champion and secured a World silver medal in 2025. Melissa Stricker joins the division as the #4 seed and a former World Champion who hopes to extend her illustrious career with another Worlds triumph. Elizabeth Mitrovic and Denise Krahn return to major title contention after both earning Grand Slam event gold medals in 2026. The medium-heavyweight division presents a group of elite athletes aiming to dethrone the two-time World Champion, Thamara Ferreira.

 

Heavyweight

World Champion: Larissa Dias

European Champion: Yara Soares

Pan Champion: Larissa Dias

Brasileiro Champion: Yara Soares

Larissa Dias and Tamiris Silva enter the heavyweight division as two former World Champions. Larissa Dias is the reigning World Champion and the division’s top-seed, as she hopes to defend her throne with another dominant performance. The Elementum Jiu-Jitsu star returned to major title contention at Pans, where she secured the heavyweight title with an impressive performance. Larissa’s top-game is world-renowned and often leads to her incredible submission arsenal. Tamiris Silva enters the event as the #2 seed as the 2024 World Champion. The DreamArt athlete claimed the bronze medal in the 2025 edition, and most recently secured a Brasileiro silver medal. Yara Soares, also of DreamArt, bested Tamiris in the Brasileiro final and takes the #3 seed in the 2026 Worlds bracket. Yara has a proven ability to secure major event titles, and boasts arguably the most dangerous guard system in the heavyweight division. Anabel Lopez, the young CheckMat competitor, hopes to add a World title next to the No-Gi World Championship triumph already on her resume. Maria Alencar of Atos Jiu-Jitsu is a dangerous contender in the division as a dynamic athlete with the ability to upset the division favorites. 

 

Super-Heavyweight

World Champion: Gabi Pessanha

European Champion: Gabi Pessanha

Pan Champion: Gabi Pessanha

Brasileiro Champion: Gabi Pessanha

The super-heavyweight division has been under the control of Gabi Pessanha for the past five years. During that span Gabi has secured ten World titles, tying her for the most all-time, and has never lost as a black belt in Worlds competition. Gabi has also secured all three major event titles in 2026, setting the stage for another World Championship triumph for the Infight star. Notably, Gabi has showcased her full skillset in 2026, utilizing immense top-pressure to work towards a variety of submissions. Tayane Porfirio of Alliance represents the biggest threat to Gabi’s World Championship aspirations. Tayne defeated Gabi in the 2025 Brasileiro finals, proving her ability is more than capable of toppling the super-heavyweight queen. Many fans project a rematch with the prestigious 2026 World Championship title hanging in the balance.

 

Open Class 

World Champion: Gabi Pessanha

European Champion: Gabi Pessanha

Pan Champion: Sarah Galvão

Brasileiro Champion: Gabi Pessanha

The female black belt open class has remained one of the most dominant storylines of the 2026 season. Gabi Pessanha and Sarah Galvão have shined the jiu-jitsu spotlight on the division with exhilarating duels at all three major events this year. Gabi secured the European Championship with an advantage win, Sarah then secured the Pan title with a points victory, and most recently Gabi claimed the Brasileiro title with the most resounding victory in the saga. Fans around the globe project a potential fourth open class finals clash between the two star athletes, with specific intensity in the Worlds atmosphere. Lillian Marchand, Tayane Porfirio, and Yara Soares project to enter a star-studded open class bracket.