Black Belt Masters Recap | 2026 European Championships
Black Belt Masters Highlight Performances
The black belt masters divisions offered thrilling action on days three and four of the 2026 European Championships. Proven veterans, former champions, and legends of the sport displayed beautiful jiu-jitsu across seven masters divisions representing timeless technique and everlasting spirit. The fans brought extraordinary energy, rivaled only by the athletes themselves. Catch the following highlight performers, as well as their fellow master athletes replays, exclusively on FloGrappling.
Euclides Castro

Euclides Castro dominated the master 1 division with immense pressure and flawless technique, securing an impressive double-gold medal haul. He initiated his European Championships run in the ultra-heavyweight division, where he submitted all three opponents via lapel choke, highlighted by expert back takes and efficient finishes. The open division saw Euclides compete in three additional matches, starting with Leonardo Costa, the sole competitor to withstand the full match duration, resulting in a decisive ten-point victory for Euclides. He then executed a critical straight armlock finish with just fourteen seconds remaining while trailing on points, securing his spot in the final. Euclides concluded his day precisely as he started, submitting his final opponent with a lapel choke to achieve double-gold honors. Euclides demonstrated fluid, yet powerful jiu-jitsu on his way to capturing two titles at the 2026 European Championships, solidifying his status as a standout athlete of the event.
Megaton Dias

Megaton Dias marked his twenty-second consecutive appearance at the European Championships. He made his master 7 debut in the lightweight division with yet another spectacular gold medal-winning performance. Across three matches, Megaton secured three impressive submissions, starting with a lapel choke over Donal Whyte. The semi-finals saw Megaton secure an impressive armbar submission, leading to his master 7 lightweight final against Andrew Ayres. Megaton sealed his European Championship title with another armbar from the mount position, proving his classic jiu-jitsu style is truly timeless. The Gracie Humaita legend adds another major title to his illustrious career as both an adult and master's competitor.
João Miyao

João Miyao of Cisero Costha made his much-anticipated return to the European Championships after two consecutive silver medal finishes. His first round match against Omar Alfaro concluded quickly with a devastating footlock, ensuring João’s path to the finals. Jose Jeovan provided a stiff challenge for the master 1 light-featherweight gold, with the match ultimately ending in an advantage victory for Miyao. This master's title surely provided relief for João, having narrowly missed gold in the event for the past two years. His legendary career persists as he aims to secure additional major titles in 2026 and defend his back-to-back World Championship titles.
Christine Martin

Christine Martin of Allegiance Jiu-Jitsu exhibited stunning jiu-jitsu throughout her 2026 European Championship campaign. Competing in the master 1 featherweight division, Christine secured her place in the final after a hard-fought first-round victory via advantage. The finals match witnessed Christine capture the gold medal by submitting Sara Leandro with a devastating kimura from the triangle position. With the weight division gold secured, Christine entered the master 1 open class for three more matches. After accumulating sixteen unanswered points across two matches, Christine clinched the title with a spectacular knee bar in the final. Her 2026 European Championship run comprised five matches with two finals submissions, culminating in her leaving Lisbon as a double-gold champion.
Bibiano Fernandes

Bibiano Fernandes, the multi-time adult World Champion competitor, returned to IBJJF action in the master 4 featherweight division after nearly a two-year hiatus. Bibiano, celebrated for his dynamic and relentless approach, certainly delivered with electrifying finishes. His first three opponents were all submitted by armbar, starting with a flying variation to kick off his day. Bibiano ultimately secured the gold medal with a crucial advantage victory, claiming the first European Championship of his storied career. Bibiano continues to inspire competitive athletes with his thrilling performances, much to the delight of jiu-jitsu fans worldwide. He returns to Flash Academy with a major title and immense recognition for his exceptional showing at the 2026 Euros.
Sergio Rios

Alliance standout Sergio Rios delivered a phenomenal performance in the master 2 heavyweight division. He earned four victories in his weight class, punctuated by an opening-round armbar and a finals triangle submission that secured the heavyweight gold. Sergio's open division run featured two matches, starting with a beautiful back take leading to a lapel choke submission, before defeating Claudenis Fernandes by points to capture his second gold medal of the day. Sergio showcased his signature exciting and unorthodox style, proving his unique game is genuinely world-class.
Jonas Andrade

Jonas Andrade made a spectacular master's debut at the 2026 European Championships. He secured the master 1 light-featherweight title by finishing all three of his matches via submission. The Humbling Jiu-Jitsu Club athlete expertly deployed a range of submissions including a bow-and-arrow choke, a straight ankle lock, and a triangle armbar. Jonas emphatically established his dominant presence in the master's division after years of success at the adult level, marking an exciting new chapter in his decorated career.
Jussier Formiga

American Top Team standout, Jussier Formiga, claimed the master 2 light-featherweight title in a compelling performance. Jussier achieved three submissions in three attempts, captivating spectators and reinforcing his world-class technique. Jussier initiated his run with two armbar finishes, leading to a head and arm choke against Reiss Bailey to secure the European title. Jussier not only demonstrated superior finishing systems but also maintained relentless control over his opponents. His outstanding performance at the first major event of 2026 generates heightened anticipation for his ongoing career in the masters divisions.
Suyan Queiroz

Suyan Queiroz, representing Carlson Gracie Team, entered the master 5 lightweight division at the European Championships. Suyan came into the competition having secured all four major titles in 2025, leading to significant expectations for his season debut. He certainly did not disappoint, utilizing his elite passing pressure to secure two bow-and-arrow chokes to start his day. Suyan maintained his dominant run through the finals with a points victory over Alexandre Araujo, capturing his first major title of the 2026 season. Suyan embodies the world-class technique and winning mentality of a World Champion as he aims to further expand his extensive resume.
Ivan Leal

Gracie Barra’s Ivan Leal completed a formidable run through the master 4 super-heavyweight division, earning four victories en route to the gold medal. James Faulkner was the only opponent to last the distance with Ivan, who managed to secure three impressive armbar finishes in his weight division. He carried the momentum from his heavyweight title directly into the master 4 open division, securing two more submissions and double-gold honors. Ivan takes particular pride in his performance, having earned bronze medals in the last two editions of the European Championships, this time departing Portugal with a pair of coveted gold medals.
Sarah Block

Six Blades athlete Sarah Block secured the master 2 lightweight title. Sarah commenced her run with a beautiful lapel choke from her guard, before earning a spot in the finals with a triangle armbar in the semi-finals. Her final match against Mariachiara Borella proved to be a grueling contest, with Sarah ultimately winning the match by two points. Sarah is now a two-time master's European Champion and the reigning master's World Champion, as she looks ahead to claiming more major titles.
Omar Salum

Omar Salum masterfully employed his championship experience and keen winning instincts, culminating in a stellar double-gold performance at the European Championships. Representing Gracie Humaita, Omar's campaign began decisively in the master 5 light-featherweight division, securing a rapid twenty-second lapel choke from the back. He advanced to claim the light-featherweight title following an injury and closeout victories, perfectly setting the stage for his open class pursuit. Omar deployed his high-level tactical prowess to outscore and out-position his adversaries, suffering only a tough semi-final loss to Roberto Godoi. Nevertheless, a double disqualification in the open finals presented Omar with a final opportunity to seize double-gold. His championship instincts were once again paramount in a fiercely contested final that concluded with a referee decision victory for Omar. The Gracie Humaita athlete concluded his demanding seven-match day by earning a pair of gold medals at the master 5 level.
Catch the replays from these highlight performers and all the master athletes on FloGrappling.