A remarkable collection of purple belts prepare to showcase their talent under the bright lights of the 2026 Brasileiros.  Many of the brightest prospects in the sport are currently in the midst of dominant campaigns, as they set their sights on further Grand Slam glory in Sao Paulo.  With so much talent in the purple belt category, the following athletes merely represent the incredible action guaranteed on day five of Brasileiro action.

 

Lucas Yan

The top-ranked purple belt in the world returns to action at the 2026 Brasileiro.  Lucas ‘Bahia’ Yan of BJJ College, is slated to compete for his fourth major title of the season in the middleweight division. Bahia opened his campaign with a dominant performance at the European Championships where he secured a pair of gold medals in the purple belt category. Boasting elite technique and strong strategic fortitude, Bahia secured nine victories and three submissions in Portugal. Returning to major title contention at Pans, the BJJ College athlete struck gold again. Bahia captured five victories in the middleweight division to secure his third major title of his 2026 campaign. Entering Brasileiros as the #1 globally ranked purple belt, anticipation is peaking for the promising young talent to vie for a fourth and possibly fifth Grand Slam event title.

 

India Risby

A dominant force in the female purple belt category has emerged in 2026. India Risby of Atos Jiu-Jitsu has cemented her place atop all female purple belts through two Grand Slam events this season. India entered the year following a gold medal performance at the 2025 Worlds, guaranteeing immense recognition throughout her Grand Slam run in 2026. With such attention, India has elevated her game much to the delight of jiu-jitsu fans around the world. The bright prospect delivered a double-gold performance across eight matches at the European Championships. India then shifted her focus toward Pan competition, where she again surpassed the lofty expectations that were placed upon her shoulders.  India began with a commanding 100% submission rate through three matches in her weight division. She continued with another three victories including two submissions, to secure the open class gold medal. Through two Grand Slam events, India has an unblemished record of 14-0 while adding ten submission finishes. Her incredible campaign continues in Sao Paulo, as she is enlisted in the middleweight division as the top-seed amongst thirty-eight competitors.

 

Kellyson Carlos

An undeniable talent from CheckMat has made a resounding statement through two major events this year. Kellyson Carlos has enjoyed a stellar beginning of his 2026 season, delivering commanding performances at both Pan and European Championship events. Showcasing a well-balanced and high-energy style, Kellyson often utilizes dynamic passing and scrambling ability to out-maneuver his competition. The European Championships offered fans a first-look at the rising prospect’s Grand Slam contention at the purple belt level, and Kellyson astounded with a pair of submission victories along his gold medal path. Returning to major title competition, Kellyson entered the Pan lightweight division with lofty expectations. After a first-round submission, Kellyson controlled his remaining three opponents with stifling pressure to earn his second major title of the 2026 season. The Brasileiro lightweight division offers 107 opponents hoping to capture their share of the Grand Slam spotlight, while Kellyson aims at delivering a third memorable triumph in Sao Paulo.

 

Natalee Funegra

A shining young prospect from AOJ has captured an immense amount of recognition this season. In her first year at the adult level, Natalee Funegra has cemented herself as a top prospect in the female divisions. Natalee’s first Grand Slam event in adult competition resulted in four victories, two submissions, and a European Championship light-featherweight title. Continuing her inaugural adult season, Natalee earned her share of the Pan spotlight with another fantastic performance. The young standout captured a pair of submissions in three victories to earn her second major title of the campaign. In just four months, Natalee has secured a pair of Grand Slam event titles and a superfight victory on the prestigious IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix card. Anticipation for her Brasileiro outing is peaking, as she enters the light-featherweight division as the top-seed. Her path, however, will certainly not be easy as she has notable contenders such as Kethellyn Costa, Fernanda Moura, and Anna Carolina in the bracket.

 

Eiki Suzuki 

The Best Athletes Mighty Family competitor enters Brasileiro with his sights set on consecutive major titles. Eiki has cemented his status as one of the brightest purple belt prospects in the sport. The roosterweight standout commenced his 2026 Grand Slam competition at the European Championships where he delivered an impressive performance. Eiki secured three submission finishes before falling to Ricardo Yoshito in a narrow decision loss. This outing seemingly motivated the young talent, as he entered Pan competition determined to reign supreme. Eiki claimed four victories with three submissions en route to a gold medal performance and his first major title at the purple belt level. Eiki enters the Brasileiro roosterweight division as the top-seed, alongside the division’s #2 seed and fellow standout competitor, Ricardo Yoshito. A potential rematch between the two highly-skilled athletes would surely deliver intense action.

 

Mia Montesinos

Atos prospect and European and Pan Champion, Mia Montesinos, is slated to contend for the lightweight title at Brasileiros. Mia is in the midst of a remarkable campaign that has already witnessed her capture two major titles in resounding fashion. Commencing her season with a European title that included four victories with three coming by way of submission, Mia quickly demonstrated her dominant 2026 intentions. The Atos athlete soon delivered another astounding performance at Pans, where she again secured four victories with three submissions en route to securing the lightweight title. Her game is underscored by intricate guard techniques and dangerous submission systems. More specifically, Mia’s triangle and armbar setups are world class in the color belt divisions and provide her with both sweeping and finishing options. As the top-seed in the Brasileiro lightweight division Mia is expected to again showcase her spectacular talent, while fellow prospects such as Ludimila Cordeiro and Larissa Nascimento hope to capture the Brasileiro spotlight.

 

Fernando Paiva 

Featherweight purple belt sensation, Fernando Paiva, rejoins major title contention at Brasileiro. The young prospect has claimed both Pan and European titles to commence his adult career at the purple belt level. The AOJ standout began his season at Europeans, delivering an incredible six fight performance, including four submissions, to capture the featherweight title. Fernando then returned to contend for the second Grand Slam event title at Pans, where he again delivered a highly-technical gold medal run. Through two major events this year, Fernando has an unblemished record through eleven fights, securing five submission victories and two gold medals. His first season at the adult level is firmly placing him as one of the most promising male athletes in the purple belt category.

 

Isis Maciel

Isis Maciel delivered a breakout performance at the purple belt level at the 2026 Pans. The GF Team standout athlete captured the featherweight gold medal with five spectacular victories. Her Pan outing showcased not only her impeccable technique, securing four submissions on the day, but also her astounding resilience as she fought from deficits against high-level opponents to claim victory. The 2025 blue belt World Champion is showing early signs of continued success at the purple belt level. Isis is slated to compete in the featherweight division at Brasileiros against twenty-nine fellow athletes. The GF Team competitor enters the division as the top-seed, highlighting the immense expectations surrounding her exciting potential.

 

Luca Veras

Luca Veras delivered a resounding statement at the 2026 Pans. The super-heavyweight representing Veras Academy Luxembourg entered the event with no-gi major title victories in both adult and juvenile levels, however, he had not secured a breakout moment at a major gi event. Pan competition signalled Luca’s physical and technical ability as an up-and-coming prospect in the super-heavyweight division. The young talent secured three victories in his weight division, displaying tactical prowess in each match. He then moved into the open division where he secured a pair of submissions and three victories to move into the absolute finals. Suffering a clear leg injury along his path, Luca persevered against a strong opponent, showcasing immense heart and toughness in a close loss. Luca exited Pans with a gold and silver medal, as well as unique recognition for his gritty performance. Luca enters the super-heavyweight category at Brasileiro, where a potential finals matchup with top-ranked Luan Camargo could represent the highlight match of the division.  

 

Freddy Lele Talla

A rising prospect in the heavyweight division has made a recent change in training camp. Freddy Lele Talla, in the midst of an incredible season, has officially become a full-time member of AOJ. Freddy has consistently impressed through the open circuit and both major events of the 2026 campaign. The explosive athlete delivered a resounding performance at the European Championships, where he captured the heavyweight title with five victories and a pair of submissions. Freddy then returned to major title competition at Pans, where he again maintained his impressive form. His second major title triumph witnessed him earn four victories with a single submission, furthering the expectations of the promising athlete. Freddy enters the thirty-contender heavyweight bracket as the top-seed amongst notable names such as Jhonatan Motta, Dione Munis, and Vitor Costa.  

 

Agatha Nigro

DreamArt boasts one of the top female purple belts in the world. Agatha Nigro has enjoyed a fantastic start to her 2026 season, claiming a number of Grand Slam event medals in astounding fashion. Agatha commenced her season at the European Championships where she secured the super-heavyweight title with all submissions and progressed until the semi-finals of the open division. Garnering a wealth of confidence from her gold and bronze medal finishes at Euros, Agatha refocused towards Pan competition. The DreamArt standout again dominated the super-heavyweight division, before advancing into the open class finals. Agatha was halted only by fellow watchlist athlete, India Risby, but demonstrated incredible heart and skill throughout her Pan performance. With two major titles secured, Agatha enlisted in the super-heavyweight bracket at Brasileiros with high expectations of another Grand Slam event triumph.

 

Luan Camargo

CheckMat standout, Luan Camargo, is slated to contend for the super-heavyweight title at Brasileiros. Luan enters the event as the #1 ranked CBJJ competitor, underscoring his consistent success in the Brazilian competition scene. The bright prospect aims to defend the super-heavyweight Brasileiro title he earned at the last edition of the event, showcasing his dominant physical and technical prowess. Luan’s last major title contention witnessed him secure European silver and bronze medals in an impressive performance that garners further expectations. The super-heavyweight division offers Luan thirty-one potential opponents, including fellow watchlist athlete Luca Veras.

 

Pedro Fontes

Pedro Fontes of AOJ had his breakout moment at the purple belt level in the European Championship light-featherweight division. Pedro secured five victories to earn his first major title in the purple belt category, following his blue belt triumph at the 2025 edition. The AOJ prospect finished his 2025 season at the purple belt level securing Pan and World silver medals and a Brasileiro bronze finish. Now in his first full year as a purple belt, Pedro aims to continue his resounding statement in the final two Grand Slam events of 2026. The sixty-eight competitor light-featherweight bracket has Pedro firmly atop the rankings amongst high-level athletes such as Samuel Alcantara, Luan Borges, Corbin Ratheau-Bishop, and Gabriel Fonseca.

 

Ana Fernandes

Ana Fernandes seems primed for a breakout gi performance at the 2026 Brasileiros.  Known for her no-gi prowess, as the #1 ranked no-gi purple belt globally, Ana entered this season following a No-Gi Worlds title last December.  The Athlas Training Team athlete appeared in great form at Pans, securing the bronze medal in an extremely tough middleweight division. Ana has become renowned for her relentless forward pressure and constant submission hunting. As she continues to build confidence with strong gi performances, Ana may certainly become one of the top all-around female prospects in the purple belt division. The Brasileiros middleweight division boasts the #1 ranked female in the world, India Risby, as well as formidable contenders such as Manuela Nunes.

 

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