The 2026 World Championships hosted many of the sport's top prospects. Male and female brown belts delivered thrilling performances at the most prestigious event of the year. Seventeen standout athletes captured World glory, leading to numerous promotions to the black belt level. The level of skill across the nineteen divisions generated incredible action and monumental achievements. 

 

Male Divisions

Roosterweight

UAE Jiu-Jitsu Team became the dominant storyline in the roosterweight division. The #13 and #15 seeds, both representing UAE Jiu-Jitsu Team, outlasted the fifteen-competitor field to make it to the finals. Rashed Alshehhi secured the gold medal, becoming the first Emirati athlete to win a World title. His teammate, Mohamed Alketbi, retains the silver medal with a fantastic performance on the biggest stage. The United Arab Emirates have a wealth of talent coming through the color belts, and athletes such as Rashed and Mohamed continue to shine the spotlight on up-and-coming Emirati prospects. Rashed earned four victories en route to his World title accomplishment, including a win over the reigning Brasileiro Champion Melquisedeque Moura. Rashed’s historic campaign captured the global jiu-jitsu community’s attention for himself, and his UAE Jiu-Jitsu Team.

 

Light-Featherweight

Felipe Goulart is certainly comfortable competing under the bright lights of the Pyramid. The AOJ prospect earned double gold at the World Championships at juvenile one and two levels, before commencing his adult career in 2025 with a double gold performance in the purple belt category. Felipe was challenged in this year’s edition by a wealth of talent in the light-featherweight division. The standout athlete secured five victories, including a highly-anticipated finals match against Joao Vitor, to earn the gold medal. Felipe displayed technical skill, heart, strategy, and unwavering confidence amidst the unique pressure of the World Championship event. The eighteen-year-old prospect remains one of the most promising prospects in the color belt divisions.

 

Featherweight

Alinur Kuatuly stole the show in the featherweight division with a five match title run against elite competition. The Qazaqstan Top Team representative entered the event after having earned a silver medal at the European Championships in January, a feat that drew significant attention. The Kazakhstan competitor proved the rising level of talent in underrepresented countries, signifying the growth and future of the sport continue to be in good hands. Alinur’s back taking ability and remarkable athleticism were on full display at the Pyramid, delivering exciting matches with forward pressure and constant submission threats. Alinur’s triumph at the 2026 World Championships further anticipation surrounding his burgeoning career and the entire Eurasia competition scene.

 

Lightweight

Seilkhan Bolatbek claimed his breakthrough moment in the lightweight division, securing five victories and his first World title. The Kazakhstan competitor represents Qazaqstan Top Team on the international circuit, highlighting the country’s rapid ascent of talent. Seilkhan defeated the Brasileiro and European Champions on his run to topping the podium and cemented his triumph with a beautiful triangle submission finish in the finals. Seilkhan has asserted himself as an elite prospect with distinct resilience and determination. Through performances such as his and his teammates, Alinur Kuatuly, the world jiu-jitsu community is well aware of the immense skill coming out of Kazakhstan. 

 

Middleweight

Rafael Gamba has been revered as one of the top color belt prospects in recent years. The Alliance standout secured European and Brasileiro titles with a 100% submission rate in 2026. Entering the Worlds, Rafael certainly drew immense recognition as a favorite to capture the middleweight title. He undoubtedly answered the call. Rafael secured three triangle submissions in his first three fights, before defeating Emerson Feitosa in the finals. The young talent received his black belt atop the World Championship podium, signifying a new chapter in his blossoming career.  Rafael took to social media to declare, “I’d say it’s been the best year of my life so far.” Jiu-jitsu fans across the globe are thrilled with Rafael’s inclusion into the highest echelon of the sport.

 

Medium-Heavyweight

The Crazy Dog, Marcio Italo, thrilled the Pyramid spectators and global jiu-jitsu community with a fantastic gold medal performance. As his nickname insinuates, Marcio showcased his fiery personality and aggressive style throughout his four match run to gold. The Alliance standout secured three consecutive submission finishes, before defeating Irux Almeida in the medium-heavyweight finals. Marcio’s black belt was thrown onto the mat by Professor Michael Langhi directly after securing his finals victory, signifying an exciting transition into the highest level of the sport. Marcio enters a medium-heavyweight black belt division that crowned four separate champions at each of the major events in 2026. His inclusion in the division comes with high expectations as the reigning brown belt World Champion with the ability to make waves in his rookie season.

 

Heavyweight

Jeferson Tijolo of DreamArt captured the heavyweight World Championship in Long Beach. Jeferson commenced his Grand Slam competition at Brasileiros, with a dazzling performance that witnessed him secure gold and silver medals. Jeferson entered a stacked heavyweight division as the #3 seed, resulting in four victories with a 100% submission rate. The finals match between Jeferson and Lucas Coruja represented a rubber-match between two of the brightest prospects in the sport, culminating in a submission finish and a World title for the DreamArt product. Jeferson received his black belt from Professor Isaque Bahiense while atop the World Championship podium in a memorable promotion that represents a new contender in the black belt heavyweight division.

 

Super-Heavyweight

Omar Nada made his mark at the 2026 World Championships. The Unity Jiu-Jitsu athlete commenced his remarkable Worlds campaign with a three match run through the super-heavyweight division. After an opening round points win and semifinal submission finish, Omar proceeded to square off with the reigning European, Pan, and Brasileiro Champion Luiz Rigo in the finals. Following eight minutes of warfare, Omar secured a five-point victory to earn the super-heavyweight World title. Omar continued his competition day with an astounding run through the open class division proving his resilience, durability, and immense skillset.

 

Ultra-Heavyweight

Atos Jiu-Jitsu prospect Nata Tenca secured the ultra-heavyweight World Championship title with three impressive victories. Entering the event as the top-seed and reigning European open class and Brasileiro ultra-heavyweight Champion, Nata displayed his dynamic finishing prowess. Through quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, Nata secured two submissions in under one minute of total mat time. The Atos product went on to capture his third consecutive straight ankle lock finish in the finals to secure his gold medal under the brightest lights. His phenomenal Worlds campaign capped off a remarkable brown belt career, as he progresses into the highest level of the sport with distinct confidence.

 

Open Class

A fantastic lineup of brown belt prospects enlisted in the open class division at the 2026 Worlds. Eight of the top brown belt athletes put their skills on display with the jiu-jitsu community fully focused on the highly-anticipated competition. Omar Nada of Unity arrived in the division with his super-heavyweight gold medal and the #2 seed in the bracket. Omar defeated Park Jaewoon in the quarterfinals before taking out the heavyweight champion, Jeferson Tijolo. In the finals, Omar’s physicality and pressure proved to be the difference maker against Dom Manno. The Unity Jiu-Jitsu product secured his second gold medal on the day, cementing his status as one of the top up-and-coming talents in the sport. 

 

Female Divisions

Roosterweight

Nxtgen Jiu-Jitsu standout Michal Baly secured the roosterweight title and her black belt promotion at the 2026 World Championships. The rising prospect adds this momentous feat alongside her No-Gi World title from December, making her one of the most dangerous young talents in the black belt division. Through three matches, Michal captured three submission victories in a fantastic showcase of efficiency and relentless pursuit of the finish. Her opening round ended via triangle-armbar, her semifinal opponent tapped to a darce choke, and the finals match culminated with a rear triangle armbar finish. Michal’s performance certainly leads to elevated expectations as she enters the highest echelon of the sport in both gi and no-gi competition. 

 

Light-Featherweight

Emily Leyva entered the 2026 Worlds following a sensational season that included European, Pan, and Brasileiro titles. The Atos Jiu-Jitsu representative retained the top-seed in the light-featherweight bracket and held immense expectations of securing the World title. Emily commenced her run with a straight ankle lock finish before collecting her second finish via armbar in the semifinals. Sana Ndiaye represented a significant threat to derail Emily’s title aspirations, however, the Atos athlete secured an advantage victory to claim the gold medal. Emily received her black belt following an admirable open class performance, signifying a new chapter in the promising career of the young star. Emily prepares to enter a tough light-featherweight black belt category, as a rapidly ascending talent with immediate title intentions.

 

Featherweight

Tarciane Santos of Marcio Andre Jiu-Jitsu captured a breakout moment at the 2026 Worlds. In an academy full of elite color belt prospects and being the younger sister to Tarcisio Santos, an exciting black belt athlete, Tarciane emerged as a standout performer at the World Championships. She certainly stamped her name amongst the top brown belt prospects with a four-match run through the featherweight division, earning the World Championship title. Fascinatingly, Tarciane entered the division as the #8 seed out of fifteen competitors and claimed wins over the #1 and #3 seeds of the category. Tarciane utilized a well-balanced attack to supply constant pressure upon her high-level opponents. The Marcio Andre product has now captured World titles in consecutive years at the purple belt and brown belt levels. 

 

Lightweight

Nikolett Kis completed a significant event in her burgeoning career at the World Championships. Nikolett entered the event as the top-seed in the lightweight division following European and Pan triumphs this season. The Sigma Jiu-Jitsu representative has a track record of delivering thrilling performances on the biggest stages of the sport. Nikolett exceeded her elevated expectations with a three-match campaign in which she submitted each of her opponents. Nikolett secured the gold medal and her black belt, beginning her highly-anticipated black belt campaign with significant momentum. The Sigma standout has displayed beautiful technique, supreme athleticism, and admirable mental fortitude throughout her color belt career.

 

Middleweight

India Risby made her brown belt major debut after clinching European, Pan, and Brasileiro double-gold honors at the purple belt level in 2026. India conquered the Grand Slam circuit in the 2025-2026 season, leading to immense anticipation for her brown belt career. India certainly commenced it on a high note. The Atos athlete entered the World Championship middleweight bracket as the #12 seed and commenced her title run with an opening round advancement via disqualification. She progressed to square off against top-seed Luandra Barbosa, resulting in an action-packed battle in which India claimed the advantage victory. India went on to defeat Eliza Nascimento and Iris Nascimento via points to earn the middleweight World title. India remains one of the most exciting brown belt prospects, as she undoubtedly will chase Grand Slam success throughout the 2027 season.

 

Medium-Heavyweight

Fabin Rosa standout Livia Barasine earned her second major title of the season at the World Championships. Livia commenced her journey with a pair of lapel chokes from the back, showcasing her relentless offense and dangerous submission arsenal. She then defeated Lauriance Stavacz in the finals to secure her medium-heavyweight World title. Livia has enjoyed an incredible calendar year that included a juvenile two double-gold performance at the 2025 World Championships, an adult purple belt no-gi World Championship, and a brown belt World title. Liva now transitions into black belt competition, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the promising career of the Fabin Rosa representative. 

 

Heavyweight

The #1 globally ranked brown belt female in the world continued her dominance at the 2026 Worlds. Hazel Rose entered the event after having secured a double-gold purple belt performance at the 2025 edition, and five gold medals across European, Pan, and Brasileiro events at brown belt in 2026. The Alliance standout completed a three-match run through the heavyweight division with dazzling results. Hazel secured two lapel chokes and an armbar finish in about seven minutes of action to become the 2026 brown belt heavyweight World Champion. Her Grand Slam event sweep in 2026 furthers the jiu-jitsu community’s excitement surrounding one of the top up-and-coming athletes in the sport.

 

Super-Heavyweight

A small but fierce collection of six super-heavyweight athletes put their skills on display under the World Championship lights. Onjeong Ye of Seorae Jiu-Jitsu reigned supreme as the the division’s #5 seed. After securing a Pan purple belt title, Onjeong received her brown belt promotion less than two months before the year’s most prestigious event. Onjeong captured three victories, including two submission finishes to claim the World title in her first brown belt major competition. Onjeong went on to receive her black belt atop the podium with a Worlds gold medal hanging from her neck. The Seorae athlete completes a memorable 2026 gi season with a pair of major titles and two belt promotions.

 

Open Class

The female brown belt open class had been dominated by Hazel Rose of Alliance at both the Pan and Brasileiro Championships. Hazel commenced the open class with a lapel choke finish over India Risby, an experienced athlete in high-level absolute competition. The Alliance stud went on to defeat Eliza Nascimento with a mounted cross-collar choke before taking on Lauriane Stavacz in the finals. Hazel secured a lapel choke finish in under ninety seconds against Lauriane, capturing her second World title on the day. Through six matches in heavyweight and absolute competition, Hazel submitted all six of her opponents without relinquishing a single point. Hazel’s 2026 World Championship performance remains one of the most dominant color belt outings the jiu-jitsu community has witnessed. Hazel received her black belt atop the open class podium, marking her entrance into the highest echelon of the sport. The Alliance standout will certainly garner well-deserved attention as she prepares to contend for black belt titles for many years.