Elite brown belt competitors captured the Brasileiro spotlight on days seven and eight of competition. Thrilling performances resulted in the sport’s top prospects capturing Grand Slam titles ahead of the prestigious World Championship event.

 

Hazel Butcher-Salazar

Alliance features one of the brightest prospects in the sport, who claimed her fifth Grand Slam event title in São Paulo. Hazel Butcher-Salazar entered the heavyweight division as the top seed, carrying significant expectations following her recent double-gold victory at Pans. Hazel began her successful Brasileiro campaign with a rear triangle armbar in under three minutes. She proceeded to secure fifteen unanswered points in the semifinals before submitting her opponent with an americana. Hazel’s final heavyweight opponent submitted to a lapel choke from the back in under two minutes. The Alliance athlete delivered a dominant performance in the heavyweight division, capturing her third major event weight class title this season.

Hazel returned to action in the open class division, beginning with a four-point victory over Ketellyn Oliveira. A decisive semifinal performance saw Hazel post nineteen unanswered points before finishing her opponent with an armbar. Hazel then faced middleweight champion, Luandra Barbosa, in a match between two legitimate brown belt prospects. Hazel’s pressure proved decisive, securing a guard pass, mount, and americana finish in just over five minutes of action. The Alliance standout completed another remarkable Grand Slam event performance, utilizing the classic techniques that define her game. A proficient guard player with a masterful top game, Hazel has demonstrated elite ability in all facets of competition. The jiu-jitsu community has high expectations for Hazel’s World Championship performance, as she aims for a third double-gold Grand Slam outing. Click here, or visit the official IBJJF Youtube page, for an in-depth film on Hazel’s Brasileiro campaign and her journey to becoming one of the top jiu-jitsu prospects in the world.

 

Rafael Gamba

Rafael Gamba delivered an electrifying performance in São Paulo. Over five matches in a competitive middleweight division, the Alliance standout secured five submissions. A first-round armbar in just over one minute led to a second-round triangle finish over Diego Ferreira. Denner Oliveira offered resistance but was ultimately submitted by Rafael via triangle with thirty seconds remaining. The semifinals saw Rafael apply strong top-pressure before securing a reverse triangle submission to reach the finals. The Alliance athlete squared off with Luan Veras with the middleweight title hanging in the balance. Rafael quickly showcased his submission game, securing a cross-collar choke with a triangle locked around his opponent's head to win the Brasileiro title. Rafael’s astonishing gold medal run mirrored his European title performance, where he also achieved five submissions in as many matches to earn the Grand Slam title. Rafael remains a top prospect in the brown belt division as he prepares for the World Championships later this month.

 

Luandra Barbosa

Luandra Barbosa returned to major title contention after recently securing the Pan middleweight title in Florida. The Gracie Barra athlete entered the middleweight bracket as the top seed among twenty-one high-level athletes. Luandra immediately showcased her effective guard play, as demonstrated throughout her Pan title performance. First and second-round triangle-armbar submission victories combined for just four minutes of action before Luandra faced Amanda Soares in the semifinals. Another successful triangle setup highlighted her semifinal performance, ending in a kimura-style shoulder lock in under one minute of mat time. In the finals, Luandra secured a pendulum sweep to the back, ultimately finishing with a rear-naked choke. Luandra’s 100% submission rate through the middleweight division was certainly a fabulous exhibition of elite jiu-jitsu. The Gracie Barra prospect then entered open division competition, where she again showcased her triangle-armbar skills in the opening round. A semifinal victory over Emily Leyva ended via points, with Luandra again utilizing her intricate pendulum sweep. Luandra concluded her Brasileiro performance with a silver medal in the absolute division, departing São Paulo with a gold and silver medal. Luandra’s performance was notable for the balance between her pendulum sweep and triangle/armbar setups, which created complex challenges for her opponents. The bright prospect is slated to contend for her third major title of the 2026 season at the World Championships.

 

Jeferson Tijolo

Jeferson Tijolo entered major title competition for the first time this season. The DreamArt athlete entered the heavyweight division, arguably the most stacked bracket of the event, as the #7 seed amongst twenty-two competitors. Jeferson secured a first-round points victory before facing the Pan Absolute Champion, Mauro Lucas, in the quarterfinals. After a tactical and physical battle, Jeferson emerged victorious by two advantages. The DreamArt prospect advanced to submit Hyan Nicolas with a cross-collar choke from the back in the semifinals, setting up a highly-anticipated heavyweight final against Lucas Coruja. Jeferson remained confident despite facing the top-ranked brown belt in the world, who is also the 2026 Pan and European heavyweight champion. After eight minutes of technical warfare, Jeferson secured a four-point victory, earning his first Grand Slam title at the brown belt level.

Jeferson then went on to compete in the open class division, securing a first-round points victory over Henrique Soares. Orlando Neto was also defeated by the DreamArt standout in the quarterfinals, which led to a dominant ten-point semifinal victory for Jeferson. The absolute finals matched Jeferson against Lucas Coruja for a second time that day, resulting in a silver medal for the DreamArt athlete. Jeferson's performance marked a successful entry into major competition, proving his skillset against the world's top brown belts.

 

Kellen Arraes

Alliance standout Kellen Arraes entered Brasileiro competition as the #2 seed in the featherweight division. Kellen secured her second major title of the season after earning three victories against high-level opponents. The first round saw Kellen score nine unanswered points before capturing a lapel choke finish from the back. Micaela Gomes survived the duration of the second-round matchup, resulting in a seven-advantage victory for the Alliance representative. Kellen proceeded to secure her Brasileiro title with a triangle-armbar finish in two and a half minutes over Sandra Muniz. Kellen entered the event following a dominant Pan performance that culminated in her first Grand Slam title at the brown belt level. Through two major event competitions in 2026, Kellen holds a 7-0 record with five submission victories. Her successful season continues, positioning her as a favorite to contend for the featherweight World Championship title in a couple of weeks.

 

Lucas ‘Coruja’ de Bonis

Lucas Coruja returned to major title contention after previously securing Pan and European titles this season. His Brasileiro campaign began with a ten-point kimura finish in the opening round. Lucas secured a second submission via collar choke from the back in the second round. Following a two-point victory in the semifinals, Lucas faced DreamArt prospect Jeferson Tijolo for the heavyweight title. A four-point loss resulted in a silver medal for the Alliance standout, who continued competition in the absolute division.

His second kimura finish came in the opening round over Matheus Cardoso, before earning an advantage victory in the quarterfinals. Lucas returned to his dominant submissions systems with an aggressive armbar finish in the semifinals, setting up a second finals matchup against Jeferson Tijolo. The Alliance prospect secured a cross-collar choke finish in the finals to win the Brasileiro absolute title. Lucas now holds three major titles this season, as he shifts his focus to the World Championships in Long Beach.

 

Emily Leyva

A consistent performer in the light-featherweight division was back in action at Brasileiros. Emily Leyva of the infamous Atos Female Dream Team, rejoined major competition after having secured Pan and European titles earlier this season. The rising prospect commenced her Brasileiro campaign with a two-minute kneebar over Amanda Barreto in the opening round. Emily went on to defeat Fernanda Barbosa in the finals via kneebar after securing six unanswered points. With a gold medal already achieved, Emily set her sights on the open class podium. A third kneebar began her absolute division performance, before submitting Amanda Soares via triangle-armbar. In the semifinals, Emily lost to Luandra Barbosa after back-and-forth action resulted in Luandra controlling the final minutes of the match. Emily’s gold and bronze medals in São Paulo demonstrate her strong technical and competitive skills. As a favorite to capture the World title later this month, Emily faces high expectations.

 

Rian Oliveira

Rian Oliveira of Nova União returned to Brasileiro after earning the bronze medal in the 2025 edition. Rian rejoined the Grand Slam event with a vengeance, securing four submissions in a five-match campaign to win the lightweight title. His run began with a six-point straight armlock finish in the opening round, followed by a kimura submission over Vinicius Leyendecker. The quarterfinals saw Rian deliver a commanding performance, earning seven unanswered points before capturing a lapel choke from the back in under three minutes. His closest match came in the semifinals, where he defeated Bernardo Gatti by a score of 2-0. The lightweight finals saw Rian secure a ten-point Ezekiel choke finish from the back against Aldiyar Serik. The Nova União prospect delivered a phenomenal performance in São Paulo, garnering well-deserved accolades for his first major title at the brown belt level.

 

Felipe Leonardo

The #17 seed in the featherweight division captured his share of the Brasileiro spotlight. Felipe Leonardo of CheckMat secured his first major title at the brown belt level after a six-match run through a dangerous bracket. The rising prospect displayed a balanced attack with a distinct submission-oriented approach, earning five submissions across his six fights.

Beginning with a seven-point shutout that concluded with a head-and-arm choke finish, Felipe continued to secure his most dominant victory against Pedro Picoro in the second round. Felipe showcased his technique by scoring twenty-three points and submitting his opponent via rear naked choke in just over six minutes. His third-round opponent lasted over four minutes before submitting to a loop choke. Felipe proceeded to submit his quarterfinal opponent, then won by disqualification after his opponent rolled out of bounds while Felipe had a choke in place.

The finals pitted Felipe against the Pan and European featherweight champion, Alex Vazquez, who had consistently delivered dominant performances throughout the year. In a tight, back-and-forth match, Felipe ultimately held onto an early two-point lead to secure the featherweight Brasileiro title. Felipe’s successful run on the Grand Slam stage strengthens his World Championship hopes later this month.

 

Natalia Maguerroski

Natalia Maguerroski of Alliance made her 2026 Grand Slam debut in São Paulo. The #3 seed in the lightweight division began her Brasileiro journey with a triangle-armbar submission finish over Fernanda Gribner. The quarterfinals saw Natalia utilize her guard play effectively, resulting in a two-point armbar finish from the closed guard. Larissa Gomes provided limited resistance in the semifinals, as Natalia secured a twenty-second shoulder lock finish from a triangle setup. The finals featured two elite brown belts competing for the lightweight Brasileiro title. Ketellyn Oliveira displayed high-level technique and persistent pacing, though she ultimately lost to Natalia via advantages. The Alliance athlete’s gold medal performance showcased fantastic guard play and dangerous submission systems en route to capturing her first major gi title at the brown belt level. Natalia demonstrated that her skills rank her among the top brown belts in the world, leaving fans hoping she pursues a World title this month.

 

Luiz Rigo

The #3 ranked brown belt in the world, Luiz Rigo, joined the Brasileiro action in the super-heavyweight division. Luiz completed a four-match run to earn his third consecutive Grand Slam event title this season. The DreamArt athlete began his Brasileiro run by showcasing his strong standing skills before securing a kimura finish in roughly one minute. His quarterfinal matchup ended similarly, with Luiz passing his opponent’s guard and capturing a second kimura submission. His third-round match with Orlando Sarmento featured Luiz’s strong standing game, leading to a devastating clock choke finish three minutes into the match. The super-heavyweight final showdown against João Fernandes was a close contest where the DreamArt athlete’s top pressure made the difference. Luiz earned an advantage victory in the finals to secure his third major title of 2026. Throughout his Brasileiro journey, Luiz displayed great takedown ability and immense top pressure, qualities that position him well to control the super-heavyweight division at the World Championships.

 

Nellyfer Ferreira

Nellyfer Ferreira entered the Brasileiro roosterweight division for the first brown belt competition of her career. The Nova União student received her promotion after securing a European Championship title at purple belt in January. Despite being a newcomer to the level, Nellyfer displayed confident performances across three matches to claim the Brasileiro title. An opening-round seven-point shutout secured her place in the semifinal against Ana Luiza. After an early guard pass and knee-on-belly position, Nellyfer secured an armbar finish in about two and a half minutes. The rising prospect then met Analia Oliveira in the finals of the 107lb division. Nellyfer utilized a sweep threat to create back exposure, leading to a back take and an eventual armbar finish, capturing her first major title at the brown belt level. Nellyfer displayed a well-balanced attack with consistent pressure from both bottom and top positions. The Nova União athlete maintained her success despite elevating her competition level to the brown belt division. The young competitor continues to prove why she is a top prospect in the female roosterweight division.

 

Natã Tenca

Natã Tenca is the #2 globally ranked male brown belt from Atos Jiu-Jitsu. The rising prospect entered the ultra-heavyweight division with expectations of winning his second major title of the 2026 season. Natã’s tournament run began with a close match against Tiago Silva, where the Atos athlete was down with nearly one minute remaining. Utilizing his guard technique and winning mindset, Natã secured a last minute sweep to win the match 2-0. He advanced to submit William Viana via mounted armlock, before finishing João Ritter with a belly-down straight ankle lock in one minute. An ultra-heavyweight collision for the Brasileiro title was scheduled between Natã and João Victor. The top two seeds of the bracket were projected to reach the finals, resulting in a highly-anticipated clash between two elite competitors. The Atos prospect secured the victory via straight ankle lock in just over three minutes, signifying his second major title of the season. Natã’s performance at Brasileiro highlighted his strong submission systems and relentless spirit, which he aims to utilize at the Worlds event later this month.

 

For full-match replays of all the incredible brown belt Brasileiro action, visit FloGrappling.