Davi Vetoraci, the Brazilian-born jiu-jitsu athlete representing Focus Jiu-Jitsu, is poised to commence his 2026 campaign at the prestigious European Championships. His career trajectory has been one of continuous ascent, generating significant anticipation for the season ahead. Davi and his twin brother, Matheus, have firmly established themselves as world-class competitors entering the prime of their respective careers.

Davi embarked on his jiu-jitsu journey at the age of three, training under the guidance of his father, Leonel Menezes, and cousin, Alexandre Carrera. Through years of dedicated training alongside his sibling, Davi cites the legendary Mendes brothers, Rafa and Gui, as a profound inspiration to competitive families in jiu-jitsu, “not only for their titles but for everything they have been building through the sport.”

In 2021, Davi, his wife, and his brother relocated to Portugal. This move underscored Davi’s unwavering determination to seize new professional and personal opportunities, leaving his life in Brazil to pursue his aspirations both on and off the mats.

“My wife and I wanted to start a new life from scratch, both as a couple and as athletes,” Davi explained. “In Brazil, we didn’t have the conditions to do that. Her Portuguese citizenship had been approved, so we decided to move to Portugal, and God placed the Focus team in our lives.”

Since arriving in Portugal, both Davi and Matheus have demonstrated explosive growth, securing multiple gold medals and titles. Their progress culminated dramatically at the 2025 European Championships, where the siblings delivered a masterful performance, resulting in both Vetoraci brothers earning a spot in the medium-heavyweight final, with Davi securing the closeout victory. Across three matches against elite, world-class opposition, Davi was flawless, not surrendering a single point en route to his impeccable gold medal triumph. This achievement marked his first major black belt title, officially asserting his status as a top contender on the global stage.

“It was an indescribable moment for me. Seeing that all my daily hard work and my journey here in Europe were worth it had a huge meaning. Hearing the entire crowd cheering for me, fight after fight, made me realize that I made the people who support me feel proud.”

Davi and the Focus Jiu-Jitsu team are shining examples of the emerging European jiu-jitsu landscape. World-class academies across the continent are consistently developing elite talent, thereby strengthening the sport’s competitive circuit. Davi, like many European-based athletes, remains eager for more opportunities to showcase his exceptional skills on the world stage.

“I believe that the growth of jiu-jitsu, not only in Portugal but across Europe, has greatly strengthened the sport’s scene,” Davi commented. “We have better financial and bureaucratic access to compete in Europe. Also, because a visa is not required like it is for the United States, many extremely tough athletes are able to compete at the Europeans, which makes the tournament even more challenging.”

Davi enters the 2026 European Championships carrying immense expectations. Last season showcased his determination to conquer the world’s most challenging events, particularly the European Championships, as the event resides in his home country. Davi’s game is a devastating combination of exceptional guard play and dynamic passing pressure, highlighted by his consistent ability to off-balance and elevate his opponents. Fans can expect a masterful display of lasso and de la riva techniques, paired with supreme tactical awareness. 

Davi will be stepping up to the heavyweight division at the European Championships for the first major of the season. He will undoubtedly face formidable tests on his quest for a potential repeat gold medal performance, with elite contenders such as Nolan Stuart, Igor Tanabe, and Mateus Rodrigues in the bracket. The Focus Jiu-Jitsu athlete has consistently proven himself to be a dangerous threat in every event he enters, generating heightened anticipation ahead of the 2026 European Championships.

The twenty-five-year-old competitor is laser-focused on achieving sustained success on the world stage throughout 2026. Davi’s inspiring journey is a testament to sacrifice and dedication as he continues to chase his dreams, consequently motivating the next generation. The entire jiu-jitsu community is fixed on Davi’s continued career as he prepares for his 2026 debut.

“My goals are to continue my knee recovery process, try again to apply for my U.S. visa to compete in the IBJJF Grand Slam, compete in some No-Gi events, and take part in a few super fights.”

Follow Davi Vetoraci’s 2026 debut at the European Championships, which kicks off on January 15th in Lisbon, Portugal. The Focus Jiu-Jitsu athlete is expected to be a primary challenger for the heavyweight title at the first major event of the year.  Davi Vetoraci remains one of Portugal’s brightest stars, as he commences the most anticipated season of his career.