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The CBJJ Circuit takes over Floripa, Brazil this weekend. Over 1,400 adult, master, and kid competitors are poised to showcase their skills on the blue and yellow mats. The black belt adult category boasts a multitude of former champions and rising stars that plan to steal the international spotlight this weekend. The following watchlist athletes represent the peak of an exciting collection of competitors.

 

Eduardo Alves

2025 Pans | Brown Belt Medium-Heavyweight Qualifier

Rookie black belt Eduardo Alves returns to the competition scene in Floripa. The Alliance standout earned his black belt following a brown belt World Championship title in 2025, and immediately captured a European Championship title to commence his black belt major career. With the 2026 Gi Grand Slam Season behind him, Eduardo refocuses his attention towards building a potentially remarkable 2027 campaign. The rising phenom has one of the deepest divisions at the Floripa Open, and projects a potential finals match with fellow watchlist athlete Pablo Oliveira.

 

Pablo Oliveira

2026 Rio Winter Open | Open Class Final

The second rising phenom in the Floripa Open medium-heavyweight division claims an equally soaring trajectory. Pablo Oliveira of Carlson Gracie Team is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the rookie black belt class. Pablo claimed brown belt silver at the 2025 World Championships, and made a statement in his first Grand Slam season at the highest level. With bronze medal finishes at both Pan and European Championship events, Pablo has transitioned into black belt competition with strong success. The young standout retains an immense amount of potential as he aims to build momentum throughout the remaining 2026 schedule.

 

Maria Luiza 

2025 Pans | Featherweight Semi-Finals

Another former brown belt World Champion is poised to deliver thrilling action in Floripa this weekend. Maria Luiza received her black belt immediately after securing her brown belt World Title in 2023. Since then, Maria has been a consistent fixture atop the Grand Slam event podium. The JFC Almeida sensation has secured Brasileiro and Pan titles at the highest level, and earned European bronze and Brasileiro silver medals in 2026. The featherweight contender aims to deliver a show in her lone weight division match on Saturday.

 

Giovanah Oliveira

2026 Curitiba Summer Open | Lightweight Final

Fellow color belt World Champion Giovanah Oliveira returns to action this weekend. The purple and brown belt World Champion from JFC Almeida has put together a strong resume early in her career. In her rookie black belt season Giovanah was able to secure three bronze medal finishes between Brasileiro and World Championship events. The lightweight rising star showcases intricate technique in combination with supreme athleticism to consistently overwhelm her opponents. Giovanah is the lone lightweight contender in Floripa, hopefully leading to a thrilling open class outing.

 

Diego Sodre

2022 Pans | Featherweight Qualifier

Diego Sodre is set to put on a show in Floripa this Sunday. The All Flow Academy representative headlines the No-Gi competition card as an elite level athlete. The 2022 season marked Diego’s brightest campaign as he, and his brother Alex, reigned supreme at the 2022 Pans event after Diego secured the European title. Known for dynamic athleticism and strong guard play, Diego projects to deliver an exciting performance this weekend in Floripa.

 

Guilherme Avelino

Another bright prospect in the midst of his rookie season at the highest level prepares to descend upon Floripa. Guilherme Avelino secured a brown belt World Championship title in 2025, which garnered him an immense amount of attention and expectations. The ultra-heavyweight contender has claimed three Open Circuit gold medals in 2026 as he continues to gain experience for the 2027 Gi Grand Slam Season.

 

Vitor Crizel

One of the brightest light-featherweight color belt prospects is set to compete in Floripa this weekend. Vitor Crizel of Alliance finalized his purple belt career as a Pan, European, and World Champion. He returned to Pans as a brown belt this season, leaving the event with another major event title and a wave of recognition as an elite prospect. Vitor has displayed the makings of a future black belt champion, and fans are sure to enjoy his light-featherweight performance in Floripa this weekend.

 

Bernardo Gatti

Fellow Alliance standout prospect Bernardo Gatti is registered for Floripa competition this Saturday. Bernardo is a blue belt World Champion and purple belt Brasileiro and European Champion. The rising prospect utilizes a strong frame in combination with relentless pace and precise technique to control his matches. At the brown belt level, Bernardo has captured Brasileiro bronze and Pan Pacific gold to signify his continued growth through the color belt ranks. The lightweight prospect has a four-man division, allowing fans an opportunity to watch a truly bright prospect.

 

Stay tuned to official IBJJF Channels for up-to-date results from the Floripa Winter Open. Revisit fight clips from our weekend's watchlist athletes and more on the IBJJF Youtube page.