IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix competitor Francisco Lo was promoted to black belt in May 2022. The graduation came following a gold medal performance at the Brazilian National Championships, where Francisco won the medium-heavy division after submitting all five of his opponents. Although he’ll be entering the bracket as the newest black belt of the field, he’ll be bringing his aggressive and submission seeking style of jiu-jitsu that will provide a challenge for any of the other competitors.

In the colored belt ranks, Francisco competed throughout Brazil and won nearly every tournament he competed in. His attributes his results in competition to his routine, stating “I dedicate myself each day in my training.” Not only is Francisco showing up to the academy to improve his jiu-jitsu every day, he’s also consistently focusing on his submission game and developing an exciting style. “The public likes to see a show, so I always want to put on a show!”

In order to further pursue his goals in the sport, Francisco recently made the move to the US. He’s been training with another submission focused athlete, black belt World Champion Matheus Gabriel. “I’m training in Houston, Texas with Matheus Gabriel and a few more friends and the change has been good. I’m always learning.” Francisco’s first tournament in the US was the Pan No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championships, where he took third in a loaded medium-heavy division. He scored two submissions at the event, including a flying triangle armbar that was one of the best submissions of the year.

On Friday November 18th, Francisco will put his jiu-jitsu to the test at the IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix in Costa Mesa, California, an event he’s extremely happy to be a part of. “It’s a special feeling. I work hard to show my work to everyone. And I’m always prepared for whatever comes.” Francisco competes in the medium-heavy division and plans to make up for a lack of size with his athleticism. “I think I’m faster, even though I’m the lightest. I intend to use that to my advantage.”

With so many elite black belt competitors in the bracket, Francisco is excited at the prospect of facing each and every one of them. "They’re all great athletes. I grew up watching them so whoever I face I’ll be prepared. This GP is going to be awesome! I’m very excited. Thank you IBJJF for the opportunity.”

The IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix is brought to you by Black Armor Kimonos. The event goes down on Friday November 18th and can be watched exclusively on FloGrappling.