Elite black belts took center stage on the final two days of the European Championships.  The sport’s biggest stars converged in Lisbon, Portugal vying for the first major title of the 2026 season.  Incredible storylines permeated throughout the event, setting the stage for thrilling and memorable competition.  Highlight performers not only captured coveted European titles, but also earned the world’s recognition as premiere athletes.  

Tainan Dalpra

AOJ star, Tainan Dalpra returned to the European Championships to defend his middleweight title. Tainan entered the division as the top-seed, and the favorite to dominate the event once more. Tainan began his Euros run by showcasing his world-class guard passing, which set up a beautiful canto-style lapel choke against João Venturi. Gabriel Avila attempted to utilize his guard against Tainan in the semifinals, resulting in another masterclass in passing technique for the AOJ standout. Tainan ultimately created back exposure, leading to an armbar finish and a finals placement. The other side of the middleweight bracket featured commanding performances from rookie black belt, Jose Steve, who had publicly stated his goal was to topple the middleweight king, Tainan Dalpra. Jose realized that opportunity, but fell short in the finals match, giving way to the AOJ phenom in just over two-and-a-half minutes. Unlike Tainan’s previous opponents, Jose chose passing pressure in his upset bid. Tainan secured a powerful sweep, transitioning directly to his patented guard passing and a bow-and-arrow style lapel choke for the victory. Tainan appeared untouchable through his three match run towards securing his fourth European Championship title. The 2025 season witnessed Tainan capture all four grand slam events, despite having an injured hand for most of the year. The world’s first look at his form this campaign was nothing short of incredible, proving his level remains out of reach for his middleweight competition. Under the tutelage of Gui and Rafa Mendes, Tainan continues to elevate his game and prove why he is considered one of the very best athletes the sport has to offer. The 2026 season offers Tainan the opportunity to further his legacy as one of the top middleweight athletes in jiu-jitsu history.

Sarah Galvão

Sarah Galvão seemingly stole the spotlight at the 2026 European Championships. Her inclusion in the female open division drew immediate recognition as jiu-jitsu fans across the world projected a fascinating finals showdown between Sarah and Gabrieli Pessanha. First, Sarah was tasked with defeating two talented competitors in the quarter and semifinals. Natacha Ribeiro welcomed Sarah to the Europeans in a quarterfinal matchup that witnessed Sarah secure a lapel choke following a beautiful backtake. A semifinal bow-and-arrow choke in just over a minute earned Sarah the coveted finals placement and the opportunity to face Gabi Pessanha. With her initial open class work completed, Sarah refocused on the lightweight division taking on Zara Tofano in the quarterfinals. Sarah again displayed her backtake prowess, sweeping Zara and finishing a lapel choke from the back. The Atos Jiu-Jitsu phenom, secured her lightweight finals placement with a lapel choke yet again, this time from the north-south position. With two gold medal matches set, Sarah entered finals day with anticipation bursting. A joint decision between Tamara Toros and Sarah ended in a closeout in the lightweight finals, with Sarah taking the gold medal. This left only the female open class finals, pitting the young star against a legendary competitor. Both athletes had submitted all four opponents they faced heading into their finals matchup. Gabi Pessanha opted to attack from her back, utilizing closed and lapel guards to slow down the lighter and explosive Atos athlete. A near sweep and footlock attempt earned Gabi two advantages, before Sarah nearly completed a leg drag that created back exposure. Sarah’s last minute attempt to make up the advantage deficit fell short, in a highly competitive match that showcased two of the best female athletes in the world. Both athletes spoke on the importance of competing on the biggest stages of the sport to set an example and increase opportunities for the next-generation of female athletes. Ultimately for Sarah Galvão, she leaves Lisbon a European Champion and open division runner-up, demonstrating her submission-oriented style and willingness to challenge herself under the brightest lights.
 

Jalen Fonacier

Jalen Fonacier, representing Alliance, entered the European Championship roosterweight division as the top-seed. Jalen’s expectations at the event were high, following a dominant 2025 season that witnessed him capture Pans and World Championship titles. Although the last European edition saw Jalen fall in the finals match, claiming a silver medal, he returned with a promise to capture gold. Jalen accomplished his mission in impressive fashion, facing three opponents and submitting each of them. The Alliance star launched his gold medal run with a second-round lapel choke over Roger Rodrigues following a lightning-fast backtake. Samuel Marquez challenged Jalen in the semifinals, which resulted in a beautiful omoplata finish. Completing his dominant run through the roosterweight division, Jalen cycled through a series of submissions against Tadiyah Danforth in the finals, ultimately securing a textbook armbar finish to clinch the European title. Throughout his run, Jalen demonstrated both guard and passing mastery, underscored by lightning-fast backtakes and world-class finishing systems. Jalen has publicly declared his goal of capturing the Grand Slam title, as he notches the first of four major victories required to attain the coveted status.

Gabi Pessanha

Gabi Pessanha headlined the super-heavyweight division that she has dominated since 2021. Interestingly, Gabi opted not to utilize her devastating straight ankle lock submission that she has become known for throughout her career. Instead, the InFight athlete demonstrated a balanced attack, underscored by sweeping techniques and heavy passing pressure. Pursuing her fifth straight European open class title, Gabi entered the division as the top-seed. Gabi commenced her competition by imposing her will over Lina Grosset en route to securing an americana finish. The semifinals offered her an initial matchup with Marina Carraro, whom she would later face in her weight-division finals. Gabi showcased her versatility, securing a sweep and using powerful guard passing to set up a breadcutter finish. Her super-heavyweight semifinals match against Simone Pinheiro highlighted similar versatility as she secured two sweeps and used passing pressure to open back exposure on Simone. Ultimately, Gabi ended the match with a lapel choke from the back, advancing her to the finals for the fifth consecutive year. With two gold medal opportunities, Gabi entered black belt finals day with expectations of another double-gold performance. Her highly-anticipated day began with the Marina Carraro rematch, which ended in similar fashion. Gabi swept and utilized overwhelming pressure to eventually capture a smother-style finish from the mount position. With one gold medal secured, Gabi set her sights on the open division final against Sarah Galvão. This match certainly garnered well-deserved attention as the premiere match of the day, setting the stage for two of the top female athletes in the sport to flourish. Gabi earned early advantages with a near sweep and tight footlock submission hold, before utilizing her guard to stifle the smaller and athletic Galvão. In the end, it was Gabi who held on for an advantage victory, earning double-gold honors at the first major event of the 2026 season. Gabi continues her stellar run, leading female jiu-jitsu as a ten-time world champion and consistently showcasing a fan-friendly style. Gabi undoubtedly seeks more grand slam event titles, as she builds upon her already legendary resume.

Kennedy Maciel

Kennedy Maciel commenced his 2026 European Championship campaign by enlisting in the open division. Impressively, Kennedy defeated the talented heavyweight contender, Igor Tanabe, before falling short in the quarterfinals against ultra-heavyweight Seif-Eddine Houmine. His courageous effort in the open class highlighted Kennedy’s tenacity and willingness to challenge himself under the bright lights of a grand slam event. Kennedy carried that same vigor into the featherweight division where he began his run with a beautiful triangle finish over Seiya Fukushima. Jeferson Bruno welcomed Kennedy into the quarterfinals for a one-sided affair that witnessed Kennedy secure his second submission finish via armbar. Kennedy proceeded to out-duel the bronze medalist, Jun Yong Cho, for a finals placement against AOJ rival Cole Abate. The two phenom featherweights delivered a highly tactical, and tightly contested finals match that came down to the final seconds. Ultimately, it was Kennedy Maciel who secured a last second sweep to seal a come-from-behind victory and claim the European Championship title. The same vigorous spirit that Kennedy displayed to commence the event permeated through his finals match, refusing to accept runner-up status at the prestigious event. The Kennedy and Cole rivalry was born through comparable talent and continues through sportsmanship and class. This time Kennedy reigns supreme, garnering the first major title of the 2026 season, but more high-stakes matches between the two star athletes are sure to come in the near future.

Cassia Moura

Cassia Moura of Bruno Bastos Jiu-Jitsu, returned to her regular featherweight division at the European Championships. Cassia came into the event following her most recent competition at No-Gi Worlds where she reigned supreme in the heavyweight division, securing the title. Cassia certainly brought the aggressive and athletic style for which she is renowned, captivating the audience in Lisbon. Her quarterfinals matchup against Mikaele Damaceno, showcased Cassia’s beautiful guard passing prowess, leading to a backtake and lapel choke finish. The Bruno Bastos student then faced off with the formidable Maria Luiza with a finals opportunity at stake. Cassia wasted no time, securing a guard pass in just five seconds, creating back exposure and immediately threatening submissions. Maria stayed composed, fending off the attacks and returning to a neutral position. However, Cassia once again utilized strong passing pressure to secure dominant positions before time expired, signalling a fifteen point shutout win for Cassia. She advanced into the gold medal match against another tough opponent, this time facing World Champion athlete, Larissa Campos. The two world-class athletes traded sweeps until Cassia remained determined to keep top position with a two-point lead. Despite Larissa’s continued efforts, Cassia rode out top position to secure a points victory and the European Championship featherweight title. Cassia is in the midst of an incredible run, building momentum from event to event, capturing major titles along the way. At just twenty years old, Cassia remains one of the most exciting athletes in the sport.

Leo Ferreira

Leo Ferreira of Alliance entered the European Championships as the top-seed, following an impressive 2025 season that included silver medals at three major events. This edition of the Europeans witnessed Leo’s dramatic breakthrough, as he captured the heavyweight gold medal in stunning fashion. His second-round matchup against Beinn Campbell showcased the Alliance athlete’s dominant guard play, securing a swift triangle finish in just thirty seconds. The always dangerous, Igor Tanabe, challenged Leo in a semifinals match where Leo captured an early sweep and controlled Igor from the top position. Leo showcased his balanced attack, maintaining a two point lead as time expired to proceed into the heavyweight finals. His gold medal match paired him with Matheus Vetoraci, a hometown competitor who had an incredible run to the finals in his own right. Matheus offered a more physical and dynamic challenge to Leo in all areas. After a wild start to the match that featured near guard passes and submission threats, Leo slowed the pace behind his strong guard play. Eventually, the Alliance competitor was able to come up, threatening a sweep that led to back exposure on Matheus. Leo capitalized on this opening, securing a tight lapel grip and finishing Matheus from the back. Leo captured his first black belt major title, showcasing an exciting style that promises more championship efforts in his future.

Denise Krahn

Denise Krahn enlisted in the medium-heavyweight division at the 2026 European Championships as the fourth seed of seven competitors. Having spent much of her 2025 campaign in the masters division, Denise returned to the adult level to challenge for the first major title of the season. The Hilti BJJ athlete began her competition with a quarterfinals matchup against Luana Soares. Denise remained adamant to get into her dangerous guard position, successfully pulling directly into a leg entanglement position and finishing with a beautiful kneebar. Denise then entered the semifinals against the division’s top-seed, Maria Vicentini. Again determined to play from her back, Denise utilized a high guard to entangle both of Maria’s arms, ultimately finishing an armbar to move into the finals. Ingridd Alves, the reigning medium-heavyweight European Champion, awaited Denise in the finals offering another world-class opponent with a dangerous submission style. Denise returned to her confident guard play, cycling through de la riva and traditional half-guard variants. The match showcased Denise’s high-guard, ensnaring both of Ingridd’s arms and threatening armlock submissions. Unable to secure a tap, the match reached the full duration and came down to a referee decision. Denise Krahn earned the hard-fought decision victory to secure the European Championship title, surrounded by loyal supporters of the German athlete. Denise shocked the jiu-jitsu scene with a commanding performance at this year’s Euros, proving her skill and composure throughout.

Ashlee Funegra

AOJ rising star, Ashlee Funegra made her black belt gi major debut in Lisbon, Portugal. She entered the light-featherweight division as the sixth seed out of nine competitors vying for the first major title of the 2026 season. Ashlee commenced her competition with a quarterfinals matchup against #2 seed Andressa Guirau, in a back-and-forth match that came down to the final seconds. Ashlee and Andressa traded sweeps with the AOJ athlete clinging onto a single advantage lead with time expiring. Securing the victory, Ashlee moved into the medal rounds for a matchup against Rose Sharouni. Ashlee emerged noticeably more aggressive, securing a sweep and guard pass before creating back exposure and latching onto a lapel. She finished the match with a collar choke from the back position, securing her place in the finals. In the finals, Ashlee once again employed her active guard to sweep, taking an early lead before passing Josefine Modig’s guard and securing a dominant position. Ashlee proceeded to finish the match with an armbar, earning her first black belt major gi title. At just nineteen years old, Ashlee boasts No-Gi World Championship and European Championship titles creating the ideal platform for a storied career.

Rewatch these athletes' incredible European Championship runs, and all the black belt full-match replays, exclusively on FloGrappling.