The adult blue belt competitors successfully concluded their quest for major titles on the opening day of the 2026 Pan Championship. Elite prospects delivered exhilarating performances at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida, unequivocally earning the recognition of the global jiu-jitsu community. Marked by a relentless exhibition of thrilling action, the adult blue belt division firmly established that the future of jiu-jitsu rests with exceptionally capable athletes.

Johnny Anderson, representing Gracie Barra Upland, arrived at the championship with immense expectations, following his commanding victory at the European Championship. The young phenom exceeded those expectations, clinching the light-featherweight title with a staggering four submissions in four matches. Remarkably, each of Johnny’s finishing techniques showcased a distinct variety, including lapel choke, triangle, ankle lock, and tarikoplata finishes. In the span of just three months in his adult career, Johnny has amassed accolades including a Grand Prix superfight win, a European Championship title, and a Pan victory. The soaring prospect continues to affirm his status as one of the sport’s premier rising talents. His Professor (Ana Laura) publicly declared his ambitious goal of securing all four major titles in 2026, setting his sights on the Brasileiros championship, which is scheduled to commence on April 24th.

Hawann Hennye, a fellow Gracie Barra Upland competitor and a newcomer to the adult division, delivered a compelling performance on the first day of the Pans. Hawann concluded his debut adult grand slam event with a definitive statement, achieving four submissions across four matches to secure the silver medal in the light-featherweight division, yielding only to his teammate for the gold. In the open class, Hawann claimed two decisive victories, including an additional submission, and earned the bronze medal before being narrowly defeated by the eventual open class and ultra-heavyweight champion in one of the day’s most breathtaking bouts. Hawann demonstrated potent standing techniques, exceptional guard play, and an arsenal of dynamic submission systems featuring bow-and-arrow choke, ezekiel, and omoplata finishes. Hawann’s masterful execution validated the considerable anticipation surrounding the commencement of his adult career.

Rebecca Nascimento of Marcio Andre Jiu-Jitsu displayed stellar form in the female blue belt lightweight division. Rebecca navigated a challenging bracket of five formidable opponents in her weight class, securing four victories and the silver medal. Transitioning to the open class, Rebecca delivered commanding performances against larger competitors, ultimately capturing the open division title. Throughout the competition, Rebecca showcased a balanced offensive strategy, characterized by high-level standing technique and dangerous submission systems from her back. Notably, Rebecca relentlessly pressured her opposition with arm bar setups from a variety of guard positions, cementing her reputation as one of the world’s elite female blue belts. 

Her teammate and fellow Marcio Andre standout, Chloe Pereira, utterly dominated the roosterweight division, leveraging her incredible guard play. Chloe entered the event fresh off a commanding gold medal run at the European Championship in January. Across two major events, she has consistently maintained her elite form against the best blue belt competition. The young talent employed a lethal triangle system that led to the defeat of two adversaries, successfully claiming the title and her share of the Pans spotlight.

The ascending CheckMat prospect, Alyson Lima, entered the highly contested 57-competitor lightweight division as the top-ranked athlete. The young talent exhibited the dynamic athleticism and masterful technique for which he is rapidly gaining recognition. Alyson secured five consecutive wins to claim the lightweight title, demonstrating the evolution of his game as a tactical competitor alongside his formidable submission skills. Alyson, not content with a singular podium finish, entered the open division for an additional three matches. He ultimately secured the bronze medal, falling to the open class runner-up after earning two decisive victories. The Pans lightweight title signifies Alyson’s second grand slam event triumph of the 2026 season, setting the trajectory for a remarkable campaign from the soaring prospect.

Bruno ‘Giga’ Garcez, another 2026 European Champion, unleashed his intimidating style across the blue belt ultra-heavyweight and open class divisions. The Alliance standout employed suffocating pressure and superior control to dismantle his opponents, culminating in a dominant double-gold performance. His weight division presented three challengers, whom Giga dispatched with the exemplary composure and technical prowess expected of an elite champion. He then entered the open class, confronting three additional talented opponents, including two weight-division champions. His intense semifinal clash with Hawann Hennye highlighted the elite caliber of the blue belt division, providing five minutes of non-stop, incredible action. Giga proceeded to capture the open class title, successfully achieving his double-gold distinction and fueling anticipation for his next major event appearance.

Luca Ximenes delivered a resounding statement with an explosive breakout performance on the opening day of the Pans. The Marcio Andre competitor entered the heavyweight division, where he systematically dispatched four highly skilled opponents. Most impressively, Luca secured submission victories in all four of his matches, firmly cementing his position among the top blue belts globally. The young prospect had previously exhibited the technical skill to succeed in major tournaments but had yet to unleash his complete repertoire under the most intense competitive pressure. This time, however, was a significant departure. Luca unveiled his true potential with commanding control and precision-engineered, razor-sharp attacks, generating the kind of performance that commands serious attention from the jiu-jitsu community.

Lia Knox-Hershey of Essential Jiu-Jitsu reigned supreme in the lightweight division. Across four matches, Lia secured four victories and major title acclaim. Her gripping finals match against the eventual open class champion, Rebecca Nascimento, brilliantly showcased the immense and competitive skill level within the female blue belt landscape. Lia’s breakout performance at the Pans is guaranteed to trigger a surge of recognition for the brilliant young prospect.

Elite prospects laid their talent bare with grand slam distinctions within reach. Phenoms, notable newcomers, and reigning champions converged across nineteen demanding brackets, all vying to secure their respective major titles. The exciting young talent commenced the 2026 Pans by displaying the technical skill and vigorous spirit befitting future black belt champions on day one of the tournament.

 

To view full-match replays from the opening day of the 2026 Pans action, visit FloGrappling.

 

2026 Adult Blue Belt Pan Champions

 

Male Divisions

Roosterweight: Pablo Dias

Light-Featherweight: Johnny Anderson

Featherweight: Brendo Rozendo

Lightweight: Alyson Lima

Middleweight: Eduardo Cancela

Medium-Heavyweight: Rhenzo Gama

Heavyweight: Luca Ximenez

Super-Heavyweight: Maurício Medeiros

Ultra-Heavyweight: Bruno Garcez

Open Class: Bruno Garcez

 

Female Divisions

Roosterweight: Chloe Pereira

Light-Featherweight: Ashley Soto

Featherweight: Sophie Turcotte

Lightweight: Lia Knox-Hershey

Middleweight: Talia Green 

Medium-Heavyweight: Adrianna Jackson

Heavyweight: Emari Brown

Super-Heavyweight: Lindsey Grauer

Open Class: Rebecca Nascimento