The world-class Grand Prix bracket on February 26th will be emphatically supported by a thrilling lineup of elite superfights. The card is stacked with established stars and fascinating prospects, promising an action-packed exhibition of jiu-jitsu. Elite athletes, from world champions black belts to standout juveniles, will showcase their masterful techniques in a bid to capture the prestigious Grand Prix spotlight. Witness all the action live, streaming exclusively on FloGrappling.

 

Helena Crevar vs Aghata Rabelo

The sole no-gi superfight of the evening features Helena Crevar versus Aghata Rabelo in a highly-anticipated medium-heavyweight confrontation. Helena is currently experiencing an exceptional ascent, immediately following a dominant No-Gi World Championship gold-medal performance. Many in the jiu-jitsu community consider her one of the foremost no-gi athletes globally. Aghata Rabelo, the gi and no-gi brown belt World Champion, continues her youthful black belt tenure with a chance to secure a high-profile victory at the Grand Prix. These two burgeoning black belts previously competed in the 2025 Pans brown belt division in an explosive bout where Aghata initially created submission threats before Helena executed a guard pass and clinched the win with a lapel choke. Nearly a year later, this rematch promises intense no-gi action as both women aim to launch their 2026 campaigns successfully.

Kingsway supplies a widely recognized star to the event in Helena Crevar, a competitor in the foundational stages of what projects to be a phenomenal career. Under the guidance of John Danaher and Gordan Ryan, Helena is a jiu-jitsu prodigy who gained prominence in the juvenile divisions before her adult black belt debut in 2025, having received the rank on June 3rd of last year. She concluded the year by dominating the medium-heavyweight division at the No-Gi World Championships, capturing the coveted title. Helena displays a well-rounded approach, defined by active guard play and world-class passing pressure. Her No-Gi Worlds run underscored her submission-focused style, where she secured four submissions in four matches.

Aghata Rabelo of CheckMat joins the event for her eagerly awaited superfight with Helena. Aghata was awarded her black belt by Sebastian Lalli on the 2025 World Championship podium after winning the medium-heavyweight brown belt title. Her no-gi achievements include a 2024 brown belt World Championship gold-medal performance that showcased the elite wrestling, rigorous passing, and guard techniques that establish her as a formidable adversary for any opponent. Aghata possesses a submission-oriented game, highlighted by a menacing armbar system from both top and bottom positions, along with opportunistic back-take techniques. Aghata seeks a high-profile win to announce her presence at the black belt level under the bright lights of the IBJJF Grand Prix special event.

 

Cole Abate vs Will Wilson

Cole Abate and Will Wilson have been added to the Grand Prix fight card for a lightweight superfight. Cole, a consistent presence atop black belt podiums throughout his tenure, generates substantial excitement with his inclusion in this special event. Will Wilson, a rapidly ascending star, is now in his second year at the black belt level. This anticipated duel promises a showcase of technical mastery amidst a fierce physical contest for dominant positioning. Both athletes are notably disciplined competitors, continuously refining their skills across all facets of the game.

The AOJ standout, Cole Abate, has committed to this Grand Prix superfight against a formidable, emerging athlete. Cole is celebrated for his masterful guard attacks and intricate passing systems. He has secured podium finishes in his last four major gi competitions, including a Brasileiros title and a silver medal at Europeans in January. Cole returns to the lightweight division, where he captured the Crown title late last year, demonstrating his timeless jiu-jitsu in three matches against world-class opposition. The evolution in Cole’s game is undeniable as he constantly innovates his systems with potent offense and strategy that effectively disrupts his opposition. Cole’s exceptional composure and tactical awareness distinguish him from fellow high-level technicians, creating a cumulative effect of attacks that often overwhelm his adversary. The AOJ representative and No-Gi World Champion is aiming for another special event victory over one of the sport's most exciting, rising contenders in Will Wilson.

Will Wilson is an emerging athlete who seamlessly blends elite technique with unique athleticism. The Carlson Gracie product exhibits commanding top pressure and keen positional awareness, frequently disrupting and countering offensive threats. Will recently completed a masterful campaign through the European Championship lightweight division, claiming the gold medal through relentless offensive output and tactical knowledge. He must successfully neutralize the potent attacks from Cole Abate, all while maintaining his high work-rate to generate the scoring and submission opportunities he reliably converts. Spectators can anticipate a physically dominant approach from the Carlson Gracie athlete, as he imposes his will with unyielding determination. Will seeks to build upon his remarkable start to the 2026 season with a high-profile victory against a talented opponent.

 

Sarah Galvão vs Maria Vicentini

Sarah Galvão and Maria ‘Maca’ Vicentini represent the next star-studded clash between two dominant competitors. Both athletes have access to world-class training partners to prepare for this highly-anticipated matchup, ensuring peak performance from both competitors. Sarah has recently garnered significant attention for exceptional performances following her black belt promotion. Athleticism and relentless attacking pressure define the thrilling style Sarah brings to the Grand Prix stage. Maca has consistently evolved her game, securing major victories against world-class opposition during her black belt tenure. Two of the world’s top female athletes prepare for an electrifying medium-heavyweight showdown at the prestigious Grand Prix event.

Sarah Galvão brings a wave of momentum into the event, having already secured European and Crown titles early in her black belt career. Most recently, Sarah navigated the lightweight division at the European Championships to capture the gold medal, before falling just short against Gabi Pessanha in the open class final. Sarah’s captivating athleticism and masterful technique present a daunting challenge for any competitor standing across from her. Her style expertly balances top and bottom attacks, making it difficult for opponents to predict her strategy for victory. Regardless of her chosen path, spectators can expect explosive back-takes and dominant finishing systems on display. Adding a high-profile win at this renowned event would further accelerate the trajectory of the young star.

Maria ‘Maca’ Vicentini has certainly impressed throughout her career, notably elevating her game since joining AOJ in 2024. Since then, Maca has earned podium finishes at all four major events, including Pans and Brasileiro titles last season. Maca’s game features powerful guard attacks, highlighted by her masterful sweeping ability. Once she secures a dominant position, Maca is highly efficient, employing finishing sequences that allow little opportunity for escape.  She will undoubtedly rely upon her extensive experience against world-class opponents to out-maneuver her youthful opponent. The AOJ standout is certain to aggressively engage Sarah, showcasing her relentless finishing capabilities and superior positioning.

 

Leo Souza vs Mateo Cardona

A Six Blades versus AOJ clash, featuring Leo Souza and Mateo Cardona, is slated for February 26th. These young black belt prodigies are committed to a superfight promising non-stop action in the lightweight division. Both competitors showcase submission-focused styles characterized by rapid guard submissions. Leo possesses more black belt experience, while Mateo will undoubtedly draw energy from his local crowd. This highly anticipated match is expected to be one of the evening’s most thrilling superfights.

Leo Souza boasts World bronze and European Championship gold-medal credentials, as he hopes to seize the moment by claiming victory over one of the sport's emerging talents. Leo demonstrates superior athleticism and persistent attacks, much to the appreciation of jiu-jitsu fans globally. Since exploding onto the black belt scene with a dominant 2025 European Championship performance, where he submitted every opponent, Leo has continued to accrue experience and hone the techniques necessary to defeat any competitor he faces. Fans can look forward to potent submission threats from the guard and exceptional scrambling ability. Mateo must be vigilant not to provide Leo with even the smallest lapse, as the Six Blades athlete is adept at converting such openings.

Mateo Cardona is one of the bright, young AOJ talents intent on dominating the black belt landscape. Mateo’s achievements throughout the colored belts set the stage for his much-anticipated black belt career. In his first major event at the highest level, Mateo secured a European Championship silver medal, showcasing impressive submission techniques throughout his run. Mateo frequently utilizes his dangerous guard to launch triangle and armbar attempts with surgical precision. Boasting a physically imposing and technically supreme game, Mateo stands as a formidable adversary for any lightweight competitor worldwide.

 

Ashlee Funegra vs Yasmyn Castro

Ashlee Funegra and Yasmyn Castro face off at the IBJJF Grand Prix, a match guaranteed to deliver relentless action. The two rising stars aspire to command the special event spotlight by defeating their formidable opponent. This superfight is a rematch of their recent contest at the 2025 No-Gi World Championships, where Ashlee triumphed en route to claiming the light-featherweight title. Yasmyn is undoubtedly motivated, seeking redemption against the reigning No-Gi World Champion. Interestingly, this matchup features the two phenom athletes in the gi, where styles and tactics could vary from their initial no-gi matchup. An interesting dynamic to observe will be the tactical battle for bottom position, as both athletes appear to favor guard play to initiate their potent attacks. 

Ashlee Funegra rides a surge of momentum into her scheduled superfight with Yasmyn, following her recent gold-medal victories at No-Gi Worlds and the European Championships. The AOJ standout exhibits equally proficient styles in both no-gi and gi competition, returning to the latter for a chance to secure a win over a world-class rival. Ashlee employs an active guard, demonstrating consistent sweeping capability that often transitions directly into a dominant position and creates submission openings. At merely nineteen years old, Ashlee possesses the poise and championship instincts typically seen only in veteran competitors. Spectators can anticipate a flurry of armbar and back-take threats, designed to overwhelm her opponent and electrify the audience.

Yasmyn Castro appears to have concentrated most of her competitive efforts on the gi since receiving her black belt from Marcio Andre atop the 2024 World Championship podium. Yasmyn declared her arrival at the sport’s highest level with a silver-medal showing at last season’s European Championships. Her exciting approach features dynamic guard play, underscored by continuous off-balancing maneuvers that lead to high-level sweep and submission opportunities. She will certainly rely on her impressive athleticism and scrambling prowess to outmaneuver her highly technical opponent. Yasmyn aims to secure a Grand Prix win to propel her toward greater accomplishments throughout the 2026 season.

 

Dominic Manno vs Luan Veras

Brown belt standouts, Dominic Manno and Luan Veras, are scheduled to clash at the IBJJF Grand Prix for a gi superfight. Following a phenomenal purple belt campaign that culminated in No-Gi World Championship gold, Dominic aims to defeat a very dangerous veteran at this level. Luan began competing at the brown belt level in 2024 and has remained a consistent fixture atop open podiums throughout Europe. Luan offers a submission-focused style that expertly merges masterful technique and impressive athleticism. Dominic, one of AOJ’s brightest prospects, possesses elite technique and expert tactical intelligence. Both athletes initiated their 2026 season at the European Championships, showcasing their impressive styles, as they now shift their focus to this superfight opportunity under the bright lights of the Grand Prix special event.

Dominic first gained recognition during his juvenile competition, where he captured gi and no-gi World Championships, before embarking on an impressive purple belt run at the adult level, culminating in a No-Gi World Championship in December. His game is defined by beautiful and efficient guard play, underscored by a threatening berimbolo system. Dominic’s assignment will be to slow down his explosive opponent, enabling him to set up his intricate back attacks and guard sweeps that frequently frustrate his competition. The young AOJ athlete appears poised for a breakout brown belt performance on the Grand Prix stage.

Luan’s seven no-gi gold medals in 2025 attest to both his high activity level and winning mentality. He concluded last season by earning podium finishes at two no-gi majors, the European and World Championships. His first major of the 2026 season saw him nearly complete an incredible run, ultimately settling for a European silver medal in an extremely tough lightweight division. Luan features an elite submission arsenal from both top and bottom positions, combined with dynamic athleticism that consistently drives the action. Luan will undoubtedly seek to overwhelm Dominic with persistent pressure in hopes of securing a submission victory.

 

Kellyson Carlos vs Evan Duncan

CheckMat and Gracie Barra present two of the top purple belt lightweight prospects for an intriguing preliminary superfight. CheckMat’s Kellyson Carlos received his purple belt promotion atop the World Championship podium last season, marking another significant achievement for the young phenom. Evan Duncan was also promoted to purple belt following an impressive Worlds run in 2025, a notable accomplishment for the standout Gracie Barra product. The Kellyson and Evan matchup generates additional excitement around the event as the two prospects are projected to deliver a thrilling duel.

Kellyson Carlos largely dominated the blue belt major competition circuit in 2025, securing Pans, Europeans, and Brasileiro titles alongside his Worlds bronze medal. Kellyson is a dynamic athlete who presents numerous challenges for any opponent. A balanced attack featuring high-level guard play and passing systems frequently overpowers his rivals, as most recently demonstrated during his gold-medal run at the European Championships. Kellyson has exhibited instinctive tactics that resemble many of the CheckMat legends who have paved the way for the young phenom.

Evan Duncan hails from the powerhouse of young colored belt prospects at Gracie Barra Upland. Evan offers elite guard systems with capable sweeping techniques and notable tactical awareness. Kellyson must be vigilant of Evan’s high-guard system, which includes lightning-fast triangle and armbar setups. Evan's submission ability is genuinely dangerous, often resulting in highlight worthy finishes, much to the delight of his spectators. Evan must certainly withstand Kellyson’s dynamic pressure before employing his finishing sequences, in the hope of securing his most significant victory at the purple belt level.

 

Natalee Funegra vs Kaitlyn Schmidt

Natalee Funegra joins the Grand Prix fight card following a commanding performance at the first major of the 2026 season. A newcomer to both adult and purple belt ranks, Natalee is determined to build upon her adult rookie season with a superfight victory. Kaitlyn Schmidt enters her purple belt rookie gi season, seeking to maintain the momentum she generated in 2025. Kaitlyn is a skilled submission specialist with outstanding technical capability, setting the stage for a compelling matchup with Natalee.

AOJ rising star, Natalee Funegra is set to showcase her exceptional talent for a gi superfight at the IBJJF Grand Prix. Natalee is fresh off an incredible European Championship gold medal campaign that included two superb submissions and dominant control over formidable opponents. Natalee’s game is highlighted by dangerous guard attacks, specifically a triangle system that regularly secures submission finishes. Natalee exhibits confidence across all facets of her game, utilizing intricate guard passing and strategic positioning to overwhelm her adversaries. Young and athletic, Natalee aims to clinch a hard-earned victory under the bright lights of this special event.

Kaitlyn Schmidt of Marcio Andre Jiu-Jitsu, possesses the technical and athletic prowess to overcome any opponent. Threatening guard systems, emphasizing upper body attacks and sweeping maneuvers, define her formidable game. Kaitlyn leveraged these capabilities to secure a blue belt World Championship title last season, an achievement she aspires to replicate this year at the purple belt rank. Her most significant contest of the young season comes in this Grand Prix superfight against a resilient opponent, undoubtedly revealing Kaitlyn’s top form.

 

Johnny Anderson vs Julio Cesar

Johnny Anderson meets Julio Cesar in a superfight match featuring two of the most promising young blue belt talents in competitive jiu-jitsu. Both athletes competed in the European Championships in mid-January, demonstrating their respective skills and dedication to performing on the sport's biggest platforms. Johnny exhibited superior control and exceptional guard play en route to capturing the light-featherweight gold, while Julio secured the featherweight title through his relentless and explosive style. In compelling matchmaking, the two competitors are set to display their contrasting styles, as Johnny favors guard attacks while Julio typically opts for constant-pressure guard passing. This matchup of developing phenoms guarantees non-stop action and a broad spectrum of attacks in a thrilling featherweight confrontation. Regardless of the result, spectators will have the rare opportunity to witness two of the sport's most exciting prospects test their abilities under the special event spotlight.

Johnny Anderson, representing Gracie Barra, concluded his juvenile career in 2025 by claiming three major titles. His adult debut at this year’s Europeans offered a glimpse into what projects to be a distinguished adult career. Johnny’s game is defined by his masterful guard play, particularly his berimbolo attacks that frequently entangle his opponents and provide him with powerful finishing opportunities. Johnny will be tasked in managing the slightly larger and immensely explosive Julio to set up his high-level submission threats. The Gracie Barra standout aims to build upon his emerging adult career with a significant victory while the jiu-jitsu world focuses on this profound event. Despite the outcome, Johnny is on a path to stardom that fans should closely follow.

Julio Cesar of CheckMat joins the Grand Prix superfight roster to showcase his captivating style. Julio’s European Championship title this season was preceded by an impressive 2025 campaign, highlighted by Pans and Euros bronze and Sul-Americano gold. His game features explosive passing techniques and formidable standing ability, often nullifying any opposing attacks with athletic counters. A technically sound competitor, Julio possesses the capacity to overwhelm any opponent with steady pressure and an uncompromising mentality. With one major title already secured this young season, Julio is poised for a breakout campaign as he chases another significant win at this widely viewed special event. To claim victory, Julio must navigate the barrage of high-level attacks from Johnny, leveraging his powerful physique and fascinating counter ability. Julio appears to be a strong candidate to become a next-generation star as he advances through the belt ranks, accumulating major victories along the way.

 

JP Tran vs Asafe Alves

AOJ juvenile JP Tran faces off against Asafe Alves of Marcio Andre Jiu-Jitsu in a highly-anticipated juvenile match. JP completed a phenomenal 2025 season, securing both No-Gi and Gi World Championship titles before beginning this competitive season with a European gold medal at the juvenile 2 rank. Asafe also impressed throughout last year's season, capturing Pans and European Championship titles before narrowly losing to JP in the World Championship final. This Grand Prix rematch is certain to offer spectators an outstanding exhibition of jiu-jitsu between two of the most dominant juvenile athletes globally.

JP is on a competitive and technical trajectory that seems destined for greatness. Having developed within the world-renowned competitive team at AOJ, his rise to dominance in the juvenile divisions has been nothing short of spectacular. JP’s approach features intricate guard play and fluid passing techniques, making it easy to draw parallels to his professor, Rafa Mendes. Achieving a victory under the bright lights of the Grand Prix would only intensify the excitement surrounding the young phenom’s burgeoning career as he aims to maintain his dominance at the juvenile level in 2026.

Asafe Alves is a young competitor who is unequivocally regarded as one of the world's top juveniles. Asafe has earned recognition for delivering action-packed matches, showcasing high-level technique across all areas of the game. The Marcio Andre student applies intense guard passing pressure upon his opponents and utilizes a variety of finishing techniques from dominant positions that mirror the sport's premier stars. JP must be cautious of the long-step passing and close-distance attacks that Asafe frequently employs to overwhelm his rivals. Asafe will undoubtedly leverage his athleticism and technical positioning to navigate his opponent’s dangerous guard, threatening submissions throughout. Securing a win at this prestigious event would significantly boost Asafe’s confidence and résumé as he strives to dominate the world juvenile stage in 2026.

 

Mick Whelan vs Isaac Huertas

Mick Whelan and Isaac Huertas are set to clash in a juvenile matchup between two elite young prospects. Isaac concluded his debut year at the juvenile level in 2025, securing multiple open tournament gold medals, culminating in a silver medal at the No-Gi World Championships. Mick concluded his kids competition career last season, achieving Pans gi and no-gi titles, along with a Brasileiros title. Both athletes possess technique and strategy that supersede their age, generating significant buzz for their superfight showdown.

Mick Whelan, representing AOJ, is another young and phenomenally gifted juvenile. He presents a well-rounded attack, balancing standing and top pressure with intricate guard play. Remarkably, Mick commands the strategic and technical expertise needed to secure exciting finishes. He began his juvenile career at the European Championships in January with a dominant showing, earning bronze and gold medals against strong competition. Mick is determined to capitalize on his initial achievements with another astounding performance under the Grand Prix spotlight.

Isaac Huertas of Ethos East LA Jiu-Jitsu, features calculated offense that highlights high-level guard systems. Isaac prioritizes controlling his adversaries before launching attacks from dominant positions. His leg entanglement and sweeping techniques will pose substantial difficulties for Mick, while Isaac seeks to leverage his positional awareness to exploit slight opportunities. Notably, the Ethos athlete’s athleticism in scrambling situations guarantees exhilarating back-and-forth action in what promises to be a tightly contested duel.

 

The IBJJF Grand Prix presented by Kingz, Fuji, and Wilner & O’Reily goes down February 26th.  Catch the Absolute Grand Prix and all the superfight action, exclusively on FloGrappling.