In a historic moment for jiu-jitsu, the IBJJF and FloGrappling announced the first ever Female Grand Prix earlier this year. The news brought excitement from the jiu-jitsu community all around the world as the female scene has continued to grow stronger and more competitive every year. About a month prior to the event, GP competitor Nathalie Ribeiro withdrew due to injury. The unfortunate news was accompanied by the announcement of her replacement, Janaina Lebre. Janaina, a Gracie Humaita black belt, has had a great 2022 season. She started the year off taking silver at the Europeans, losing the final by points but nearly finishing an armbar three and a half minutes in. The Worlds was a similar experience as Janaina made the final against Ffion Davies and again lost on points after almost finishing a kneebar submission early in the match.

Despite coming into the first IBJJF FloGrappling Female Grand Prix as the only competitor to have not won multiple World titles, Janaina Lebre was hungry and determined to win. Her preparation started a month before the event and included both technical training and physical preparation. She drew a familiar opponent in her first round match in Luiza Monteiro, a 2015 and 2017 World Champion. Janaina’s last match with Luiza was at the 2021 Worlds, where she lost a close referee’s decision. “I had a strong desire to win. I had to move forward and be aggressive. I learned a lot from the mistakes I made in past fights against her, and that was it. I couldn't go wrong this time!” Janaina certainly did not go wrong, as she outpointed Luiza en route to a decisive 8-6 points victory.

On the other side of the bracket, Anna Rodrigues squared off with Mayssa Bastos in a rematch of the 2021 Pan light featherweight final. Anna came away with a 4-0 points victory, setting up a final with Janaina. At the start of the final match, it appeared as though both athletes were looking to pull guard. As the two moved on their feet and exchanged grips, it was Anna who got to her back first. She was met with a strong knee cut pass from Janaina, however, that ultimately led to a back take. “This is my favorite guard pass. I love the knee cut,”said Janaina. “But she was very smart to use an under hook on my leg to avoid the guard pass, so I had to run to the back so I could get the four points.”

After securing the four points with the back take, Anna was able to escape and come on top in Janaina’s closed guard. Janaina’s lapel guard, which served her extremely well throughout the event, kept Anna’s relentless guard pass attempts at bay. She was able to use the position not only to control her opponents, but also to setup sweeps and attacks. “I've been using the lapel since the blue belt, but over time I've been improving my lapel game. It’s my main game and I really wanted to use the lapel. I was able to do it and I’m happy it worked.”

Defeating two multiple time World Champions in back to back matches is no small feat. The Female GP title is the biggest accomplishment in Janaina’s career so far. Commenting on what it means to be the first IBJJF FloGrappling Female GP Champion Janaina said, “I feel blessed by God. He chose me and I honored the opportunity. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to fight at this event. I’m grateful to IBJJF and FloGrappling for inviting me.” Janaina also spoke about when we can expect to see her competing again. “I am ready for any event that invites me, but for now I am confirmed for the European in January 2023 in Paris.”