The World Championship event hosts the globe’s top brown belt prospects at the Pyramid in Long Beach, CA. The male divisions kick off the event on Thursday (5/28) while the female divisions highlight day two action on Friday (5/29). Phenom athletes vie for Worlds glory with intriguing storylines underscoring the competition. Witness memorable action and intense bouts live on FloGrappling. Prepare for the intense action with breakdowns of the most anticipated divisions.

 

Male

Roosterweight

European Champion: Hélio Seródio

Pan Champion: Vitor Crizel

Brasileiro Champion: Melquisedeque Moura 

The 127lb division features fifteen elite athletes set to clash for Worlds glory. Through three major events in 2026, the roosterweight division has crowned three distinct champions. Alliance standout Vitor Crizel takes the top-seed following his Pan Championship gold medal performance. Vitor bumped up a weight class at Brasieleiros to compete in the light-featherweight division, however, he is back at his true weight class to contend amongst the top roosterweights in the world. Melquisedeque Moura of Nova União enters the event riding a wave of momentum from his recent Brasileiro triumph. Melquisedeque is an explosive technician whose sweeping prowess is world-class, while Vitor Crizel remains a well-balanced submission hunter. A potential matchup between the two top ranked roosterweights would surely draw immense attention on day 1 of the World Championships. Daniel Guerra, Bernardo Rosalba, Joonhyuk Jang, and Alexander Osorio represent a formidable collection of athletes who maintain the ability to shake up the bracket.

 

Light-Featherweight

European Champion: Batyr Tenizbay

Pan Champion: João Vitor

Brasileiro Champion: João Vitor

The light-featherweight division boasts eight athletes who have reached major event podiums in their brown belt careers. João Vitor earned the top-seed in the division, as he enjoys a spectacular 2026 campaign that witnessed him secure Pan and Brasileiro titles. João commenced his competitive season with a dominant four win, three submission outing at Pans. Brasileiros witnessed the Alliance prospect showcase his skillful strategy and poise under pressure, securing the title amongst a talented bracket. Batyr Tenizbay secures the #2 seed in the light-featherweight bracket following his European Championship success. The Qazaqstan Top Team athlete remains a strong contender to top the podium in Long Beach this week. Batyr features a well-balanced attack with strong positional awareness and submission ability. Afek Agababa and Amit Burshtein collect the #5 and #6 seeds respectively, as both Nxtgen Jiu-Jitsu products have their sights set on the Worlds podium. Luan Martiniano of Gracie Barra entered the 2026 season on the heels of a fantastic No-Gi World Championship title. Luan earned a bronze medal at Pans this season, and aims to cap off his gi campaign on a high note. The light-featherweight division showcased a spectacular group of dynamic athletes who are prepared to battle for their share of the World Championship spotlight.

 

Featherweight

European Champion: Alex Vazquez

Pan Champion: Alex Vazquez

Brasileiro Champion: Felipe Leonardo 

The featherweight division presents an intriguing blend of experience and ability. Alex Vazquez has asserted himself as a standout athlete in the 154lb division with a pair of major event titles this season. The AOJ prospect commenced his season with a dominant European Championship that witnessed him secure five victories and four submission finishes. He followed the outstanding performance with a four-win Pans campaign for his second major title of the season. Felipe Leonardo of CheckMat captured the third major event of the year in São Paulo. Felipe secured five submissions in six matches, proving his exciting style, before toppling Alex Vazquez in the finals. A potential rematch between the two featherweight phenoms may decide the World Champion. Malcolm Teruel, Bruno Marllon, Alinur Kuatuly, and Igor Moreira round out the top six seeds of the deep division. Podium placements will be fiercely contested in the 154lb division, with specific attention surrounding Alex Vazquez and Felipe Leonardo.

 

Lightweight

European Champion: Park Jaewoon

Pan Champion: Youness Bennouali

Brasileiro Champion: Rian Oliveira

One of the most anticipated brackets in the brown belt category will take place in the lightweight division. All three of the major event champions in 2026 are enlisted in the competition, leading many to highlight the 168lb weight class. Youness Bennouali of Moka Team 443 secures the top-seed following his European and Pan performances. Youness commenced his season in Lisbon where he captured a bronze medal in an extremely deep bracket. He progressed into a successful Pans campaign that witnessed him top the lightweight podium. Youness delivers nonstop action behind a relentless pace and well-balanced attack. Park Jaewoon reigned supreme at the European Championship, capturing the 168lb title amidst many top prospects. The Atos athlete entered the season with immense anticipation as a 2025 purple belt World Champion. His European title performance only furthered the attention and expectations surrounding his 2026 World title bid. Rian Oliveira enters the bracket as the #2 seed, following a recent Brasileiro gold medal campaign. The Nova União standout delivered a remarkable performance, capturing four submission wins in five matches to announce himself on the international stage. The top three seeds retain much of the lightweight attention, however, Willian Arimura, Andre Cruz, and Bernardo Gatti represent formidable contenders in the highly-anticipated Worlds bracket.

 

Middleweight

European Champion: Rafael Gamba

Pan Champion: Dominic Manno

Brasileiro Champion: Rafael Gamba

The male brown belt division has delivered fantastic action at every major event of the 2026 season. Alliance standout Rafael Gamba has proven his ability to top the podium with two major event titles this year. The top-seed commenced his 2026 campaign with a stellar European Championship gold medal performance in which he submitted each of his five opponents. Moving into Pans competition, Rafael appeared to be in top form before crossing paths with rival Dominic Manno. The Alliance phenom returned to his dominant game at Brasileiros where he again submitted each of his five opponents en route to securing the title. Rafael’s guard is world-class and underscores his phenomenal submission arsenal. The Alliance prospect is certainly a must-watch athlete in the brown belt category. The aforementioned Dominic Manno of AOJ represents another elite-level prospect. Dom commenced his season in a stacked European bracket, which marked his debut at the brown belt level. His true form was established at Pans where he secured four victories and the middleweight title in the most competitive division of the event. Dom has established victories over many of the top names in the middleweight division, undoubtedly providing immense confidence ahead of his World Championship outing. Dom will surely utilize his strong guard play and intelligent strategy to compete for the top of the podium. Emerson Feitosa of Esporte Dez takes the #3 seed in the talented division. Emerson is a consistent threat to take out the division’s top athletes and remains one of the most experienced athletes in the division. The young prospect earned the middleweight No-Gi World Championship in December and added a Pans silver medal in 2026. The 2025 edition of the World Championships witnessed Emerson secure a bronze medal, as he enters this year’s event with increased expectations. Jesiah Tubby, Samuel James, and Corey Dorsey represent dark horses in an extremely deep field.

 

Medium-Heavyweight

European Champion: Heitor Pinheiro 

Pan Champion: Marcio Italo

Brasileiro Champion: Kaue Gomes 

The 2026 World Championships presents the deepest medium-heavyweight division of the year as new names in the division enter with high expectations. Marcio Italo remains the top-seed following his remarkable Pan performance. The Alliance product captured a pair of submission finishes across three matches en route to securing the medium-heavyweight Pan title. Marcio ended his 2025 campaign with a bronze medal in the purple belt division, as he sets his sights atop the podium this year. Enzo Marasciulo receives the #2 seed with four podium placements across European and Pan events in 2026. The Gregor Gracie student has proven his ability to contend amongst the world’s best medium-heavyweight athletes, yet continues his pursuit for his first major title at the brown belt level. Luan Veras of Atos enlists in his third weight division in a major competition this year. Luan has secured a pair of silver medals and a bronze medal through three Grand Slam events in 2026. Caleb Nascimento also bumps up a weight class following his European silver and Pan bronze medals this year. Both athletes represent under-ranked athletes that have the ability to claim the medium-heavyweight throne at the World Championships. Matheus Paiva, Luan Santos, and Paulo Lopes represent dangerous contenders to vie for hard-fought podium placements.

 

Heavyweight

European Champion: Lucas Coruja 

Pan Champion: Lucas Coruja

Brasileiro Champion: Jeferson Tijolo

The highly-anticipated 208lb division is poised to deliver intense matchups between world-class athletes. Lucas ‘Coruja’ de Bonis takes the top-seed in the sixteen-competitor bracket. The Alliance standout has secured European, Pan, and Brasileiro titles in the 2026 season. Lucas displays a dominant style, highlighted by his signature sweep-to-pass system. As the #1 globally ranked brown belt, Lucas enters the event with immense expectations and specific motivation. The Alliance prospect captured the silver medal in the 2025 edition of the event, leading to a definitive desire to top the podium this week. Jeferson Tijolo enters the bracket as the #3 seed and the reigning Brasileiro heavyweight champion. The DreamArt phenom has garnered well-deserved recognition in recent years, as his ascension through the prospect ranks has many excited for him to reach the highest echelon. Jeferson remains one of the most explosive and dynamic athletes in the 208lb division, boasting a submission-oriented style that consistently delivers thrilling bouts. Mauro Lucas of Alliance takes the #2 seed as the Pan open class champion. Mauro utilizes his imposing frame and relentless pressure to overwhelm his opponents. The top three seeds of the division guarantee a palpable intensity within the talented division, as the heavyweight World title hangs in the balance.

 

Ultra-Heavyweight

European Champion: Thierry Felipe

Pan Champion: Adrian Ribeiro

Brasileiro Champion: Natã Tenca 

The globe’s top ultra-heavyweight brown belts descend upon Long Beach, CA to showcase their celebrated skillsets. Natã Tenca of Atos claims the top-seed in the ten-man division. Natã enters as the #2 globally ranked brown belt with a surge of momentum from his recent Brasileiro title run. His gold medal performance underscored his submission ability, specifically the footlock system he utilized on multiple occasions to submit his opponents. The Atos prospect also delivered a strong performance at the European Championships in January where he secured a super-heavyweight silver medal and open class title. Thierry Felipe receives the #2 seed as the reigning ultra-heavyweight European Champion. The Marcio Andre student claimed the ultra-heavyweight purple belt World Championship title in 2025, as intends to repeat his success this week. Thierry blends a strong standing game with suffocating top pressure to wither his opponents before hunting submission finishes. The #3 seed from DreamArt, João Nascimento, represents another serious threat to top the Worlds podium. João earned podium placements at both the European and Brasileiro events this season. Yonathan Guertznstein, Brenno Gonzaga, and Olandis Mathes round out the top six seeds in the ultra-heavyweight division.

 

Open Class

European Champion: Natã Tenca

Pan Champion: Mauro Lucas

Brasileiro Champion: Lucas Coruja

The male brown belt open class competition in 2026 has delivered three distinct champions. While all three athletes are enlisted in competition, they remain favorites to receive absolute podium honors, however, a strong collection of brown belts are poised to deliver intense open class action. João Nascimento, Jeferson Tijolo, Luiz Rigo, and a number of top prospects are likely to enter the prestigious World Championship absolute competition. Memorable bouts between top prospects have provided thrilling action to the jiu-jitsu community and the 2026 World Championships project to further the storyline.

 

Female

Light-Featherweight

European Champion: Emily Leyva

Pan Champion: Emily Leyva

Brasileiro Champion: Emily Leyva

The female 118lb brown belt division has been under the control of the Atos phenom Emily Leyva. Emily has delivered resounding victories at European, Pan, and Brasileiro events to further the recognition and anticipation of her World Championship bid. Through three major events in 2026, Emily has accumulated six victories, five submission victories, and an undefeated record. Most recently at Brasileiros, Emily also challenged the top female brown belts in the absolute division, claiming a bronze medal with two submission victories. The Atos product utilizes a devastating armbar system to consistently threaten early stoppages and provide action-packed bouts. Sana Ndiaye secures the #2 seed in the division representing NSM Team as the light-featherweight European Champion in 2026. Another roosterweight who’s making the jump to the light-featherweight division is Isabella Agdeppa who captured a Pan title and World silver medal in 2025. The light-featherweight division at the World Championships represents a remarkable opportunity for Emily Leyva to secure a Grand Slam event sweep in 2026.

 

Featherweight

European Champion: Elizabeth Genge

Pan Champion: Kellen Arraes

Brasileiro Champion: Kellen Arraes 

A formidable collection of featherweights are poised to deliver thrilling action this week. Kellen Arraes of Alliance remains the top-seed in the bracket following successful Pan and Brasileiro campaigns. Kellen secured her Pan title with four victories, three by way of submission. The Alliance product continued her season with three victories, two submissions, and a Brasileiro featherweight gold. Her dangerous guardplay and submission systems provide relentless challenges to her opponents. Elizabeth Genge of Stealth BJJ earns the #2 seed in the 15-competitor bracket. Elizabeth finalized her 2025 season with podium placements at European, Pan, and World events to further her recognition as a top brown belt prospect. In 2026, Elizabeth secured her first major brown belt title at the European Championships in January. Isadora Friedlander and Luana Magalhães enter the event as the #3 and #4 seeds respectively. Isadora has proven her ability to claim upset victories, while Luana’s game warrants strong attention ahead of the World Championship bracket. 

 

Lightweight

European Champion: Nikolett Kis

Pan Champion: Nikolett Kis

Brasileiro Champion: Natalia Maguerroski

The top five seeds in the lightweight bracket have earned podium placements in major brown belt competition. Nikolett Kis claims the top-seed due to a pair of Grand Slam event triumphs this season. Nikolett commenced her season with an astounding double-gold performance at the European Championships, securing eight victories with four submission finishes. The Sigma athlete proceeded to claim Pan gold and silver medals through six matches against high-level competition. Her game features a balanced attack highlighted by a dangerous guard system that provides relentless submission threats. Natalia Maguerroski of Alliance stands as the #2 seed in the lightweight division following her Brasileiro success just weeks ago. Natalia captured three submissions in a four match gold medal campaign, proving her ability on the grand stage. Julianna Wong and Giovanna Rangel round out the top four seeds, with both earning Pan podium honors this season. Gabrielle Baptista earned the #5 seed and enters the event as the reigning No-Gi lightweight World Champion. The 141lb division boasts a wealth of talent and guarantees exciting matchups at the World Championships.

 

Middleweight

European Champion: Polina Titarenko

Pan Champion: Luandra Barbosa 

Brasileiro Champion: Luandra Barbosa

The middleweight division offers a number of intriguing storylines, including a fascinating newcomer to the brown belt level. India Risby has dominated the purple belt middleweight division over the past four Grand Slam events earning seven medals through her campaign. All three major events in 2026 witnessed the shining prospect claim double-gold honors in commanding fashion. India joins a talented middleweight division with immediate World title aspirations. The division’s top-seed, Luandra Barbosa, remains a significant force at the brown belt level. The Gracie Barra athlete enters the event as the #3 globally ranked brown belt and boasts five major event medals in 2026. Luandra claimed the Pan middleweight title before delivering a remarkable performance at Brasileiros. The bright prospect claimed five submissions in seven matches en route to a gold and silver medal outcome. Luandra’s closed guard remains one of the most dominant systems in the female brown belt category, and a position that the entire field must be aware of. Mariah Mckennit, Iris Nascimento, and Eliza Nascimento remain strong contenders to vie for podium honors. Notably, Eliza enters the competition as the #4 overall ranked brown belt, who continues her pursuit towards her first major event title.

 

Medium-Heavyweight

European Champion: Lauriane Stavacz

Pan Champion: Livia Barasine

Brasileiro Champion: Maria Clara

The 163lb division offers a small but talented collection of female brown belts. Gracie Barra’s Lauriane Stavacz earns the top-seed of seven competitors vying for Worlds glory. Lauriane commenced her year with a fantastic European Championship performance, earning medium-heavyweight gold and an open class silver medal. Lauriane features a well-balanced attack with formidable passing pressure and dangerous submission systems. Maria Clara claims the #2 seed as the reigning Brasileiro champion and fellow Gracie Barra prospect. Her Brasileiro outing marked a change of weight class from the former heavyweight competitor who earned a World silver medal in the 2025 edition. Fabin Rosa athlete, Livia Barasine, has begun her adult career with numerous notable victories. Her adult Grand Slam debut resulted in a medium-heavyweight Pan title, solidifying herself as one of the top prospects in the division. Livia is a dynamic athlete with keen positional awareness and a complete technical game. Kim Schoellkopf, Clarissa Soares, Peyton Letcher, and Isabella Clark round out the medium-heavyweight division at the World Championships.

 

Heavyweight

European Champion: Hazel Butcher-Salazar

Pan Champion: Hazel Butcher-Salazar

Brasileiro Champion: Hazel Butcher-Salazar 

The dominant storyline of the eight-competitor heavyweight division is Hazel Rose’s attempt at a Grand Slam sweep in 2026. The Alliance standout has captured five gold medals through three major events this season, and pursues her share of the World Championship spotlight this week. Her most recent competition witnessed her secure six victories, five submissions, and a pair of Brasileiro gold medals. Her style features classic techniques and blanketing top-pressure, however, she has proven to be effective from nearly every possible position. Hazel’s heavyweight domination has led to immense expectations of a double-gold performance at the World Championships. Greta Notaro stands as a formidable #2 ranked contender representing Alliance. Greta has a wealth of experience at the brown belt level, boasting a No-Gi World title, Pan title, and World bronze medal. Anna Vyrginnia claims the #3 seed in the division as a Pan, European, and World medalist representing CheckMat. The division projects to showcase the immense talent of Hazel Rose, however, the talented group of contenders remain intent on toppling the #1 globally ranked female brown belt.

 

Open Class

European Champion: Nikolett Kis

Pan Champion: Hazel Butcher-Salazar

Brasileiro Champion: Hazel Butcher-Salazar 

The female brown belt open class division projects to deliver thrilling action. Hazel Rose of Alliance has maintained command of the division over the past two major events, however, a wave of world-class brown belts are intent on claiming absolute glory. Luandra Barbosa, Nikolett Kis, and Lauriane Stavacz have proven their ability against the wealth of talent in open class competition. Emily Leyva secured a Brasileiro open class medal as a light-featherweight competitor, and Eliza Nascimento of Marcio Andre has the technical ability to upset the division favorites. While the bracket won’t finalize until all weight classes have concluded, anticipation is already building for the prestigious open class competition.