The Pans championship begins with adult and master white belt competition, followed by adult blue belt and female purple belt divisions. Excitement is palpable for the 2026 Pans event, and the initial day's competition is set to feature an astounding display of skill. Emerging talents will clash in the blue belt divisions, while female purple belts demonstrate elite-level proficiency.

Rising talents target the second premier championship of the 2026 season. Competitors seek global acclaim through commanding efforts under the bright lights offered by the prestigious Pans event. The 2026 blue belt divisions showcase the remarkable technical ability and competitive drive of prospective champions at the highest level.

Male Blue Belt

Nurgazy Bagyshbekov returns to Pans after his double-gold victory in the last edition. The AOJ talent projects to make another powerful statement in the medium-heavyweight and open class divisions. After settling for a bronze medal at the 2025 World Championships, Nurgazy is surely focused on claiming another major title in preparation for his redemption run at Worlds glory. Rising sensation Johnny Anderson returns to championship contention after capturing the light-featherweight European Championship title. A definitive force in the blue belt division, Johnny is drawing well-deserved recognition in his inaugural adult season. Johnny’s elaborate guard work, paired with stifling passing pressure, poses a daunting challenge for any potential opponent. Teammate Hawann Hennye, an ascending prospect from Gracie Barra Upland, enters his first premier adult-level competition. A World Champion in the juvenile divisions, Hawann secured gold in the light-featherweight division at the Los Angeles Open, marking his only competitive outing as an adult. Anticipation for Hawann to challenge the world’s top adult blue belts has been brewing for some time, and fans are sure to witness incredible technique and finishing prowess from the burgeoning competitor.

Two promising contenders spearhead the group of young CheckMat athletes. Julio Cesar is back in the featherweight championship hunt after capturing a European title in January. Julio prevailed decisively in a staggering 134-competitor bracket, earning seven wins, including two finishes. Alyson Lima, also coming off a stellar gold medal achievement at the European Championships, enters the lightweight division as an early favorite for another medal finish. Alyson’s skills were certainly on display at Euros, where he achieved seven victories with three finishes against high-level opponents. Mauricio Wanderley and Bruno Garcez represent Alliance at Pans this weekend. Mauricio excelled in Lisbon where he secured the super-heavyweight title at Euros. Bruno not only earned the ultra-heavyweight title at Euros, but claimed a second piece of hardware in a challenging open division field. Graham Nascimento and Hoang Nguyen are top-10 ranked blue belts that fans should keep an eye on during an action packed schedule of opening day competition.

Female Blue Belt

Female blue belts are poised to claim their portion of the Pans spotlight. Marcio Andre product Chloe Pereira enters the roosterweight division with high expectations. Chloe controlled the field at Euros earlier this season, securing three finishes in three matches en route to her second major championship at the blue belt level. Notably, Chloe captured gold at the 2025 Pans before taking the silver medal at the World Championships. The roosterweight division in 2026 seems to be under Chloe’s control as she pursues her second major championship of the young season. Fellow Marcio Andre student Rebecca Nascimento makes her major event debut at the adult level. Rebecca secured a juvenile 2 World Championship title last year, and is hoping to convert that success into a Pans title at the adult level. Kayleen Escamilla of CheckMat returns to the major circuit after earning a silver medal at the 2025 World Championships. Her light-featherweight bid will be challenged by high-level competitors such as Naiara Herrera, Allison Yu, and Olivia Ciampa.

Rising talent Maria Quintino of Atos Jiu-Jitsu is prepared to launch her adult blue belt major career at Pans. Maria enjoyed a distinguished juvenile tenure, earning World Championship gold then bronze in consecutive years, and immediately became a serious contender in the lightweight adult division. Her most recent performance at the Austin Open witnessed Maria earn two gold medals and a remarkable five submissions in as many opportunities. Anna Pinheiro joins the heavyweight division following a pair of medals at the European Championships in January, including a weight division title. Anna is a highly regarded competitor on the open circuit in Brasil, earning nine gold medals in 2025. The Pans female blue belt divisions are replete with talent, promising fierce rivalry from start to finish.

Female Purple Belt

A multitude of compelling contenders populate the female purple belt divisions ahead of their day one competition. Atos Jiu-Jitsu product India Risby is ready to display her proficiency in a bid to secure another major championship in 2026. India overpowered the purple belt divisions at Euros, achieving a double-gold victory with five outstanding finishes. India’s approach utilizes sophisticated guard and passing techniques, culminating in her dangerous triangle and armbar submission systems. As the #1 ranked purple belt in the world, India is expected to compete for both the middleweight and open division titles at Pans. Fellow European Champion and Atos Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, Mia Montesinos, is set to challenge for the lightweight title this week. Mia demonstrated her comprehensive game at Euros, launching potent offense from both bottom and top positions. She also displayed commendable spirit, rallying from a twelve-point deficit in the quarterfinals to secure one of her three finishes on the day. Mia’s skill and heart must again align to seize her second major championship of the 2026 season.

Natalee Funegra enters the championship fray following her superb European Championship campaign. Natalee claimed two submissions during her light-featherweight title pursuit, highlighting her persistent finishing techniques and flawless control. Giada Pedretti of Nottingham - Total BJJ & Grappling is set to compete for the featherweight title at Pans. She returns to the event after earning the bronze medal in the 2025 edition; however, Giada certainly carries significant momentum from her European championship victory earlier this season. Agatha Nigro represents another 2026 European Champion vying for her second major championship of the season at Pans. After securing the super-heavyweight title at Euros, Agatha joined the open class where she earned a bronze medal amidst high-level competition. The DreamArt athlete possesses the technical skill and tactical mastery to challenge for and claim both her weight division and open class titles at Pans. The female purple belt division features some of the most compelling talents in modern jiu-jitsu.

Spectators are offered a fantastic opportunity to observe the emergence of potential next-generation stars on the inaugural day of the 2026 Pans. A collection of up-and-coming talents initiates the season's second major event, much to the enthusiasm of jiu-jitsu enthusiasts worldwide. Tune in to FloGrappling for complete coverage of the 2026 Pans, live from Kissimmee, Florida.