The IBJJF Phoenix Open took place at the Legacy Sports Arena in Mesa, Arizona, on Saturday, July 29th, and Sunday, July 30th. The event saw fierce competition from top competitors, including four 2023 World Champions: Sam Nagai, Diego Pato, Fellipe Andrew, and Melissa Stricker.

One of the highlights of the event was Sam Nagai, the 2023 featherweight World Champion, who went up to the lightweight division in Arizona. Utilizing a unique blend of technique, athleticism, and movement, Nagai secured victories in both of his matches by submission. In his first bout, he finished his opponent with a shoulder lock from the mount, a technique he executed after displaying his dominant top game and passing his opponent's guard. In the final, Nagai faced another tough opponent and managed to finish the match with an armbar from the 50/50 position, securing the gold in his division.

Sam’s brother, Jackson Nagai, also competed at the Phoenix Open, where he entered the middleweight division. Jackson demonstrated his precise technique, winning his first match by passing his opponent's guard and submitting him with an ezekiel choke from side control. On Sunday, in a no-gi bout, he secured another impressive victory via choke after a hard-fought battle with another experienced competitor.

Diego Pato, a 2X black belt World Champion, competed in the featherweight division and displayed his versatility with his guard passing. In his only fight, Pato utilized several different guard passes to set up a lapel choke from top position, showcasing his technical prowess and securing a well-deserved win.

Alliance's Fellipe Andrew, who is having an outstanding year in 2023, continued his winning streak at the Phoenix Open. After claiming his second World title earlier in the year and also winning the Europeans, Fellipe displayed exceptional form throughout the event. Known for finishing most of his fights by submission, Fellipe continued that trend and won both his matches by submission in the super heavyweight division in Phoenix.

AOJ's Mateus Rodrigues bounced back from a third place finish at medium-heavy to take gold in the open class. He had two hard fought matches and came away with his second IBJJF gold medal of 2023.

Among the female competitors, Melissa Stricker shined, winning two matches in the super heavyweight division and securing the gold medal. Stricker's teammate, Leticia Cardozo, was equally impressive, taking home the gold in the open class division.

The standout no-gi athlete was CheckMat's Mathias Luna. Mathias showcased his skills in both gi and no-gi divisions, winning two matches at medium-heavy and securing third place in the open class in the gi. On Sunday, Mathias continued his winning streak in the no-gi open class, winning three matches and finishing the final with a choke from the back, showing the versatility of his game.

Overall, the IBJJF Phoenix Open was a great display of high-level jiu-jitsu, featuring some of the sport's top talents.

2023 Phoenix International Open team results:

1. Ares BJJ

2. Carlson Gracie Team

3. Lotus Club USA

2023 Phoenix International Open No-Gi team results:

1. Lotus Club USA

2. Carlson Gracie Team

3. Ares BJJ