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The IBJJF circuit is set for an action packed weekend! Four events on three continents will host a catalogue of intriguing matchups. The Asian Championships are already underway with black belt divisions taking place on Saturday, July 11th in Chiba, Japan. Austin and Los Angeles Summer Opens represent the competition lineup in the United States, while the Rio Winter Open goes down in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Let's take a look at some of the most anticipated potential matchups across all four events this weekend.

 

Asian Championships

A number of high-level international athletes have made the trip to Japan for the 2026 Asian Championships. Meanwhile, the rising level of competitive jiu-jitsu throughout Asia provides an underlying intensity at the championship event. Returning champions, ascending prospects, and proven stars are set to clash in Japan, here are some potential matchups to look out for.

 

Hiryu Niwa vs Mourece Ramirez

Hiryu Niwa of AOJ represents a young prospect who had a phenomenal color belt career. The Japanese native is sure to have extra motivation competing on his home soil in the 20-competitor light-featherweight division.

Mourece Ramirez of Marcio Andre Jiu-Jitsu is steadily asserting himself as a strong contender in the light-featherweight division. An impressive showing at the Asian Championships this weekend would go a long way for his confidence, and recognition as an ascending light-featherweight prospect.

 

Thiago Ortiz vs Jun Yong Cho/Minho Yoon

Thiago Ortiz represents another young, exciting talent who aspires to solidify his name amongst top featherweight contenders. The young Ortiz Martial Art representative has the submission ability to put on a show this weekend.

A pair of Wire Jiu-Jitsu athletes are set to compete for the Asian Championship this weekend. Minho Yoon returns to the division as the 2024 champion, while Jun Yong Cho represents the returning featherweight champion at the event. Both athletes represent one of the most exciting associations on the Asian circuit, which is sure to become an international powerhouse in years to come. 

 

Giuliano Spera vs Mateo Cardona

Guiliano Spera of Cicero Costha is an exciting featherweight athlete who is stepping up into the lightweight division. Guiliano boasts a submission-oriented style highlighted by strong footlock systems. He has captured bronze medals in the last two editions of Brasileiros, and sets his sights on securing his first Asian Championship gold.

Mateo Cardona enters the division as the top-seed out of AOJ. Mateo announced his presence on the black belt stage with a silver medal at the 2026 European Championships. He certainly possesses the ability to utilize this event as a breakthrough moment.

 

Uanderson Ferreira vs Mikael Rhaillander

Carlson Gracie athlete Uanderson Ferreira is set to compete in the medium-heavyweight division at the Asian Championships. Uanderson always provides thrilling matches, leaning on his extreme athleticism and creativity to constantly threaten opponents. Uanderson claimed a European Championship bronze medal in January of this year.

Mikael Rhaillander of LGC-Luton Grappling is another exciting young prospect who is steadily increasing his stock at the highest level. Mikael also claimed a bronze medal in the last European Championship event, and boasts a dangerous submission arsenal. 

 

Los Angeles Summer Open

The second IBJJF LA Open of 2026 features a group of athletes who are creating substantial momentum. The event also features former Gi and No-Gi World Champions, as well as rising black belt contenders.

 

Felipe Trovo vs Elder Cruz

Felipe Trovo of Alliance enters the event off an impressive American National performance that earned him a gold and two silver medals. Felipe is a well-balanced athlete with the ability to win in numerous ways.

Elder Cruz, now representing Lucas Leite BJJ, is an aggressive and powerful competitor. The two-time No-Gi World Champion aims to overwhelm his opponents with suffocating pressure.

With both athletes enlisted in Gi and No-Gi divisions and notorious open class competitors, we may get to see this matchups at least two times on the weekend.

 

João ‘Bisnaga’ Mendes vs Gui Fernandes

Bisnaga is set to make his return to No-Gi competition, following his World bronze medal just weeks ago. For those who are unaware, the former Gi World Champion boasts a technical and dangerous No-Gi game.

Gui Fernandes of AOJ is coming off a wonderful Gi and No-Gi gold medal performance at the American Nationals. Gui possesses strong submission ability and wonderful guard play.

 

Cleber Sousa vs Steven Gomez/Lukas Freitas

Cleber Sousa is set to compete in both Gi and No-Gi competition in Los Angeles. The former Brasileiro Champion is a proven force in Gi competition, and aims to prove his No-Gi prowess yet again.

Steven Gomez is likely to meet Cleber in Gi action this weekend. Steven appeared in top form en route to earning an American Nationals gold medal a couple weeks ago. 

Lukas Freitas is also fresh off an American Nationals gold medal in No-Gi competition, as he aims to take on the featherweight division. The featherweight division remains one of the strongest No-Gi brackets in Los Angeles this weekend.

 

Austin Summer Open

Exciting athletes descend into Austin for the season’s second Open event in the lone star state. Helena Crevar headlines the event alongside Sam Nagai as international icons of the sport. Ascending prospects aim to garner experience and challenge proven veterans on the IBJJF Open circuit.

 

Sam Nagai vs Ismael Santos

Former World Champion Sam Nagai is slated to compete in the lightweight division at the Austin Open. Sam enters the competition following his recent silver medals at both the 2026 Pan and World Championship events.

Ismael Santos from GF Team is a promising black belt prospect with an exciting submission style. Ismael has had success in both Gi and No-Gi competition in multiple Austin Open events.

 

Helena Crevar vs Gabriele Shuck

Helena remains the only athlete in her weight division, and also the heaviest female athlete registered in No-Gi competition. If she were to apply for the open division, Helena could very well face Gabriele Schuck. Helena is the reigning medium-heavyweight No-Gi World Champion, and undoubtedly one of the very best pound-for-pound athletes in the world.

Gabriele Schuck is a familiar face on the podium of major No-Gi events. Gabriele is coming off an American National gold medal that is sure to give her confidence going into the Austin Open.

 

Grayson Henley vs Emilio Hernandez

Grayson Henley is an exciting prospect who just made his black belt debut at the American Nationals. If you’re unaware of Grayson’s game, he boasts a dangerous submission arsenal and a relentlessly attacking style.

Emilio Hernandez is a proven veteran who has the ability and experience to outduel his younger competition. Emilio’s transitioning between wrestling and passing are a key aspect of his overall game.

 

Rio Winter Open

Gabi Pessanha headlines the Rio Winter Open as the winningest World Champion female of all-time. A number of rising black belt prospects and recent Brasileiro No-Gi Champions take the mats. The Rio Winter Open projects to deliver exciting and intense action in Rio de Janeiro this weekend.

 

Welerson Goncalves vs Rodrigo Pinheiro

The light-featherweight division welcomes Welerson Goncalves of Moro dos Campeões, the reigning Brasileiro silver medalist. Welerson blends experience, technique, and athleticism beautifully. 

Rodrigo Pinheiro of GF Team captured the Rio Fall Open gold medal, as he sets his sights on the Winter edition. A classic matchup between Welerson’s experience and Rodrigo’s youthful spirit.

 

Emerson Feitosa vs Eduardo Roque/Darlan Casaca

Emerson is in the beginning stages of what projects to be a bright black belt career. Emerson claimed a silver medal in brown belt competition at the most recent World Championship event. The Esporte Dez athlete is slated to compete in both Gi and No-Gi action this weekend.

Eduardo Roque is enlisted in Gi competition in Rio, and remains a significant threat to take the middleweight division. The Renzo Gracie representative has been very active on the open circuit, gaining experience and gold medals along the way.

Darlan Casaca is projected to meet Emerson in medium-heavyweight No-Gi action. The Atos Rio athlete enters fresh off of his Brasileiro No-Gi silver medal. Darlan is physical and technical, representing a significant threat in the division.

 

Alexia Arantes vs Angela Alarcon

Vision standout Alexia Arantes enters the middleweight Gi division as the favorite to secure the gold medal. Alexia has secured three bronze medals in Grand Slam competition over the past few years, and attempts to capture her first gold medal of 2026.

Angela Alarcon represents Double Five and enters the Rio open fresh off of a double-bronze performance at Brasileiro No-Gi. Angela has competed in several Rio Opens at the black belt level, but continues her search for a gold medal this weekend.

 

Gabi Pessanha vs Milena Lima

Infight star Gabi Pessanha returns to action this weekend in Rio. Gabi secured her eleventh and twelfth World Championship titles just weeks ago, and enters the super-heavyweight division as the overwhelming favorite. 

Milena Lima recently secured a Brasileiro No-Gi title and remains one of the strongest super-heavyweight contenders in both Gi and No-Gi competition. Milena secured the Rio Fall Open gold medal earlier this season and represents the stiffest competition for Gabi.

 

Pablo Oliveira vs Antonio Alencar

Pablo Oliveira returns to action following an impressive 2026 Gi campaign. Pablo represented Carlson Gracie Team well across both Pan and European Championship events, earning bronze medals in both. Pablo remains the favorite to capture the medium-heavyweight Gi division in Rio.

Antonio Alencar represents the biggest threat against Pablo. The Alliance athlete has proven to be a dangerous contender on the open circuit, claiming three gold medals in 2025.

 

The jiu-jitsu community can enjoy the busy weekend by following each bracket live on bjjcompsystem. Watch all the Asian Championships, Austin Open, and Rio Open action live on the official IBJJF/CBJJ Youtube channels.