For the seventh time in the organization’s history, the IBJJF/CBJJ hosted the Rio BJJ Pro. The event took place at the Arena Cel. Wenceslau Malta in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Saturday, October 28th and featured four divisions for adult male black belts and awarded cash prizes to male and female competitors of various ranks.

3X World Champion Erich Munis returned to action in Rio, where he took on the ultra heavyweight division. Erich was the #1 seed in the bracket and had to win three matches to take first in the division. After starting the day with two victories, Erich would meet Pedro “Bombom” Alex in the final. Erich finished the Brasileiro silver medalist with an armlock, taking gold in the division. He’ll be competing at The IBJJF Crown on Sunday, November 19th at the Pyramid in Long Beach, California.

In the heavyweight division, Pedro Machado of Atos and Horlando Monteiro of Nova Uniao were on a crash course. Both athletes showed well rounded games, playing top and bottom positions and winning three matches a piece to advance to the final. Ultimately, it was Pedro Machado who came out on top, locking in a match ending armbar to secure gold. Pedro had three submissions out of his four matches, varying his attacks and scoring a triangle, a choke from the back, and an armbar.

Stefhanie Costa of Fernando Terere BJJ was another standout competitor from the event. She won gold at super heavyweight and then went on to the open class, where she won the final via choke.

2023 Rio BJJ Pro team results:

1. GF Team - Jiu Art

2. Nova Uniao

3. Gracie Barra