The IBJJF hosted the Rio BJJ Pro event on Saturday October 1st for the first time since 2019. The event featured four divisions for adult males black belts; featherweight, middleweight, heavyweight, and ultra-heavyweight. Cash prizes of R$6,000 were awarded to division champions with R$1,400 awarded to the runners-up. Black belt adult women’s divisions had standard weight classes, with a cash prize of R$6,000 awarded to the absolute champion with second place receiving R$1,400. The following athletes put on fantastic performances at this world class event.

Gabrieli Pessanha has had an unparalleled year in competition. She won double gold at every major championship she’s competed in and has remained consistent in her competition schedule. The InFight athlete competed at the Rio BJJ Pro in the super heavy and absolute divisions. “Yesterday I fought Rio BJJ Pro. It was the first time I fought a BJJ Pro. I was very happy with my performance. I made a total of 4 fights and finished them all! Now the focus is on the South American on the 16th here in Rio de Janeiro,” said Gabrieli. Her most exciting match of the day came in the open class final against Sabatha Lais of Fratres Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Sabatha nearly got to Gabrieli’s back and worked between the back and mount positions as Gabrieli fought to escape. After defending every attack, Gabrieli turned the tables and finished with a spectacular armbar to earn the absolute title and R$6,000.

Another standout competitor in Rio was Atos Jiu-Jitsu’s Pedro Machado. In his first match, Pedro initiated a pass from single leg x that led to a choke from the back. The semi-final saw Pedro pass his opponent’s guard and nearly submit from the back just before his opponent escaped the position. The points victory put Pedro in the finals against Gabriel Oliveira of Alliance. Pedro pulled and tried to work his open guard, but Gabriel stayed tight and forced the half guard position. Pedro swept from the half guard as Gabriel attempted to mount with about two minutes left in the contest.The sweep points secured the victory for Pedro, earning the top spot on the podium in the heavyweight division. “So, I had three fights in the heavyweight division, and I won the first by submission, and the second and third by points. I’m happy with my performance and I will always put my best on the mats and now I will watch my mistakes to be better in the next,” said Pedro.

2019 Brazilian National Champion Ygor Rodrigues competed in Rio in the middleweight division. The CT MR team representative won two matches to secure gold. “I am happy with the result. The Rio BJJ Pro is a great event and its one of the paid championships of the Confederation. I went straight into my semi-final, a fight that was decided in the details. My final was with a former teammate, where I won by two points. I’m happy to be champion of the middle weight category, earning the prize of six thousand reais!”

2022 Rio BJJ Pro team results:

1. GF Team
2. Gracie Barra
3. Carlson Gracie