5/23/2022 By Danny O'Donnell

The Salvador Fall Open was the last IBJJF tournament in Brazil before the World Championships. Although many Brazilian athletes are already preparing for the Worlds in the US, there were some that have yet to make the trip and opted to compete at the Ginasio Poliesportivo de Cajazeiras in Salvador, Brazil.

Two of the standout athletes of the event were Gabrieli Pessanha of InFight JJ and Rider Zuchi of Ns Brotherhood. Both won their weight classes and the open weight in their final tournament before the Worlds. Gabrieli had one match in her weight class, defeating Iris Batista of Nova Uniao by triangle armbar. In the open she had two more fights, submitting Thais Teixeira in the final via choke from the back.

Rider Zuchi won the heavyweight division after securing two submissions in two fights. He carried that momentum into the open class, winning four more fights with four submissions. “Today I had six fights and six submissions, a great day for me. I put my game to the test as I’ve been training submissions a lot,” said Rider. “It’s my second open tournament where I’ve finished six fights. I feel confident for the next competitions.” Up next for Rider are the 2022 World Championships.

In the lightweight division, Guilherme Rocha of ZR Team took gold after three fights and three submissions. “I had 3 fights today and I’m very happy with my performance! My first match I won with an ezekiel from mount. The semi-final and final matches I finished with chokes from the back. I’m feeling good and ready for Worlds! I’m so confident for this year!"

On Sunday it was Darlan Casaca of Atos Jiu-Jitsu Rio who took home no-gi double gold. Darlan had two fights at medium-heavy and three in the open class, going undefeated on the day and taking home two gold medals.

Fernanda Mazzelli of Striker JJ also took home two gold medals. She won two fights in the open class, bringing her total gold medal count to three for the weekend as she also won the heavyweight division in the gi on Saturday. She commented on her the Worlds where she’ll compete next, stating “I’m very confident for the Worlds. I see that the category is one of the toughest among women and I’m ready for this challenge! I was the first woman to win in three different categories and I want to win my fourth title!”

2022 Salvador Fall International Open team results:

1. ZR Team Association
2. Nova Uniao
3. GF Team

2022 Salvador Fall International Open No-Gi team results:

1. ZR Team Association
2. GF Team
3. Nova Uniao