Thalys Pontes of LEAD BJJ will make his black belt debut at the 2023 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships. The light-featherweight athlete had quite the run in the colored belts, hitting the podium at major tournaments such as the Worlds, Pans, and Europeans. Though Thalys had found success in major tournaments, 2022 was the first year he took gold at the Worlds. He had four fights in the brown belt light-feather division, finishing his quarter, semi, and final matches with a loop choke, a toe hold, and a kneebar, respectively. Thalys spoke about the feeling of winning the Worlds at brown belt and being promoted to black belt on the podium.

“There is a phrase that goes “God’s plan is bigger than what we can imagine for ourselves.” If you know what that phrase means then you understand what I was feeling while being first place in the IBJJF light-featherweight worldwide ranking, World Champion, and the gift of being promoted from Cicero Costha and Bruno Bastos to black belt on the podium of Worlds in 2022. Like the fulfillment of our dreams it was a truly incredible experience. It was more than what I was dreaming for. I wish that all the people that I love could feel that feeling somehow in their lives one day, it was a one of a kind feeling.”

Since the Worlds gold medal and his black belt promotion, Thalys has mainly been focused on helping his students at his academy, TAP World Class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He opened the academy in July 2021 when he was still a brown belt. Thalys explained everything he’s been working on since his brown belt World title.

“Of course I have been working on my jiu-jitsu, adding some new things to my game, building my strength and conditioning, but what has been more important than all of that for me is working on being a champion outside of the mat. I want to be a champion in life and share it with the family that Abbi and I are building through the blessings of God at Tap World Class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I have a lot of great things in store for TAP World Class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We are creating a strong family that will be the foundation of many champions one day. And watch out, because I’m building some strong competitors in our kids programs! I feel so blessed and honored everyday to be a part of something like TAP. Soon you guys will see what we have coming. And I want to be the best son in the world for my mom, Luciana. She deserves it!”

Light-featherweight has evolved into one of the most competitive black belt divisions. In the last three editions of the Worlds there have been three different World Champions; Joao Miyao, Diego “Pato,” and Meyram Alves. It’s also a division that has a constant influx of new black belts such as Zach Kaina and Mario Alvarado. Competing at the black belt level is something Thalys has aspired to since his earliest days in the sport.

“It’s another dream come true for me. I’m very excited to display what I have been working on, and fight against the best. Im so exited to put on a great show for everyone and finally be fighting on Sunday! I can’t wait to stand amongst the greatest in the sport and cement my place there.I grew up around some of the best light feather weights in the world like Paulo and João miyao, Tiago Barros, Hiago George, Jonas Andrade, Diego Pato, Leonardo Mario, Thalison Soares. It was a privilege to watch, learn, and train with them as I watched them rise through the belt ranks and become the best in the world. Now it’s my time to fight among them in the black belt.”

Don’t miss Thalys’ black belt debut at the 2023 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships. The event starts on Thursday June 1st and can be streamed live exclusively on FloGrappling.