Three highly-anticipated rookie black belts are poised to launch their no-gi careers on the premier stage of the IBJJF Absolute No-Gi Grand Prix. This dynamic trio of black belt prospects signifies the coming wave of talent prepared to electrify the global jiu-jitsu community. Marlon Tajik, Michael Pixley, and Nick Hartman are gearing up for the most significant challenge of their young careers on February 26th as they vie for the esteemed Absolute Grand Prix title.

Each of these newly promoted athletes captured brown belt No-Gi World Championship titles in December 2025. Nick Hartman secured the gold medal in a demanding ultra-heavyweight division, demonstrating his sophisticated guard play and submission prowess. Michael Pixley claimed the super-heavyweight title through imposing passing pressure and unrelenting upper-body attacks. Marlon Tajik dominated the medium-heavyweight category, submitting all four of his opponents while exhibiting elite-level control. Marlon was the sole competitor among the three to enter the open class, competing in three additional matches against top brown belts. Marlon showcased his well-rounded offense en route to achieving double-gold honors at the 2025 No-Gi World Championships. Nick, Pixley, and Marlon exemplified the championship caliber mindset befitting high-level black belts. Entering the sport's top rank with considerable momentum, the three rookie black belts aim to emphatically announce their arrival at the Absolute Grand Prix.

Nick Hartman

Nick Hartman, representing Zenith BJJ, demonstrates exceptional ground skills for an ultra-heavyweight competitor. Intricate inversions transitioning into offensive positions emphasize his dangerous guard game. Notably, Nick enters the highest echelon with world-class leg entries and footlock finishing mechanics. His quarterfinal pairing against black belt veteran, Javier Barter, in the opening round of the Grand Prix bracket presents his toughest adversary to date. Nick must maintain his composure against the intense pressure from the reigning heavyweight No-Gi World Champion, who is keenly adept at creating back exposure from the top position. In contrast, Nick has consistently proven his capacity to finish matches from his back, whether executing deep leg entanglements or skillful choi-bar setups. The Zenith BJJ athlete certainly boasts the athleticism and ability to make a profound statement against a premier competitor. Nick is undoubtedly capitalizing on the success of his dominant color belt career, as he seeks to translate that momentum into immediate triumph within the black belt division at the Absolute Grand Prix.

Michael Pixley

Michael Pixley’s entry into the jiu-jitsu landscape was marked by instant success. His elite-level wrestling proficiency translated into commanding outings, such as his notable 2025 No-Gi World Championship performance. Pixley complements his formidable standing skills with potent front headlock techniques that frequently result in dynamic finishes. Specifically, his signature darce choke immediately put opponents on notice early in his career, prompting the development of adaptations such as his high-wrist guillotine variation to bypass specific defenses. Pixley relishes the ability to dictate the pace and positioning of the bout, choosing to build suffocating passing pressure that leads to dominant top control. His initial-round matchup against late replacement, Gustavo Batista, will be his first opportunity to display his polished game at the black belt level. As the world eagerly awaits the next chapter of the young Pedigo Submission Fighting Athlete, Pixley prepares to deliver a resounding statement beneath the bright lights of the Absolute Grand Prix.

Marlon Tajik

Marlon Tajik enters the event riding a wave of success from his 2025 campaign. Marlon secured submission victories over every medium-heavyweight opponent he faced, culminating in No-Gi Pans, Europeans, and World Championship titles, tallying twelve finishes in as many contests. In addition to his weight-class achievements, Marlon captured open class titles at No-Gi Euros and Worlds, underscoring his remarkable ability to overcome larger opponents. This unique aptitude is a critical factor heading into the Absolute Grand Prix, as Marlon remains one of the smaller contenders in the bracket. His quarterfinal contest against former No-Gi Worlds and Grand Prix Champion, Victor Hugo, presents a monumental challenge for the young black belt. Marlon possesses the versatility to launch attacks from virtually any position, undoubtedly setting the stage for an action-packed confrontation between an established veteran and an ascendant star. Marlon is determined to secure instant recognition at the highest echelon of the sport, as he is granted a unique opportunity to test his abilities against elite black belt competition.

Anticipation is palpable as three of the sport’s brightest young black belts finalize their preparation for the Absolute No-Gi Grand Prix bracket. Regardless of the final outcome, the world will be treated to an extraordinary opportunity to witness these exceptional competitors make their black belt no-gi debuts against World Championship credentialed opponents. Each of them is distinctively equipped to make a profound impression on the world jiu-jitsu stage. Fans will undoubtedly follow this unprecedented narrative as three gifted prospects commence their transition toward global prestige.

The Absolute Grand Prix, presented by Kingz, Fuji, and Wilner & O’Reily, will take center stage on February 26th, broadcasting live from Costa Mesa, California. Secure your tickets now, or catch all the action exclusively on FloGrappling.