World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship

 Yesterday we saw the first champions crowned in the Blue Belt adult male and female, Purple Belt female and Purple Belt masters divisions at this year’s edition of the No-Gi World Championship. Today Brown Belt male and female and Black Belts masters 1 and 2 take to the mats. On Saturday and Sunday, the remaining divisions will go including the Black Belt adults. Let’s take a look at some of the storylines heading into the weekend:

 Adult Male Black Belt

Black Belt Male Roosterweight

Thalison Soares debuts at his first black belt world championship. After one of the most incredible runs at the colored belts, winning the IBJJF Grand slam three years in a row ( Euros, Pan, Brazilian Nationals and Worlds) Thalison was promoted to the black belt by his coach Cicero Costha. Thalison recently relocated to Australia where he opened his own academy. He will be heavily favorited to pick up his first title. Tri Force’s Nobuhiro Sawada was the champion in 2018 and will look to defend his title. We could see a showdown between the two in the Finals on Sunday.

Black Belt Male Lightweight

Both finalists from last year will not be competing this year, leaving the division open for a new champion.  Lachlan Giles who recently took 3rd in the open class at ADCC after going on a historic run, submitting 3 larger opponents. He has made the trip from Australia to go after his first black belt world title. Veterans Rodrigo Freitas, Samir Chantre among others will be present.  Frederico Silva and Rodrigo Freitas both walked away with a bronze last year and will look to improve upon their performance this year.

Black Belt Male Middleweight

Do not miss this division! Absolutely stacked with the likes of Dante Leon, Felipe Silva, Jaime Canuto, Sebastian Brosche, and Otavio Sousa.  Dante has had a breakout year so far and will want to end it with a world title next to his name. He took 3rd last year after falling an advantage short to Hugo Marquez in the semifinal Jaime is returning this year after taking 2nd last year, Otavio will be present and is always favorite whenever he competes. Watch for 1 of these 3 to take home the gold medal.

Black Belt Male Ultraheavyweight

This is the smallest male black belt division but, full of talent. Roberto “Cyborg” Abreau and Vinny Magalhaes are two legends that will be mixing up. Joining them is veteran James Puopolo and the ultra-talented Victor Hugo. This division promises to be full of some awesome takedowns as well, don’t miss it!

Adult Female Black Belt

Black Belt Female Roosterweight

 In the only match of the division, reigning Gi and No-gi champion Mayssa Bastos will face off against the 2018 brown belt world champion Amber Freitas. Mayssa took gold at this event last year at Lightfeather weight.

Black Belt Female Featherweight

3 out of 4 medalists are not returning this year, Heather Raftery is the sole returning medalist, she took bronze last year. Talita Alencar is present in the division she is a 2x No-Gi world champion, she won gold in 2016 and 2017.

Black Female Superheavy

Jessica Flower will have a by to final as she looks to defend her title. She will most likely look to enter the Absolute division where she took silver last year after falling short to Bia Mesquita by a single advantage. With Bia out this year, Jessica will be the favorite to double gold this year.