Who are your favorites for the 2015 ADCC?

The 2015 ADCC is finally here.

Milton Vieira was the last athlete to be confirmed for the -77kg division.

With all the names laid out, we now can go about a brief analysis of each one of the seven weight categories.

Of course, as we still don’t know how the brackets will be drawn, there’s no way of knowing what’s going to be the path to gold medal for each of the athletes.

Therefore, we’re gonna take a look on the names and pick the most likely to be in the semifinals.

We will not pick the most likely finalists, once that is too much influenced by the setting of the brackets.

Here we go.

Male -66 kg

The absence of Rafael Mendes left the division wide open for anyone to challenge the reigning champion Rubens Cobrinha. Augusto Mendes, Gianni Grippo, Ed Cummings, Bruno Frazatto and Justin Rader are the strongest candidates to be in the semifinals alongside Cobrinha, who is the overall favorite.

Most probable semifinalists:Rubens Cobrinha, Gianni Grippo, Ed Cummings, Augusto Mendes

Can anyone dethrone Cobrinha?

1. Rubens Charles “Cobrinha” – Brazil (ADCC 2013 Winner)
2. Asadulaev Surkhay – Russia (1st European Trials Winner)
3. Nicolas Renier – France (2nd European Trials Winner)
4. Tezekbaev Rasul – Kyrgyzstan (1st Asia & Oceania Trials Winner)
5. Yuto Hirao – Japan (2nd Asia & Oceania Trials Winner)
6. Geovanny Martinez – USA (1st North American Trials Winner)
7. Edward Cummings – USA (2nd North American Trials Winner)
8. Renan Sancar Santos – Brazil (1st South American Trials Winner)
9. Gabriel Marangoni – Brazil (2nd South American Trials Winner)
10. Jeff Glover – USA (Invited)
11. Augusto Mendes – Brazil (Invited)
12. Justin Rader – USA (Invited)
13. Bruno Frazatto – Brazil (Invited)
14. Gianni Grippo – USA (Invited)
15. Mark Ramos – USA (Invited)
16. Alexandre Vieira – Brazil (Invited)

Male -77 kg

The absence of Kron Gracie makes things wide open in the division. The runner up in 2013, Otavio Sousa is a strong candidate for another final. Garry Tonon, a surprise in 2013, is now a consolidated talent who has all the tools to make a real run for the title. Lucas Lepri, Gilbert Burns, AJ Agazarm, Ben Henderson and Dillon Danis should also be looked at carefully.

Most probable semifinalists: Otavio Sousa, Garry Tonon, Gilbert Burns, AJ Agazarm

Without Kron, who will reign over the -77kg division?

1. Gamrot Mateusz – Poland (1st European Trials Winner)
2. Abdulkadirov Magomed – Russia (2nd European Trials Winner)
3. Lachlan Giles – Australia (1st Asia & Oceania Trials Winner)
4. Young-am Noh – Korea (2nd Asia & Oceania Trials Winner)
5. Enrico Cocco – USA (1st North American Trials Winner)
6. Vagner Rocha – USA (2nd North American Trials Winner)
7. Davi Ramos – Brazil (1st South American Trials Winner)
8. Gabriel Rollo – Brazil (2nd South American Trials Winner)
9. Garry Tonon – USA (Invited)
10. Otavio Sousa – Brazil (Invited)
11. Lucas Lepri – Brazil (Invited)
12. Ben Henderson – USA (Invited)
13. Dillon Danis – USA (Invited)
14. Gilbert Burns – Brazil (Invited)
15. AJ Agazarm – USA (Invited)
16. Milton Vieira – Brazil (Invited)

Male -88 kg

Barral is back to defend his title, as are Rafael Lovato Jr., Keenan Cornelius and Pablo Popovitch, the other three semifinalists in 2013. Two years later, they are still the top four contenders for the division. Claudio Calasans Jr. and Yuri Simões will fight hard to break into hat club.

Most probable semifinalists: Romulo Barral, Rafael Lovato Jr., Keenan Cornelius, Pablo Popovitch.

Will the same podium repeat itself in 2015?

1. Romulo Barral – Brazil (ADCC 2013 Winner)
2. Zbigniew Tyszka – Poland (1st European Trials Winner)
3. Jesse Urholin – Finland (2nd European Trials Winner)
4. Craig Jones – Australia (1st Asia & Oceania Trials Winner)
5. Hidemi Mihara – Japan (2nd Asia & Oceania Trials Winner)
6. Matthew Arroyo – USA (1st North American Trials Winner)
7. Mike Perez – USA (2nd North American Trials Winner)
8. Claudio Calasans – Brazil (1st South American Trials Winner)
9. Keenan Cornelius – USA (Invited)
10. Rustam Chsiev – Russia (Invited)
11. Pablo Popovich – USA (Invited)
12. Rafael Lovato Jr. – USA (Invited)
13. Ezra Lenon – USA (Invited)
14. Neiman Gracie – Brazil (Invited)
15. Yuri Simoes – Brazil (Invited)
16. Ricardo Ramos De Mesquita – Brazil (Invited)

Male -99 kg

João Assis is another champion defending his title. A quick look on the names in his division makes clear that he’ll have a tougher job than he had in 2013. Rodolfo Vieira, Alexandre Ribeiro, Felipe Pena, Tom DeBlass, Hector Lombard, Cassio Francis are some of the obstacles Assis will have to jump over to make it to the top of the podium one more time.

Most probable semifinalists: João Assis, Rodolfo Vieira, Alexandre Ribeiro, Felipe Pena

Can João make it to his second gold medal?

1. Joao Assis – Brazil (ADCC 2013 Winner)
2. Tomasz Narkun – Poland (1st European Trials Winner)
3. Kamil Uminski – Poland (2nd European Trials Winner)
4. Tobias Green – Australia (1st Asia & Oceania Trials Winner)
5. Yukiyasu Ozawa – Japan (2nd Asia & Oceania Trials Winner)
6. Tom DeBlass – USA (1st North American Trials Winner)
7. Jason Bukich – USA (2nd North American Trials Winner)
8. Roberto Alencar – Brazil (1st South American Trials Winner)
9. Cassio Francis Da Silva – Brazil (2nd South American Trials Winner)
10. Alexandre Ribeiro – Brazil (Invited)
11. Hector Lombard – USA (Invited)
12. Felipe Pena – Brazil (Invited)
13. Rodolfo Vieira – Brazil (Invited)
14. Jimmy Friedrich – USA (Invited)
15. Adam Sachnoff – USA (Invited)
16. Lukasz Michalec – Poland (Invited)

Male +99 kg

Another “championless” division, the +99kg is wide open with the absence of Marcus Buchecha. The 2013 runner up João Gabriel is one of the favorites for sure, but Bernardo Faria, Dean Lister, Vinny Magalhães, Rodrigo Cavaca, Gabriel Lucas and Orlando Sanchez will fight hard to make it to the top.

Most probable semifinalists: João Gabriel, Dean Lister, Bernardo Faria, Vinny Magalhães

Who will succeed Buchecha in the +99kg division?

1. Janne-Pekka Pietiläinen – Finland (2nd European Trials Winner)
2. Lee Hyoung Chul – Korea (1st Asia & Oceania Trials Winner)
3. Hideki Sekine – Japan (2nd Asia & Oceania Trials Winner)
4. Jason Lees – USA (1st North American Trials Winner)
5. Paul Ardila – USA (2nd North American Trials Winner)
6. Leonardo Nascimento Lucio – Brazil (1st South American Trials Winner)
7. Gabriel Lyrio Lucas – Brazil (2nd South American Trials Winner)
8. Rodrigo Cavaca – Brazil (Invited)
9. Joao Gabriel Rocha – Brazil (Invited)
10. Dean Lister – USA (Invited)
11. Vinny Magalhaes – Brazil (Invited)
12. Orlando Sanchez – USA (Invited)
13. Rodrigo Artilheiro – Brazil (Invited)
14. Bernardo Faria – Brazil (Invited)
15. Jeff Monson – USA (Invited)
16. Jared Dopp – USA (Invited)

Female -60 kg

Michelle Nicolini is back to defend her 2013 title. It will be a tougher task than two years ago, as new talents have emerged like Mackenzie Dern and Tammi Musumeci. Bia Mesquita is another big contender for one gold medal she still does not have.

Most probable semifinalists: Michelle Nicolini, Mackenzie Dern, Tammi Musumeci, Bia Mesquita

Will Michelle celebrate again?

1. Michelle Nicolini – Brazil (ADCC 2013 Winner)
2. Kethe Marie Elgesem Engen – Norway (European Trials Winner)
3. Rikako Yuasa – Japan (Asia & Oceania Trials Winner)
4. Tammi Musumeci – USA (North American Trials Winner)
5. Ana Michelle Tavares Dantas – Brazil (1st South American Trials Winner)
6. Mayra Mello Mazza – Brazil (2nd South American Trials Winner)
7. Mackenzie Dern – USA (Invited)
8. Beatriz Mesquita – Brazil (Invited)

Female +60 kg

Gabi Garcia is the favorite once again. Ana Laura Cordeiro, Fernanda Mazzelli and all the others will have to do wonders to take the third gold medal from Gabi’s hands.

Most probable semifinalists: Gabi Garcia, Ana Laura Cordeiro, Fernanda Mazzelli, Amanda Santana.

Can Gabi be stopped?

1. Gabrielle Garcia – Brazil (ADCC 2013 Winner)
2. Sophia Nordenö – Sweden (European Trials Winner)
3. Amanda Santana – USA (North American Trials Winner)
4. Fernanda Mazzelli Almeida Maio – Brazil (1st South American Trials Winner)
5. Jéssica Da Silva Oliveira – Brazil (2nd South American Trials Winner)
6. Marysia Malyjasiak – Poland (Invited)
7. Ana Laura Cordeiro – Brazil (Invited)
8. Alison Tremblay –  Canada (Invited)

Follow the best coverage of the 2015 ADCC right here at GRACIEMAG.com and also on our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Periscope (@graciemag).

Galvão celebrates his triumph at the 2011 ADCC

The fact is you never know what that guy or girl went through to get to that point when he or she reaches the final victory.

Take Andre Galvão, the 2011 ADCC +88kg and open class champion.

What we all knew was that he had one of the best performances of his career.

In his eight matches in Nottingham, UK, on September 24-25, he defeated Don Ortega, Gunnar Nelson, Pablo Popovitch (twice), Rousimar Palhares, Shinsho Anzai, Sergio Moraes and Murilo Santana.

First he ruled over his weight division, beating Ortega, Gunnar, Popovitch and Palhares.

The final match against Toquinho was later on chosen the best one of the entire competition.

Until that point, Palhares had three heel hooks on his record, against Dan Schon, David Avelan and Rafael Lovato Jr.

Asked afterwards if he feared for his knees and ankles during the final against Toquinho, Galvão answered with the confidence of champions: “Jiu-Jitsu for Jiu-Jitsu I knew mine was better.”

Despite the confidence, the fact is Palhares managed to attack Galvão’s leg .

Andre told GRACIEMAG’s Marcelo Dunlop at the time how he kept his cool not to tap to such a violent force: “I started to spin to the wrong side. Then I thought, damn I going to stay put. He tried two more times but  I noticed he was getting tired.”

After neutralizing his opponent’s most dangerous weapon, Galvão put his game to work.

After a takedown, Toquinho turned on all fours and Andre went for the back take.

In the end, the 8-3 lead earned Galvão his first ever ADCC gold medal.

Watch the match here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-jQxNWvt9Q

So it was time for the open class division, the icing on the cake.

After all he had gone through, as we’re going to know about further along this story, there was no way Galvão would not compete in that too.

First he choked Japanese Anzai with a RNC, then beat Sergio Moraes by points and made it to the final after a tough win over Murilo Santana.

The final match would be against Pablo Popovitch, but it didn’t last much.

In only 3:15, Galvão managed to have a toe hold in place and get the tap to become once and for all the standout of the event.

The celebration included some capoeira moves.

Watch the match here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFJ-ad_BurQ

Now, going back to the first sentence of this story, here’s what you didn’t know about Galvão’s campaign at the 2011 ADCC.

Up until the moment he disembarked in England, he had no clue if he was going to be allowed in the country.

He told people why on a post on Facebook some time after the event: “I was training without knowing if I was going to get in. In 2009, I was deported from the UK back to Brazil. Also, I was in the middle of my Green Card process and I was not allowed to leave the US. The authorization to travel came three weeks before the 2011 ADCC.”

The uncertainty haunted Galvão all throughout his camp, as he wrote about: “Sometimes, during the sessions while I was training so hard and sweating so much, I was thinking: ‘why am I doing all this. They will never let me in there again or maybe I can’t even go there.”

Galvão vs. Popovitch at the 2011 ADCC

The moment of truth came at the airport: “When I was on the plane ready to arrive in the UK I just thought they were going to kick me out again. What was I doing there. In fact they did give me a hard time, but eventually let me in. They gave me only four days to stay and I had to leave the country on September 29th, the day of my birthday. So as soon as I got my bags I thought: ‘I want to fight so hard now. I want to win it’.”

So, in he went and after four days he flew back home with two gold medals and proud of knowing his name was forever linked to the history of the 2011 ADCC.

To do that, he had to beat the British immigration and eight tough guys. Andre knew where the strength to do it came from: “When you are loyal, God is loyal. So whatever I do I will do for Him. Because He is my power and my strength.”

After 2011, Galvão fought at the 2013 ADCC, in China, where he got back at Braulio Estima for the famous inverted triangle defeat in 2009. In Beijing, Andre won the superfight with a rear-naked choke.

He’s now getting ready for his second superfight against Roberto Cyborg.

If he wins, he’ll join José Mario Sperry (1999, 2000) as the two men with two ADCC superfights victories in a row.

The 2015 ADCC takes place in São Paulo, Brazil, on August 29-30.

Check it out:

Guillotine at ADCC 2013. Photo: Erin Herle

As no-gi season approaches with the No-Gi Worlds and No-Gi Pans in October it’s time to switch gears.

One submission that is preferred for no-gi practitioners is the guillotine choke. From white belt to black belt, this move is a high-percentage move that is capable by most anyone.

Here are four videos that break down the guillotine from various positions.

Greg Nelson of The Academy shows how to get the choke from the back position:

The half-guard guillotine is covered by Pablo Popovitch:

Marcelo Garcia, a guillotine connoisseur, shows how from the butterfly guard:

Get the choke from the mount in this sequence by Justin Rader:

And check out this highlight of Marcelo Garcia and his successful guillotines in action:

Do outro lado, porém, estava o bem treinado André Galvão, que não bobeou na defesa e levou a melhor, nos pontos, para sair com o título que já buscava havia três edições. Em seguida, Galvão também venceria o absoluto. Relembre!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-jQxNWvt9Q

Panoramica da Piramide de Long Beach palco do Mundial sem kimono de Jiu Jitsu 2013. Foto: GRACIEMAG

Se o nobre leitor vive e respira Jiu-Jitsu e gosta de competir, ainda há uma chance de terminar o ano com um título mundial da IBJJF, a única federação de Jiu-Jitsu reconhecida pelo COB e pelo COI, portanto entidade oficial do esporte mundial.

Marcado para os dias 2 e 3 de novembro em Long Beach, Califórnia, o Mundial de Jiu-Jitsu Sem Kimono, torneio sem pano para todas as idades e todas as faixas a partir da azul, ainda está com as inscrições abertas, mas somente até sexta-feira, 25 de outubro.

Clique aqui para se registrar ou saber mais.

Muitas feras da elite do esporte não perderam tempo e já garantiram suas vagas na Pirâmide de Long Beach. Entre eles, os faixas-pretas Laercio Fernandes e Henrique Costa e Silva (pluma), Rodrigo Freitas e AJ Agazarm (leve), DJ Jackson (peso médio), Murilo Santana, Felipe Preguiça e Pablo Popovitch (meio-pesado), Jackson Sousa e Ezra Lenon (peso pesado), o ex-UFC Tom DeBlass e James Puopolo (superpesado), além de Léo D’avila (pesadíssimo).

Entre as mulheres, as estrelas confirmadas até agora são Nyjah Easton (pluma), Bibiana Silva (pena), Sophia Drysdale e Thaysa Ramos (leve); Shanti Abelha (médio), Talita Treta (meio-pesado) e Andressa Correa (peso pesado).

A disputa pega fogo, ainda, na faixa-preta master, com os inspiradores Rodrigo Comprido, Joel Tudor, Bruno Bastos, Léo Peçanha, Ricardo Arrivabene, Leopoldo Serão, Fabio Leopoldo e uma legião de professores e guerreiros. A expectativa da organização é bater mais de mil competidores na charmosa Pirâmide.

E você, está dentro? Em que categoria?

Leandro Lo tenta passar a guarda de Lucas Lepri, na final da categoria do IBJJ Pro 2012. Foto: Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG

Sim, mais um ano acabou e você não está ficando mais novo. Mas veja o lado bom, é o início de uma nova temporada, com excelentes desafios à sua frente.

No Jiu-Jitsu, a temporada promete também, com diversas colisões de grandes feras que têm apenas uma coisa em mente: ser o melhor do mundo, não importa quem esteja na frente.

Em homenagem a eles, aos fãs e ao Jiu-Jitsu, listamos, a seguir, 13 batalhas eletrizantes que gostaríamos de ver em 2013 – com tempo, sem tempo, até pegar ou valendo a medalha de ouro no Mundial.

Gostou? Faltou alguma? Comente com a gente, aqui ou em nosso Facebook.

1. Roger Gracie vs Rodolfo Vieira

A revanche entre Rodolfo Vieira e Marcus Bochecha é, claro, uma das lutas mais aguardadas de 2013. Mas não é inédita. Que tal esta batalha, entre os campeões mundiais absolutos Rodolfo e Roger? Alô canal Combate, que tal exibir o Mundial 2013 para a gente? Pode compen$ar!

2. Leandro Lo vs Kron Gracie

O campeão mundial dos leves e o fenômeno Gracie já andaram se pegando. Este ano, o reencontro pode ser no ADCC 2013, que deve ser em novembro, no Brasil. Imaginaram o silêncio no Ibirapuera para ver Leandro Lo vs Kron? Sinistro.

3. Caio Terra vs Robinho Moura

Outra luta que promete, no ADCC 2013. Que estilhaços sairiam do choque de dois dos magrinhos mais técnicos do Jiu-Jitsu? A conferir.

4. Léo Nogueira vs Dean Lister

O interessante do ADCC é a possibilidade de casar duelos raros, com astros do pano e do MMA. Mais um sonho da equipe do GRACIEMAG.com: o campeão mundial dos pesados Leonardo Nogueira contra o campeão até 99kg do ADCC, o californiano Dean Lister. Quem leva?

5. Guilherme Mendes vs Paulo Miyao

Condecorados com a faixa-marrom, os irmãos Miyao vão tentar em Abu Dhabi mostrar que são capazes de brigar de igual para igual com os faixas-pretas. Um duelo dos mais interessantes seria dos Miyao com os Mendes. Quem tem a guarda mais letal? Quem anula o berimbolo do outro primeiro? Para nossa equipe, Gui Mendes e Paulo Miyao seria um lutão para quem estuda o Jiu-Jitsu moderno.

6. Romulo Barral vs Keenan Cornelius

Marrons contra faixas-pretas são sempre eletrizantes. O atual campeão mundial dos meio-pesados, Rominho Barral, seria capaz de ensinar algo ao novato Keenan Cornelius? Veremos, se tivermos sorte, em Abu Dhabi ou no ADCC.

7. Fabio Gurgel vs Zé Mario Sperry

A luta dos professores é uma das grandes atrações do ADCC 2013, no Brasil. O que os dois monstros da passagem de guarda vão preparar para surpreender o oponente e a plateia?

Braulio Estima e Andre Galvao rivais no ADCC 2013. Foto: Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG

8. Bráulio Estima vs André Galvão

Amigos e rivais de longa data, André Galvão e Bráulio “Carcará” farão a superluta principal do ADCC. Quem vencer, fica esperando o campeão absoluto em 2015. Quem perder, deixa o posto de rei sem kimono e volta a disputar as categorias normais. Quem vence? De que modo? Show de técnicas à vista.

9. Xande Ribeiro vs DJ Jackson

Velha guarda contra a nova geração? Guardeiro contra passador? Xande e DJ, na verdade, têm tudo para fazer uma luta muito maior que isso. Que a temporada 2013 comece logo.

10. Rafael Lovato vs Kayron Gracie

No Metamoris Pro, Lovato esbanjou categoria e envergou o braço de Kayron. Como será a revanche deles em 2013?

11. Fernando Tererê vs Clark Gracie

Será que Tererê vai mesmo retornar aos grandes campeonatos em 2013? Torcemos que sim. E torcemos para vê-lo fazendo bonito contra os melhores pesos médios da atualidade, como Clark Gracie, ou Alan Finfou, ou Victor Estima. Será que a raspagem de gancho vai voltar?

12. Mackenzie Dern vs Luanna Alzuguir

Será que a nova faixa-preta da Gracie Humaitá pode destronar Luanna, fera da Alliance? Guerra à vista!

13. Ana Carolina Lebre vs Gabi Garcia

Carol, da Gracie Humaitá, foi uma das últimas mocinhas a conseguir, com muita agilidade e técnica, superar a toda-poderosa Gabi Garcia, em priscas eras, quando ambas eram faixas-roxas. O reencontro de ambas, na faixa-preta, promete ser um dos momentos marcantes de 2013.

Leandro Lo tries passing Lucas Lepri’s guard in theo IBJJ Pro 2012 lightweight final (Photo by Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG).

That’s right, another year has run its course and you’re not getting any younger. But look at the bright side: it’s the start of a new season, and there are plenty of great challenges awaiting you down the road.

In Jiu-Jitsu, the season is a promising one as well, with a number of likely clashes of stalwart grapplers who have but one thing on their minds: to be the best in the world, no matter who gets in their way.

As a tribute to them, to fans and to Jiu-Jitsu, what follows are 13 riveting match-ups on our wish list for 2013—with time limits, without time limits, to the finish or for gold at the Worlds.

What do you think of them? Any missing? Let us know below or on our Facebook page.

1. Roger Gracie vs. Rodolfo Vieira

The rematch between Rodolfo Vieira and Marcus Bochecha is, of course, one of the most heavily anticipated of 2013. But it’s not unprecedented. How about a clash between former absolute world champions Rodolfo and Roger?

2. Leandro Lo vs. Kron Gracie

The lightweight world champion and the Gracie phenom have crossed paths in the past. And this year they may find themselves across the mat from each other again, at ADCC 2013, which will likely go down in Brazil next November. Can you imagine the silence in the Ibirapuera arena as the crowd waits for Leandro Lo and Kron to step onto the mat and lock horns? Eerie.

3. Caio Terra vs. Robson Moura

Another promising one that could come true at ADCC 2013. Is there any doubt sparks would fly if two of Jiu-Jitsu’s most technical little guys finally collide? Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

4. Léo Nogueira vs. Dean Lister

Part of the ADCC’s awesomeness is that the organizers make unlikely matches between gi-clad mat wizards and MMA aces come true. Another of the GRACIEMAG.com crew’s dream match-ups: heavyweight world champion Leonardo Nogueira versus under-99 kg ADCC champ Dean Lister. Who takes this one?

5. Guilherme Mendes vs. Paulo Miyao

Now sporting brown belts, the Miyao brothers will be heading to Abu Dhabi to show they’ve got what it takes to grapple with black belts on even terms. One of the most intriguing hypothetical match-ups would be between the Miyaos and the Mendeses. Who’s got the deadlier guard? Whose berimbolo packs more razzle-dazzle? The way our team sees it, Gui Mendes and Paulo Miyao would be a sight to behold for anyone intrigued by the study of modern Jiu-Jitsu.

6. Rômulo Barral vs. Keenan Cornelius

Brown belts squaring off with black belts always makes for good viewing. Does the reigning medium-heavyweight world champion, Rômulo Barral, have anything to teach up-and-comer Keenan Cornelius? If we’re lucky, we’ll find out in Abu Dhabi or at the ADCC.

7. Fabio Gurgel vs. Zé Mario Sperry

This all-coach showdown is one of the big attractions on tap for ADCC 2013 in Brazil. What have the two monsters of guard passing got in store for each other and the crowd?

Braulio Estima and Andre Galvao, rivals when they face off at ADCC 2013 (Photo by Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG)

8. Bráulio Estima vs. André Galvão

Friends and rivals from way back, André Galvão and Bráulio “Carcará” are the stars of the ADCC marquee supermatch. The winner will go on to face the absolute champion when the 2015 event rolls around. The loser will be stripped of his post as No-Gi king and relegated to competing in the regular divisions. Who wins it? How? Brace yourself for technical fireworks.

9. Xande Ribeiro vs. DJ Jackson

A clash of the old guard and new generation, guard player and passer—truth is, Xande and DJ have what it takes to make a match-up between them a lot more than just that. May 2013 bring this great bout.

10. Rafael Lovato vs. Kayron Gracie

At Metamoris Pro, Lovato put on a categorical performance and stretched Kayron’s arm to its full extent. How would a 2013 rematch between the two play out?

11. Fernando Tererê vs. Clark Gracie

Will Tererê indeed return to top-flight competition in 2013? We’re yearning for him to. And our hope is he’ll do swell against the cream of the current middleweights crop, like Clark Gracie, or Alan Finfou, or Victor Estima. Will we be seeing that trademark hook-sweep back making stalwart black belts take flight on the big stage again?

12. Mackenzie Dern vs. Luanna Alzuguir

Could the newly promoted Gracie Humaitá black belt dethrone Alliance frontrunner Luanna? War looms on the horizon!

13. Ana Carolina Lebre vs. Gabi Garcia

Carol, a mainstay of Gracie Humaitá’s female team, was one of the last ladies who, through great agility and well-oiled technique, managed to overcome the overpowering presence of Gabi Garcia, back when the two were still purple belts. A re-encounter between the two, at black belt, would be a monumental moment for 2013.

Rousimar Toquinho yanks on André Galvão’s foot in the under-88 kg final at ADCC 2011. Photo by Daren Bartlett/GRACIEMAG.

If in the UFC Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares hasn’t been having the best of time, with his concussive encounter with Hector Lombard last Friday, in Jiu-Jitsu the ace from BTT is still beloved by fans.

To see why, all you need to do is take a look at ADCC 2001 in Nottingham, England. It was there that Toquinho used his potent takedowns and painful lower-body holds to make it to the under-88 kg final.

At the other end of the bracket, though, was a well-trained André Galvão, who didn’t falter in defense and managed to outpoint Palhares in winning the title he had come up short in capturing on two prior occasions. And next Galvão would go on to win the absolute to boot.

Check out the riveting match between the former Strikeforce fighter and the UFC ace. Enjoy your studies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTsqeKhvkvY

The World No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship will set the Long Beach Pyramid alight this weekend.

As usual, GRACIEMAG is gearing up to provide unbeatable coverage here on GRACIEMAG.com and on our social media pages.

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In addition to all that, GRACIEMAG.com will be featuring exclusive photo galleries to go with a chronicle of each day at the event.

There, now you are ready to feel like you’re there at the Pyramid, experiencing the thrills of another chapter of Jiu-Jitsu history.

See you in Long Beach!

Worlds No-Gi at the Pyramid tomorrow

The fighting brackets for the World No-Gi jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship are out. We took a look at the black belt division and found out there’s a lot of great fighters in there so you should expect some great fights this weekend.

Without fear of controversy, we decided to analyse each category and name our favorites.

Here are our bets .

Rooster

Caio Terra

Caio Terra should be in the final against Alliance’s Fabio Passos. Caio is the favorite for the title, but the instructor at Cobrinha Jiu-Jitsu for sure has some moves under his rashguard to try snatching that gold medal.

Light-featherweight

Laercio Fernandes (right)

A category without a clear favorite. If you look at the IBJJF 2012 male black belt ranking, you will find Laercio Fernandes in the 40th position and Rafael Freitas in the 46th. The two will meet in one of the semifinals. The winner there can be considered to have more chances for the gold. On the other side of the bracket, Henrique Rezende and Gabriel dos Santos do not show on the Top 100 list.

Featherweight

Cobrinha

Four times world champion with the gi and three times world champion without the gi,  Rubens Charles Maciel has the curriculum and the skills to be considered the big favorite. In Cobrinha’s way to the highest step of the podium, you will find Osvaldo “Queixinho” Moizinho in the semifinal, and Samir Chantre, Justin Rader or Ed Ramos in the final match.

Lightweight

Leandro Lo

When you look at the bracket, it is hard not to picture the semifinals being Lucas Lepri vs. Jonathan Torres and Leandro Lo vs. Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes. At a second glance, you may consider the possibility of Zachary Maxwell upseting Tanquinho. Either way, it is also hard not to picture Lo in the final as the favorite for the gold medal.

Middleweight

DJ Jackson

Why not an All-American final match? Lloyd Irvin’s DJ Jackson and Paragon’s William “Bill” Cooper for sure have the skills to overcome their opponents. Clark Gracie and Murilo Santana want to spoil the party and also have the talent to do it.

Medium-heavyweight

Romulo Barral

On one side of the bracket, Kleber Oliveira, Victor Bonfim, Bruno Antunes and Pablo Popovitch will fight fiercely for a spot in the final. On the other side, it is hard to imagine Romulo Barral out of the god medal decider.

Heavyweight

Rafael Lovato Jr

Rafael Lovato Jr wants his third world no-gi championship and has trained a lot to achieve it. Roberto “Tussa” Alencar, David Avellan, Diego Herzog and Eduardo Telles should be his toughest obstacles.

Super-heavyweight

Xande Ribeiro

Another division with two stand out favorites. Xande Ribeiro and Bernardo Faria are the men to be beaten and most probably won’t be. The final match has all the ingredients to be a great one.

Ultra-heavyweight

Roberto Cyborg

Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu is the most well known name here, but that does not necessarily make him the favorite. The other competitors may still be unknown to a larger audience, but sometimes that is what makes them even more dangerous.

Female

Lightfeather

With only three competitors, Nyjah Easton stands out as the most likely to win the gold medal. It is up to Sofia Amarante to upset her plans.

Feather

Again a three-athletes division, the category has Ana Carolina Vidal as the favorite, but Sayaka Shioda is known to be a dangerous opponent.

Lightweight

Beatriz Mesquita is the favorite, but she needs to be careful not to be caught off guard, as it has happened before.

Middleweight

A one-fight division, Luiza Monteiro and Penny Thomas will battle for the gold. Luiza, younger, can be considered favorite, but that means almost nothing against experienced and very dangerous Penny.

Medium-heavyweight

Michelle Nicolini is all alone.

Heavyweight

Fernanda Mazzelli carries the weight of favoritism against Tammy Griego.

So, there you have it. A brief analysis of each division of the black belt for the Worlds No-Gi, this weekend.

What do you think? Do you agree or do you think we are way off on our bets?

Feel free to comment!