Who in the Jiu Jitsu world is not excited about this weekend? This edition of the ADCC promises to be one of the biggest events in Jiu Jitsu history. Perhaps one of the most talent packed tournaments ever AND the possibility of 10,000+ person arena packed to full capacity, in the fight capital itself, Las Vegas. With the stage set for such a historical event,  we decided to make some picks for who walks away with gold. Checkout who we picked for gold and let us know what you think!

Men's 66KG

The lightest male weight class promises to be one of the most exciting. A lot of attention is going to the young rising star of AOJ Cole Abate. Mix in veterans like Geo Martinez, Kennedy Maciel and the first time Garry Tonon will fight at the weight. The division is absolutely stacked as one would expect but, we are putting our vote for top honors on Gabriel Sousa. The ZR team black belt has been in top form since 2019 and has the aggressive style which is made for the ADCC.

Men’s 77KG

Each edition of the ADCC, this weight proves to be one of the most competitive. This year will prove to be no difference. Our vote went to JT Torres to pick up a third title but, this was no walk in the park. Tommy Langaker has looked on fire in No Gi beating some of Europe's top talent recently. World Champion Renato Canuto is always one to watch. Roberto Jimmerez, Dante Leon, Kade Ruotolo and Lachlan Giles are just a few of the names who could easily win this packed division. Make sure to keep an eye out for the late replacement Magid Hage to go on a run.

Men’s 88KG

Defending ADCC champion Matheus Diniz finds himself in the awkward position of being a bit of a dark horse in the division as a defending champion. The legend Xande Riberio is the division along the likes of Tye Ruotolo, potentially there could be some clashes of generations. Vagner Rocha, Hulk, Mason Fowler and Pedro Marinho could all be potential winners. Not to mention B team studs Jrod and Izaak Michell. With so much talent in the division it was a tough choice but we went with the experience and explosive athleticism of Matheus Diniz to find a way to finish on top.

Men’s 99KG

Another stacked division here. Craig Jones goes for his third medal at the event hoping to improve on two previous silver medals. Kaynan Duarte, Rafeal Lovato, Meragali and Yuri Simones are just some of the superstars that are in the bracket. Our vote goes with our own Owen Livesey. As a late replacement, the former Commonwealth Judo champion and Carlson Gracie black is ready to shock the Jiu Jitsu world. Anyone who knows Owen, knows how talented this combat sport veteran is and ready to achieve the top position in the bracket.

 

Men’s +99KG

Hard to pick anyone but Gordon Ryan. The Danaher trained black belt is making it harder and harder to not select him as the best No Gi Jiu Jitsu fighter of all time. He does not seem to lose and looks more dominant each time out. Not to say it will be an easy task as he is going to be entered in the absolute and has a super fight against Andre Galvao. To win this division he will have to face the likes of former teammate Nicky Rod, rivals Cyborg and Pena. Also there in the mix is Joao Rocha and Orlando Sanchez. 

Women’s 60KG

Ffion Davies was the unanimous pick by our staff. Ffion is the most decorated Welsh grappler in world history. Having just won her first world title in the Gi, the momentum is behind her to improve on her podium position from last year. She will need to overcome Bia Mesquita and Bia Basilio to achieve her goal of ADCC gold.

Women’s +60KG

The American Kendall Reusing got our nod slightly ahead of the legend Gabi Garcia mostly based on recent performance. Look out for some serious takedowns from the women in this division, we would love to see this showdown in the finals.

 

Superfight- Gordon Ryan vs Andre Galvao

Such a tough choice between these two. It is a match that many have been waiting for since the day after the last ADCC. We can not wait to see it happen. It went down to a coin flip which saw Gordon Ryan get the selection for gold.

Let us know what you think about our picks. Apologies if we don’t respond until after the weekend as we will be glued to the TV!!

-Team Progress Jiu Jitsu