6 Athletes To Watch This Weekend At The IBJJF Rio Open & Indianapolis Open
6 Athletes To Watch This Weekend At The IBJJF Rio Open & Indianapolis Open
Even though the IBJJF World Championships are over, a new season is starting and there are tough athletes ready to compete this weekend in IBJJF Open action
The 2023 IBJJF World Championships are over, and grappling athletes around the world are resetting for a new season. Some are switching their focus to no-gi, some are doubling down on their competitive schedule, and some are resting injuries or taking time away for other reasons. There are two IBJJF Opens happening this weekend, the first since Worlds, and here are seven black belts you can get excited about who will be in action.
IBJJF Rio Open, Gi and No-Gi
Fabricio Andrey, No-Gi, Lightweight
The IBJJF world champion is coming off of the gi season and opens up the no-gi stretch of the calendar with a quick turnaround into the Rio Open. The Melqui Galvao Jiu Jitsu rep will only be competing in no-gi, as he tries to navigate the lightweight bracket.
Brenda Larissa, Gi and No-Gi, Light-Featherweight
Brenda Larissa earned a World bronze in 2023, and now follows up that podium finish with a fresh campaign at the Rio Open. While she is entered in both styles, her division in no-gi has no athletes currently registered to face her.
Servio Tulio, Gi and No-Gi, Medium-Heavyweight
The Felipe Pena black belt Tulio went 1-1 at Worlds, losing by points to eventual silver medalist Andy Murasaki. Now, he will stay busy and reset for the new competition year with entry in both styles at medium-heavyweight.
Patrick Gaudio, Gi, Heavyweight
Gaudio did not compete at Worlds but he will be back in action quickly, in the heavyweight gi division at Rio. The former Europeans and Pans champion enjoys a lot of success in the IBJJF Brazilian circuit and aims to continue that streak.
IBJJF Indianapolis Open, Gi and No-Gi
Dante Leon, No-Gi, Medium-Heavyweight
Dante is one of the top no-gi grapplers on the planet, and he will be staying busy with entry into a three man bracket this weekend. He will be up from his usual professional competition weight of 155 and 170, all the way up to medium-heavy. Regardless of weight class, strength has never been an issue for Dante on the mats.
Wellington "Megaton" Dias, Gi, Lightweight
Megaton just made history by becoming the first coral belt to compete at IBJJF Worlds, and the OG keeps going with his entry into the Indianapolis open. Anytime you get a chance to watch a coral belt competing, let alone at the adult level, it's something to see.