Follow along for real-time results, updates & more from the 2023 IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix, live from Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sept. 1, 2023.  Packed with premiere talent, the king of the absolute division will be crowned tonight!

Five featured superfights will be hosted alongside the Grand Prix tournament, including the IBJJF black belt debuts of Cole Abate and Dudu Granzotto.

2023 IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix

Live Updates and Results

Grand Prix Side A:

Victor Hugo vs Horlando Monteiro

After an immediate guard pull from Monteiro, Hugo went to work hunting Montiero's back and found an ezekiel choke finish to kick off the Grand Prix!

Victor Hugo def Horlando Monteiro via ezekiel choke (1:25)

Steffen Banta vs Fellipe Andrew

This tightly contested bout came down to the final seconds where Fellipe Andrew countered a near pass of Banta to secure the lead on points and the victory!  

Fellipe Andrew def Steffen Banta via points (2-0)

Grand Prix Side B:

Nicholas Meregali vs Francisco Lo

After a quick footsweep landed an early takedown for Lo, Meregali fired back with an x-guard sweep.  Passing to side control and then mount, Meregali utilized a smother choke to find the finish!

Nicholas Meregali def Francisco Lo via smother choke (4:15)

Gutemberg Perreira vs Paulo Merlin

Perreira controlled the match from start to finish, slowly working his way to side control, where he nearly found an armbar. After excellent defense from Merlin, Perreira scored a last-minute sweep to extend his lead.

Gutemberg Perreira def Paulo Merlin via points (5-0)

Superfights:

Natan Cheung vs Jackson Nagai

Fighting at a crazy pace from the start, this match was back and forth with nonstop action. Breaking away in the closing minutes, Nagai secured Cheung's back to pick up the victory on points.

Jackson Nagai def. Natan Cheung via points (8-2)

Janaina Lebre vs Emily Fernandez

Janaina Lebre was all business tonight. Scoring a sweep after a double guard pull, Lebre poured on the pressure until securing mount. Racking up a twelve-point lead in a dominant performance, Lebre secured an ezekiel choke finish.

Janaiana Lebre def Emily Fernandez via ezekiel choke (6:31)

Grand Prix Semi-Final Side A

Victor Hugo vs Fellipe Andrew

Making a major statement, Hugo needed just over one minute to secure the submission finish over fellow World Champion Andrew.

Victor Hugo def Fellipe Andrew via triangle choke (1:03)

Grand Prix Semi-Final Side B

Nicholas Meregali vs Gutemberg Perreira

Opening up with a wrestle-up sweep, Meregali seamlessly transitioned from half guard to mount, eventually taking Perreira's back. Wasting no time, Meregali secured a choke from the back, sealing the victory.

Nicholas Meregali def Gutemberg Perreira via choke from back (3:36)

Superfights:

Ronaldo Junior vs Sebastian Rodriguez

Ronaldo Junior. showcased his skill, racking up six advantages from a near sweep and several passing attacks. Despite Rodriguez's commendable recovery efforts, Ronaldo Junior controlled the match.

Ronaldo Junior def Sebastian Rodriguez via advantages (6-0)

Cole Abate vs Eduardo Granzotto

In both fighters' IBJJF black belt debut, Abate showcased early aggression with a toehold attack, earning an advantage and later navigating to 50/50. Abate clinched the win with an additional advantage for a near pass in a closely contested bout.

Cole Abate def Eduardo Granzotto via advantages (2-0)

Tainan Dalpra vs Yan "Pica Pau" Paiva

Dalpra quickly pulled guard and shot up a triangle choke. As Paiva tried to escape, Dalpra smoothly transitioned to a straight armlock, clinching the victory.

Tainan Dalpra def Yan "Pica Pau" Paiva via straight armlock (2:40)

2023 IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix Final

Victor Hugo vs Nicholas Meregali

Hugo initiated the match by pulling guard aiming for 50/50, where Meregali escaped.  As he disengaged, Hugo stood, and Meregali pulled guard himself. Both fighters faced penalties for inactivity, but Meregali managed to sweep Hugo, scoring the first and only points of the match. Nicholas Meregali emerged as the 2023 IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix Champion with a 2-0 victory!

Nicholas Meregali def Victor Hugo via points (2-0)

Catch up on all of the latest news:

Headlines:

• Meregali vs Hugo Potential Final | IBJJF Absolute GP Bracket
  
• Gordon Ryan Returns To Tezos WNO 20 To Face Patrick Gaudio
  
• All Access: Demetrious Johnson Shines In 1st Gi Competition
• JT Torres Submits Three At The IBJJF 2023 Masters Worlds
• 4 Elite Competitors In 145lb Title Bracket At Tezos WNO 20

Media Highlights:

• In The Gym: Danaher And Meregali Make Final GP Preparations
• In The Gym: Victor Hugo Plans To Bring The Heat To IBJJF GP
• Xande Ribeiro Talks Upcoming Grand Prix And ADCC Trials
  
• The Pros Are Split On Who Will Win The IBJJF Grand Prix
• Ronaldo Junior Back In Action At IBJJF GP In Explosive Matchup