Without exaggeration, the talent pool for this -66kg division at ADCC 2024 is as deep as it has ever been. Every name is a championship-caliber grappler who had to rise above a field of hungry contenders just to make it here.

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There is a lot of the same field from 2022, with all four place-winners returning, and a strong new mix of fresh faces who are eager for their shot at glory. No men's division scrambles more, moves faster, and attacks more often than this -66kg bracket and if you want to circle only one division that can guarantee fireworks from the start it should be this one.

All rankings are according to FloGrappling's Official No-Gi Rankings, at the weight of +205lbs unless noted.

Division Favorites

#2 Nicholas Meregali

• Nicholas is the leading favorite for double gold in 2024, having made the full time transition to no-gi a few years ago under John Danaher at New Wave and evolving into one of the greatest on Earth. He is an unbeaten 16-0 since the last ADCC, defeating and submitting former ADCC champs like Felipe Pena, Cyborg, Matheus Diniz, and even Kaynan Duarte. Now, he is poised to earn his first title in T-Mobile.
  Nicholas has developed a very effective wrestling style with strong collar ties, drags, single legs, and more. His outside passing is elite and he is dominant from pinning positions. For most, it's just a matter of time until his will and pressure melt them. That was the case last time he fought Duarte, where he turned up the heat late, took down Kaynan, and submitted him from mount.
  Many are expecting that rematch to be our final - not just in this weight but potentially the absolute. We did this breakdown of their wrestling skills ahead of their WNO bout.

#6 Kaynan Duarte

• In his last two trips to ADCC, all Kaynan did was dominantly win two gold medals at +99kg and -99kg. With a dynamic wrestling game, strong passing, and powerful physicality, Kaynan is one of the best in the game. Still, he's stumbled lately in a few high profile super fights and for many that is cause for concern.
  While those results certainly matter here, it's always been the case that Kaynan Duarte performs better in brackets and tournaments than in super fights. With momentum behind him, he's a nearly unstoppable force. For example, his performance against Giancarlo Bodoni at this year's IBJJF Grand Prix was his usual self, controlling the wrestling exchanges and scoreboard on his way to victory. I think for him to beat Meregali, it will require a similar game plan.

Contenders

#12 Roberto Abreu

• Cyborg returns for another ADCC. It's no secret what he wants to do, wrestle hard and control the match from top with his experience and physical power. What will be crucial for the former open class champion will be his draw - his age and potential speed gaps with younger grapplers could make for bad stylistic matchups. Regardless, he's a contender to make it to day two and medal.

#6 at 205lbs Rafael Lovato Jr

• We thought Rafael Lovato Jr. was done at the last ADCC but he is back for one more run. Really, the ADCC title is the last one that really eludes him and his career so it would be very meaningful for his legacy. He does have two younger elite guys in his way - who he lost to last ADCC.
  How does Rafael get it done? He will need the matches to be very gritty and slower, limiting exchanges until he can make a late push. With his level of experience and skill, it's a possibility but he will be up against it.

Darkhorses

Michael Pixley

• Pixley may be the best pound-for-pound wrestler in the field, credential-wise at least with his collegiate titles evidence of a lifetime of taking people down. He's transitioned that to grappling where he has a punishing front headlock series that he continues to develop and the rest of his game is following nicely. Because of the rules here, Pixley can knock off anyone - but he does lack some of that elite experience against the field so we don't know how matches against a Meregali or Duarte would look. If he isn't a top-8 seed, someone is going to be mad they drew Pixley.

#11 Henrique Ceconi

• Ceconi has done a lot to raise his stock in the last few years, with strong performances around the world in no-gi. He was at ADCC 2022 and lost first round to Meregali but made a good account of himself with several exciting takedowns and throws. His explosive power and takedowns are going to make him a force here, but his gas tank has been an issue in the past. Still, with wins in 2024 over Gaudio and Cyborg he has to be circled as one to watch.

Patrick Gaudio

• Patrick Gaudio put himself back in the spotlight last year when he fought Gordon for the WNO heavyweight title, though he was submitted by armbar. Still, he's a very capable veteran who has been devoting himself to no-gi, and has strong wrestling and a lot of tactical knowledge. He's another one like Ceconi who suffers from gas tank issues at times but when that is clicking then he is able to hang with anyone.

Vinicius Trator

• Trator is back to try and recapture some of the lightning that fueled his 2019 run to the finals at -99kg as a late replacement, but he's had issues getting back to that form. He lost at the ADCC Trials in Sao Paulo, was submitted twice at IBJJF No-Gi Worlds, and has generally struggled against the elite level. Still, we know he is capable of showing up on point and able to beat almost anyone on Earth - and he is still a dangerous force in 2024. Where Vinicius will be seeded is going to be crucial for him.

Declan Moody

• Declan is another guy who can be considered a bad draw for any big name. He's been one of Australia's standouts for a while but since moving up in weight and to the USA he has leveled up and ran his way through Asian Trials to get here. His wrestling is getting much better, his guard passing is really great, and his back takes and attacks are very good as well. Overall, Declan is a handful who could get himself onto the podium at -99kg.

Sleepers

Javier Zaruski

• Zaruski is a later invite into the bracket and certainly very dangerous - he won an IBJJF World No-Gi title in 2023 by submitting Trator in the finals off his back. This guy is a very aggressive submission hunter and sports the highest submission % of anyone at black belt currently. However, he does train at Atos and his second round meeting with Kaynan Duarte is likely a mountain too high for the Uruguay grappler. If he can win that one, he could win the whole tournament.

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