The talent pool at purple belt just keeps getting deeper and deeper. 

The IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championships is one of the biggest tournaments of the year, and like always it's one of the best events to scout upcoming talent. Although we can't predict the future here at FloGrappling, it's safe to say these talented competitors are worth keeping an eye on Thursday in Irvine, California.

Here are seven purple belts you need to be watching at this year's IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championships.



Purple belt action goes down Thursday, March 16 -- don't miss the future of jiu-jitsu!

Devonte Johnson

Unity JJ | Super Heavy

Perhaps the most accomplished grappler on the list, Unity's Devonte Johnson is moving up a weight division this time around in search of another gold medal. Normally the New Jersey native competes at heavy and has even fought at medium-heavy but is perennially an open-class medalist. 

"Bones" originally made a name for himself tapping out 10th planet black belt Nathan Orchard when he was just a blue belt and has since racked up a competition resume second to none. Look for him to be in top form throughout the day in both his weight class and absolute categories.

First Fight -- Thursday, 1:11 PM PST (Mat 6)

Andrew Wiltse 

Pedigo Submission Fighting | Medium-Heavy

Wiltse is one of the most active competitors on the IBJJF circuit and is looking to build on an impressive 2016. The Michigan native won Pans last year as a blue belt and lost only to Atos' Kaynan Duarte at No-Gi Worlds. 

Known for his unrelenting work ethic, we're excited to see the new tools Wiltse will bring to the table this weekend.

First Fight -- Thursday, 2:50 PM PST (Mat 2)

Matt Rice 

Soul Fighters BJJ | Heavy

It's tough to make a name for yourself when your older brother is one of the best black belts in the world, but Mathew Rice has consistantly proved himself to be one of the brightest prospects in the game. Having medaled repeatedly as a juvenile blue belt, the youngest Rice brother is now looking to start his run at purple belt. 

Following in the footsteps of his brothers, Tanner and Samuel, Rice took home a gold medal at this same tournament last year at blue and is looking to repeat his success. 

First Fight -- Thursday, 1:21 PM PST (Mat 8)

Jean-Paul LeBosnoyani 

Nono's MMA Academy | Middle

If you don't know about this 18-year-old prospect you need to start paying attention immediately! Two weeks ago, he fought Gordon Ryan at EBI 11. The following weekend LeBosnoyani made his MMA debut, and Thursday he'll take on the best purple middle weights on this side of the globe. Always up for a challenge, LeBosnoyani is an incredibly exciting grappler with a bright future.

The middleweight divisions boast a total of 60 competitors and are stacked with talent, but Jean-Paul has the skill set to come out on top. 

First Fight -- Thursday, 1:57 PM PST (Mat 2)
​

Brad Johnston 

Art of Jiu-Jitsu | Rooster

As a juvenile, Brad Johnston cleaned up on the competition circuit, and at just 17 years of age he's turned his focus to the adult divisions. Already taking gold at the 2017 European Championships, the AoJ stud will have a tough row to hoe at the IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championships. The rooster-weight division is filled with talent such as Thalison Soares and Anthony Frank who will also be on the hunt for gold. 

If Europeans was any indication, we have a feeling you'll be seeing Johnston's name a lot in the years to come.

First Fight -- Thursday, 1:19 PM PST (Mat 5)

Kennedy Maciel

Alliance | Light-Feather

Last year "Cobrinha Jr." became a European champion and world champion at purple belt; however, he uncharacteristically didn't medal at Pans. Being the only major title that eluded the highly touted prospect, we have no doubt that this time around he'll be gunning for gold.

First Fight -- Thursday, 12:23 PM PST (Mat 10)

Kaynan Duarte 

Atos | Medium Heavy

Coming off a ridiculously impressive performance at the ADCC Rio trials, Kaynan Duarte has a lot of steam behind him at the moment. He has recently relocated to Southern California to train with the world-renowned Atos competition team led by Andre Galvao in an attempt to elevate his already impressive game even higher. 

This weekend would be the perfect time to assert himself as top-level prospect.

First Fight -- Thursday, 2:59 PM PST (Mat 3)

How to Watch the IBJJF 2017 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship

On TV: Now available on Roku and Apple TV 4 -- download the FloSports app today.
STREAMING: Available only on FloGrappling via monthly or yearly memberships. A yearly FloPRO subscription provides access to ALL FloSports sites. SIGN UP HERE

Join The Conversation On Social

• Follow us on Twitter @FloGrappling
• Follow us on Instagram @FloGrappling
• Follow us on Facebook

FloGrappling's hottest content, delivered to your inbox

Don't miss breaking news, feature stories, event updates, and more. Sign up for the FloGrappling mailing list today.