6. Edwin Najmi

Although Najmi isn't known for his no-gi grappling he showed last weekend at ACB that his skills translate no matter what the ruleset is. In the semi-finals of the 8-man tourney Najmi wowed everyone by tapping out 2015 ADCC champion Davi Ramos. His flashy submission oriented style is what ADCC was made for!

His mentor Romulo Barral is one of the favorites to win the 88kg division and Edwin will be serving as support for the ADCC medalist. If someone misses weight don't be surprised if the snazzy submission artist sneaks in at the last moment. 

5. Nicky Ryan

Nicky Ryan attempted to be the youngest person to ever qualify for an ADCC World Championships by competing at both the east coast and west coast trials. He narrowly missed gold at each event and took home two bronze medals. To make the pill even harder to swallow at the West Coast trials it was his close friend and teammate Ethan Crelinsten who ended his ADCC dreams in the semi-finals.

Although Nicky didn't qualify it's clear he is an elite grappler and deserves to be in the mix at 66kg. Unfortunately for him he has two teammates(now just one) already in the bracket and that is likely the reason he's been shut out in 2017. Ryan will get another shot in 2019 when he'll be at the ripe old age of eighteen.

4. Josh Hinger

It's hard to argue that the 2016 No-Gi World champion isn't among the most deserving candidates for an ADCC invite. Since winning the major IBJJF tournament last year the Atos black belt has been on a tear. Most recently he dominated at the ACB JJ grand prix in Brazil, earning the title with three slick submission victories. The tournament included Claudio Calasans and Patrick Gaudio.

Hinger lost to John Salter at the ADCC West Coast trials and claimed a bronze medal. The ADCC ruleset is perfect for the wrestling based sub-hunter and it's a shame he won't be there to mix it up.

Hinger breaks down the monoplata from mount:

3. Jeff Glover

Always a fan favorite the unpredictable Jeff Glover had the match-of-the-tournament in 2015 against 10th Planet freak Geo Martinez. Unfortunately for fans he will not be making the trans-continental journey to Finland this year. 

Glover has had a busy year 

2. Benson Henderson

Former UFC Lightweight Champion is an ADCC veteran having competed there in 2013 and 2015. Despite this year being unusually stacked with world champion grapplers it could use a few more fearless MMA fighters willing to test their ground skills against the best. Benson is a guy who's always been willing to do that.

This year he has been especially active on the grappling scene, main eventing more than one Fight to Win show along the way. With no fights lined up in foreseeable future it seems like this would have been the perfect opportunity for Benson.

1. Rodolfo Vieira

It's only been less than two years since Rodolfo Vieira walked away from grappling to pursue MMA greatness but we miss him more and more as every day goes by. In 2015 Vieira dominated the field taking out Xande Ribeiro and Felipe Pena on his warpath to ADCC gold.

This year the -99kg division has some interesting additions like Yuri Simoes, Jake Shields and Luiz Panza, all would be alluring matchups for the returning champion.

Most of all however, we'd love to see him step on the mats without the gi against Buchecha. Perhaps in 2019?