Though the theme of the IBJJF 2018 Pan Championship is that of new talent making its presence known, there are still plenty of returning champions in the fray. 

Here’s who’s coming back to try and claim another gold at the prestigious event March 8-11 in Irvine, California.

Watch the IBJJF 2018 Pan Championship LIVE on FloGrappling

RETURNING MEN'S BLACK BELT CHAMPIONS

Light-Feather

Joao Miyao (Pans Champion: 2016, 2017) 

Joao Miyao, pictured above, seems to be a lock for the 2018 championships. Already a two-time Pan champion, the Cicero Costha/Unity representative is a relentless competitor and can be seen in tournaments just about every other weekend. Can someone pull off the upset this weekend at Pans?

Featherweight

Gianni Grippo (Pans Champion: 2015) 

The Pans featherweight division has traditionally been dominated by Cobrhina, who’s racked up a staggering FIVE gold medal over the years. However, seeing as the Alliance kingpin is out, Gianni Grippo remains the lone past black belt champion in this group. Can the Marcelo Garcia black belt add yet another gold medal to his collection? He'll have to get by some HUGE names like AJ Agazarm, Shane Jamil-Hill Taylor and others.

Lightweight

Michael Langhi (Pans Champion: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014) 

Michael Langhi is one of the winningest lightweights in jiu-jitsu history. He’s taken home gold four times at Pans, the first of which was way, way back in 2009! His much-lauded guard is as dangerous as every and was on full dusplay back in January at the European Championships.

Michael Langhi vs. Tommi Tapio – 2018 Europeans

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JT Torres (Pans Champion: 2015)

We couldn't be more pumped to see JT Torres return to major gi competition this year!  While the 2017 ADCC gold medalist hasn't exactly been inactive in recent months, the recent opening of his new academy has kept him out of regular gi competition. 

Middleweight 

Otavio Sousa (Pans Champion: 2010, 2017)

Otavio Sousa shocked the world when he submitted Isaque Bahiense in the opening movements of the 2017 Pans middleweight final — it’s not that the Gracie Barra wasn’t the favorite, but it's safe to say he isn’t known for his flying attacks. Sousa’s game has continued to evolve despite being at the very top of the game for years, and we know he will be hunting for another first-place finish this Sunday in Irvine.

Otavio Sousa vs. Isaque Bahiense – 2017 Pan Championships

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Heavyweight 

Leandro Lo (Pans Champion: 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017**) 

Leandro Lo has taken home SIX gold medals in FIVE different weight classes (including the absolute division) since 2012 — just read that again. His hotly-discussed decision to move up in weght last year didn't seem to slow the NS Brotherhood leader down one bit, as he took gold at every major except worlds, where he had to accept Doulbe Silver. 

Leandro Lo vs. Joao Gabriel Rocha – 2017 Pans

Super–Heavy

Keenan Cornelius (Pans Champion: 2015)

There's no doubt that Keenan is the man to beat in the super-heavyweight division this year. The Atos black belt has looked unstoppable since July, and he kicked off the 2018 season with a flawless performance at the European Championships. The real question is if Keenan will hunt for double gold and meet Leandro Lo in the absolute division — one can only hope.  

Keenan Cornleius vs. Adam Wardzinski – 2018 Europeans

Ultra-Heavy

Joao Gabriel Rocha (Pans Champion: 2017)

Joao Gabriel is one of the most exciting fighters in the ultra-heavy bracket this year at Pans and with good reason: The Soul Fighters Team member is exceptionally agile and explosive for a man of his size. He took out Erberth Santos last year at Pans and has had wars with Leandro Lo, Bucehca, and more in the past.

RETURNING WOMEN'S BLACK BELT CHAMPIONS

Light-Feather

Sofia Amarante (Pans Champion: 2012)

Sofia Amarante represents Fight Sports jiu-jitsu and won pans back in 2012. She took third place last year at the event and has been grinding on medals on the regional circuit.

Gezary Matuda (Pans Champion: 2011, 2015, 2016) 

One of the winningest women in the game, Gezary Matuda is heading back to Irvine, CA in hopes of capturing her fourth Pans title. Matuda's game is unlike any other, and she seeks the finish at all costs.  

Talita Alencar (Pans Champion: 2017)

Talita Alencar had an incredible first year at black belt in 2017, winning Pans and Worlds and qualifying for ADCCs. However, the Alliance representative has had mixed results since later in the summer and will be looking to start her year on a high note.

Feather

Bianca Basilio (Pans Champion: 2017)

Bianca Basilio is one of the most entertaining fighters to watch — she's got incredible stand-up, including a drop seo nagi from hell, and fights tooth and nail to earn the win. She took home first place last year in the featherweight division and hit the throw heard around the world against Tayane Porfirio in the absolute division. 

Lightweight

Beatriz Mesquita (Pans Champion: 2011, 2012, 2014**, 2015, 2016)

Beatriz Mesquita can do it all. She's a six-time Pan champion, seven-time world champion, and an ADCC champion. Unfortunately, Mesquita only has one opponent in her division this year a Pans, Jenna Bishop, who is also from Gracie Humaita. Whether they choose to fight or not remains to be seen, but it's likely that Mesquita's focus will be set on the absolute division.

Middleweight

Luiza Monteiro (Pans Champion: 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016)

Luiza Monteiro made waves a few weeks back when she announced her departure from Team NS Brotherhood to join Atos. Monteiro is another hyper-dominant athlete on the list that has been at the top of nearly every podium in the sport. 

Heavyweight

Jessica Flowers (Pans Champion: 2017)

Jessica Flowers is the most recent black belt on the list, but she's already made a huge impact at the highest levels. The Gracie Barra rep submitted Andressa Correa, a multiple-time Pans champion, to take gold last year and followed that performance up with a third-place medal at ADCC.

The IBJJF 2018 Pan Championship takes place March 8-11 and is streaming LIVE or On Demand ONLY on FloGrappling.