BJJ Stars is set to be Brazil's biggest grappling event of 2020, and FloGrappling members in the USA, Canada, and Mexico can watch it live on July 25 (or on-demand after the event). 

The card is fully loaded top to bottom with some of the biggest stars in the game today, but one match in particular seems to have captured the public's interest: Lucas "Hulk" Barbosa vs the legendary Leandro Lo. 

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It’s not the first time these titans of jiu-jitsu have clashed. Hulk managed to pull off a razor-thin decision win over Lo in the absolute final at the IBJJF 2019 Pan Championships. 

Rewind: Lucas Hulk Barbosa vs Leandro Lo  - 2019 Match

The 2019 Pan Championships represent an uncharacteristic low point in Leandro’s near-perfect career; he was submitted by Adam Wardzinski in the heavyweight semi-final and again lost to Hulk by ref’s decision in what could be considered one of his least exciting matches of all time. 

Leandro's performance at the 2019 World Championships was a decent return to form, as he eventually earned the gold medal after Kaynan's medal was stripped due to USADA violation, but he hasn't won a match since then. 

The ups and downs of a veteran black belt are many, and we're certain that recent pitfalls have thrown gasoline on the fire that is Leandro's desire to come out with a win at BJJ stars.

Quick Maths & Potential Outcomes

Let’s chat some numbers: Leandro has accumulated a staggering 253 wins over the course of his black belt career.

Typically earning the victory via points (63%), Leandro is a master of matcraft and gamesmanship – he knows exactly how to score when he needs it, and of equal importance, how NOT to get scored on when it counts most. 

Well-rounded as they come, Leandro's sweeps are as effective as his passing, and his sheer grit and relentless pursuit of a score have carried him to more than one title. 

Leandro's hustle was on full display at the 2019 World Championships. 

“This event, this superfight is going to be really important for me. Mainly because of how I’ve been getting ready, its been a long time since I trained like this, a lot of jiu-jitsu, just jiu-jitsu, testing my cardio. 

Also, I've been  working out with a trainer. I feel good, I’ll fight well. I’m ready, it’s a new phase for me that I tried out. I hope it works out well when it comes time to fight, I'll be going forward as always and with a lot of gas.” - Leandro Lo

The Hulk, on the other hand, is just as likely to win the match via submission as he is on points (41% and 40%, respectively) – and his submissions toolkit is as well-rounded as his method of victory.

Armbars, north-south chokes, RNC, Kneebars, etc. – Hulk has finished his opponents with just about every submission imaginable. Just this year alone he’s submitted Rafael Lovato Jr. and Roberto Jimenez in dramatic fashion. 

WATCH: Lucas Hulk Barbosa vs Roberto Jimenez - Fight To Win 137

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So how will this play out on July 25? 

Really, the outcome of this match is going to be determined by who is willing to open up their tactics to promote a bit more action. 

Their first go-around saw them essentially cancel out each other's strengths, and while they are unlikely to diverge from their A-game all that much, a little creativity may be in order to spice things up at BJJ Stars. 

However, this point may be bolstered by the fact that this is a super-fight and not a final – they haven't fought eight times already – so energy levels will be high, and there's no reason for the intensity to waiver. 

Hulk had this to say about his strategy going into BJJ stars:

"I don’t think Leandro will pulll guard right away – he’ll stay standing and find the best grips – but I believe he will pull. It will be a similar battle to the one at Pan Ams, but this time will be a bit different, I’ve been able to study his game a bit more, and I believe in my win. . . . This is just one match instead of a tournament and we’re going to put everything out there and make things exciting." - Lucas 'Hulk' Barbosa