Nominations: 2019 Female Grappler of the Year | FloGrappling Awards

As we look back on an eventful year in jiu-jitsu, we find that six names in the pantheon of women’s jiu-jitsu stand above the rest.

The following group of nominations features competitors who medaled at nearly every major tournament of the season; excelling both in the gi and without it. No competitor here was perfect -  each picked up a silver medal an one of the major tournament this year, highlighting the pedigree and growing competitive levels 

Bianca Basilio

One of jiu-jitsu’s most exciting female competitors. A finisher, Basilio is known for her devastating footlocks and versatile guard.  Basilio's shining moment of the year arguably came in the -60kg final at ADCC where she submitted fellow 'Female Competitor of The Year' nominee Ffion Davies with a brutal toehold to secure the gold medal. 

2019 Accomplishments

• ADCC World Champion - 60kg 
• Brazilian National Champion - Lightweight
• Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion - 55kg 

Gabi Garcia

Gabi Garcia might not have been as active as some of the other women featured in the EOY nominations, but her success should not be overlooked.  The Alliance representative secured her fourth ADCC gold medaling, tying Marcelo Garcia, for most ADCC titles ever.  

Garcia also returned to gi competition for the first time since 2013 to claim double gold at the 2019 IBJJF Pan Championships.

2019 Accomplishments

• ADCC +60kg Champ
• IBJJF Pan Champion - Super Heavy + Absolute

Beatriz Mesquita

One of jiu-jitsu’s greatest competitors ever, Bia Mesquita put in another round of solid work throughout the 2019 season.  She claimed her 6th world title, First Abu Dhabi World Pro title, and double gold at Brazilian Nationals (brining her gold medal count to six at the prestigious event.

2019 Accomplishments

• IBJJF World Champ - Lightweight
• Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion - 62kg
• Brazilian National Champion (Middleweight + Absolute)

Ffion Davies

Perhaps the breakout star of the season for women’s jiu-jitsu, Ffion Davies was a force to reckoned with throughout the year.  She opened strong with a gold medal at the European Championships and followed up with strong showings at the Pan Championships. She’s also the first-ever European to claim a gold medal Brazilian national championships at the black belt level.

2019 Accomplishments

• Brazilian National Champion - Featherweight
• IBJJF Pan Champion- Featherweight
• IBJJF European Champion - Featherweight

Mayssa Bastos 

The GF Team / Unity Jiu-Jitsu competitor is the current queen of the roosterweight division; Mayssa was merely one gold medal short of hitting the grand slam (she took second a Brazilian Nationals)  and will no doubt be seen at the top of the podium throughout 2020.

2019 Accomplishments

• IBJJF World Champion - Roosterweight
• IBJJF No-Gi World Champion - Roosterweight
• Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion - 49kg
• IBJJF European Champion - Roosterweight
• IBJJF Pan Champion - Roosterweight

Nathiely De Jesus

Nathiely de Jesus conquered many of the sport's most important titles this year, including double gold at the world and European championships. 

Not to be overlooked, Nathiely also holds some huge wins in the submission-only arena, including a submission win over Jessica Flowers and a decision victory over Gabi Garcia at Fight 2 Win.

2019 Accomplishments 

• IBJJF World Champion - Heavyweight + Absolute
• IBJJF Pan Champion Heavyweight 
• IBJJF European Champion  - Heavyweight + Absolute