Worlds Black Belt Absolute Brackets are OUT

The absolute division starts on Saturday, June 4. Here’s what to expect from the black belt open class divisions at the at 2022 IBJJF World Championships.

The absolute is open to competitors from any weight class. While suavely dominated by heavier athletes, it's not uncommon to see a light or middleweight competitor test themselves against a super or even ultra-heavyweight opponent.

This year there are some real heavy hitters among the black belts who put their name forward for the open class.

Male Black Belt Absolute

There is a BIG first round match– ultra-heavyweight Victor Hugo will face off with medium-heavyweight Roberto Jimenez. The winner can expect a quarterfinal against Gustavo Batista and a semifinal against Erich Munis.

We can expect a semifinal on one side between Kaynan Duarte and Nicholas Meregali, with Kaynan most likely having Fellipe Andrew before that in a quarterfinal and Meregali taking on GF Team bruiser Wallace Costa.

Female Black Belt Absolute

Returning absolute champ Gabi Pessanha will have to contend with Rafaela Guedes of Atos on her side of the bracket, while Ana Carolina Vieira and Yara Soares will probably battle it out in the semifinal on the other side.