Nicholas Meregali scored a late sweep over Victor Hugo in Friday night's IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix final, defeating the 2023 IBJJF double gold world champion via points to win $40,000.

Meregali and jiu-jitsu fans alike had been clamoring for the matchup, as Meregali claimed he would prove that, despite skipping the World Championships in June, he was the best grappler in the World. 

Both Meregali and Hugo had sensational runs on their way to the final, winning each of their two matches via submssion. Meregali hit a smother choke on Francisco Lo, then a collar choke from the back on Gutemberg Pereira. Hugo secured an ezekiel choke victory over Horlando Montiero, then a triangle armbar over heavyweight world champ Felipe Andrew, clocking a total of 2 minutes, 28 seconds of mat time across the two matches.

Meregali, who won the 2022 IBJJF absolute world title, returned to gi competition at Pans this year where he took double gold with five submissions in six matches. But that was his only major tournament on the year.

Meanwhile, Victor Hugo became the first athlete to earn double gold at Brasileiros and Worlds in the same year, securing submission in both. That also made him the first athlete since Roger Gracie in 2009 to win the Worlds absolute final via submission.

Meregali stands to reclaim the No.1 pound-for-pound spot in the rankings from Hugo after the head to head victory.

The Absolute Grand Prix card also featured five superfights, largely characterized by stunning submissions and high pace battles.

Tainan Dalpra rebounded from his first IBJJF loss at Worlds with a quick submission victory via triangle choke over Yan 'Pica-Pau' Lucas.

His teammate, Cole Abate, won his black belt debut with a series of advantages from pass attempts.

Ronaldo Junior outscored Sebastian Rodriguez on advantages in a gritty battle.

Janaina Lebre kept her IBJJF Grand Prix streak alive, securing a submission victory via mounted ezikiel choke over Emily Fernandez.

Jackson Nagai defeated late replacement Natan Chueng on points (8-2) in the match of the night, a hard nosed battle between two game opponents.