The first round matches of the IBJJF Heavyweight Grand Prix have been announced! The eight-man tournament features the top names form the world of jiu-jitsu fighting for a grand prize of $40,000. 

Here is the bracket: 

Our thoughts

It's an evenly balanced bracket with the top four seeded men in each corner (Buchecha, Leandro, Joao Gabriel and Galvao). 

It's too easy to say that the top-seeded guys will make it to the semi-finals, because each of them has a tough match to start the event. Buchecha has the easiest (if you can call it that), as Leandro has an opponent MUCH bigger than him in the form of Ricardo Evangelista. Joao Gabriel must contend with the experience and tricks of a man who matches him in size in Pe de Pano. The final opening round match is a clash of two of the most decorated veterans in the sport in Andre Galvao and Xande Ribeiro. 

Buchecha is absolutely still the favorite in this match, given he holds wins over Leandro, Joao Gabriel and Galvao. But any one of the eight could bring a gameplan or a different approach that could change the dynamic of the entire bracket. 

Who do YOU think is going to win it all?

[polldaddy poll="9814699"]
 
​​Look out for thrilling matches on August 26 when the IBJJF Heavyweight Grand Prix is LIVE only on FloGrappling.