Joao Miyao made the trip to Astana, Kazakhstan to represent the Brazilian National Grappling Team at the United World Wrestling (UWW) World Grappling Championships. 

The wrestling heavy tournament features many athletes skilled in wrestling, judo, sambo or all three and made for some interesting matchups from around the world for the jiu jitsu superstar Miyao. 

Joao would cruise to the semifinal after receiving a bye and then defeating Argen Kaidybaev of Kyrgyzstan 13-4 in the quarters, only giving up points on two guard pulls. Once Joao was able to secure the sweep, he quickly flattened his opponent out with a crossface and passed with a knee slide. A mount would punt Joao up 13-4 and the match ended with him attacking an armlock.

In the next match, Joao took down Nathaniel Vince Ortiz of the Philippines 9-2, again only giving up points for pulling guard. A sweep, pass and back take racked up the nine points that Miyao would finish the match with.

Waiting in the final would be Akhmed Iasaev of Russia. Iasaev had earlier won three matches by a combined score of 22-5, showcasing a strong takedown and passing game. Like most of Russia’s grappling team, Iasaev is a product of the Dagestan region, famous for having the best wrestling in the world.

Joao pulled quick in the match, eventually setting up an armlock from closed guard. In a brutal display of resilience Iasaev defended the fully locked on armbar for an extended period of time. In the end Joao switched over to a triangle, Iasaev was still unwilling to tap and went unconscious from the hold.

On Sunday the 9th Gi action kicks off in Astana. Joao will be trying to win UWW World titles on back to back days in his Gi division.

Watch Joao Miyao's title run

Argen Kaidybaev (KAZ) vs Joao Miyao UWW World Championships

Joao Miyao vs Nathaniel Vince Ortiz (PHI) UWW World Championships

Joao Miyao vs Akhmed Iasaev (RUS) UWW World Championships