The largest black belt bracket for Rio is at 77 kg, with 31 registered athletes.

Among the favorites would be Hugo Marques (Soul Fighters), Jaime Canuto (GF Team) and Yan Lucas (Riberio JJ), although the inclusion of a number of dark horses and uneven bracketing makes this particular category difficult to predict. 

Marques won the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in Rio exactly one year ago, defeating Canuto by referee decision in the semifinal. The Rio native has had a solid first year at black belt after a stellar career in the colored belts. So far in 2018 Marques has won the Brazilian No-Gi Nationals and finished third at the Europeans.

2017-18 end of season eighth-place finisher Jaime Canuto is one of the most active competitors in the UAEJJF. Jaime has finished third at the last two Worlds and also third at the 2018 Abu Dhabi World Pro. Jaime also won the London Grand Slam last season, finished second in Tokyo and third in Rio.

2018 Brazilian National champion Yan “Pica Pau” Lucas (Ribeiro) is another name to watch at 77 kg. The World bronze medalist has a favorable side of the bracket and should contend for the title, although he has the tough Alliance rep Alexandre Cavaliere in the opening match. 

Two-time Brasileiro champ Luan Carvalho (Nova Unaio) was the champ here in 2016 and has proven he can beat anybody in the game, with wins over Michael Langhi and Lucas Lepri in his career.

Caio Caetano, a black belt from Leandro Lo’s NS Brotherhood team who won the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Los Angeles in September, will seek a repeat performance. He faces Carvahlo in the opening round. 

Watch the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Rio de Janeiro LIVE or On Demand on FloGrappling, November 16-18