The 19-man featherweight division at the 2021 No-Gi Pan Championships has more wildcards than outright favorites, as leg lock specialists have flocked to the tournament in droves following the new IBJJF rules sanctioning heel hooks and reaping attacks.

Joshua Cinseros has to feel confident in this division after his potential match of the year against the no.1-ranked lightweight, Kennedy Maciel. Although Cisneros lost that match, he had Maciel on the run for most of the bout. Cisneros is scrappy and well-rounded, and will want to collect a No-Gi Pans title in his rookie year to sit beside the Pans gold he earned in 2020.

Diego “Pato” Oliviera hasn’t competed much without the gi in his two-year black belt career. But he rarely loses, regardless of the ruleset. He’s a tricky guard player with heavy passing pressure and an uncanny ability to win scrambles. But he’ll have to prove that he’s adapted his game for no-gi in this bracket.

Two relative newcomers to the IBJJF scene could cause problems for featherweight regulars. 10th Planet’s Marvin Castelle will make his No-Gi Pans debut after a gold medal run at the New Orleans open, winning two matches with two submissions. He has a deep understanding of the leg lock game, and a plethora of tricks rooted in the 10th Planet game. Those qualities will make him a darkhorse in this division, and could put him on the podium.

Danaher Death Squad’s Frank Rosenthal could have a similar impact on this division. He has only had one prior match on the IBJJF mats, a loss at No-Gi Worlds in 2018. But with heel hooks now sanctioned, he has access to more of his best weapons. IBJJF rules are new territory for Rosenthal, but if he gets to his favorite positions, he could cause some trouble for his opponents. 

Adult / Male / Feather

TOTAL: 19