The main brackets for the 13th Edition of the Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship are now finalized, as each of the country qualifiers have concluded. Many of the Brazilian athletes hoping to represent their country in the main brackets had to fight through deep divings among some of the most reputable opposition in the entire roster just to earn a spot in the World Pro tournament. 

In his first appearance at the Abu Dhabi World Pro as a black belt, Micael Galvao won the Brazilian qualifier at 77 kg, submitting two of three opponents and racking up nine points on Leo Lara in the semifinal. He’ll take his spot in the main bracket tomorrow, an 18-man division. Galvao won gold in the brown belt divisions at the 12th Edition of the World Pro, but he could face some of his toughest opponents to date in his upcoming bracket. In the semifinals, he may run into Levi Jones-Leary or Michael Liera Jr. And in the final, he could find a 2018 World Pro champ, Espen Mathiesen.

Isaque Bahiense has an opportunity for a repeat gold medal performance later this week after winning the 85 kg Brazilian qualifier. The reigning champion could run into Tommy Langaker in the finals, a potential rematch of the finals in the previous edition of World Pro.

Israel Almeida will have a crack at a second World Pro title after winning the Brazil qualifier today. He defeated Thiago Macedo and Leo Saggioro on points, and landed a 90-second submission over Diego Marinho. Almeida has been a force on the AJP circuit, but could have his first-ever encounter with Fabricio Andrey in the 69 kg semifinal, and could find the reigning 77 kg champion, Pablo Lavaselli, in the final.

Gabi Pessanha might have had her toughest test of the week in the qualifying round. She defeated Tayane Porfirio in a best of three bracket, winning the first match narrowly, and scoring the go-ahead points in the closing moment of the second match. Pessanha now has a spot in the 95 kg round robin division, where she will meet division rival, Yara Soares in the third round. Soares is on a hot streak against Pessanha; she has defeated her in each of their last three encounters after losing seven of the first eight.

Gutemberg Pereira submitted Ricardo Evangelista in the 120 kg Brazilian qualifier final, and is now on track to try for his second World Pro gold in as many years. His biggest opposition may be Roosevelt Sousa, who he could meet in the semifinal.

After earning his black belt less than two weeks ago, Nathannel Fernandes defeated three veteran opponents, Thalison Soares; Oziel Carvalho and Rodnei Barbosa, to earn his berth in the main bracket at 56 kg. Fernandes’ work is not over, as he’ll have to upset the reigning champ, Jonas Andrade, to conquer the division.

Diogo Reis defeated a decorated field of 62 kg competitors, including Meyram Maquine and Lucas Pinheiro to qualify to represent Brazil in the main bracket.

Matheus Xavier earned four consecutive victories to qualify for the main bracket at 94 kg, including a win over Anderson Munis. He may have to double down on that victory in the semifinal, as he’s likely to encounter Erich Munis there.

Beatriz Mesquita has her eyes set on another World Pro title after winning two matches and finding a second-round walk over in the women’s 62 kg division. She’s the clear favorite in the main bracket.

Bianca Basilio scored a two victories to earn her way into the main bracket at 55 kg. Ana Rodrigues will likely be waiting for her in the semifinals. First, Basilio will have to get through Amal Amjahid.

Larissa De Almeida will represent Brazil in the female 70 kg division after putting up eight unanswered points in three matches, and beating Thalyta Silva in the final.

Vanderlucia Barbosa went undefeated in a four woman round robin, and will represent Brazil in the main bracket.