After three years of anticipation, the biggest submission wrestling event ever has arrived. The 2022 ADCC World Championships goes down in Las Vegas on Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept 18, after a long season of preparation, qualification and grueling training.

97 athletes will storm the mats, looking to claim the most coveted title in the world of submission wrestling: ADCC champion.

Anything can happen at ADCC, so there’s no telling which athletes will leave this event atop the grappling world. But some of the stories of this event are years, even decades in the making.

Below, you can find all of the important details about the ADCC World Championships, including each of these storylines, all of the necessary facts, and more.

Event Schedule

Friday, September 16

10:00 p.m. EST - Bracket Reveal

The brackets and first round matchups have been kept quiet leading up to ADCC, but they’ll finally be announced at 10 p.m. EST on Friday. Division by division, each of the brackets will be announced live in front of the athletes, as they learn their first round opponents for the first time. Watch live on FloGrappling to hear each of the opening 48 division matchups in real time!

11:00 p.m. EST - Press Conference

The top athletes in each division will answer questions about their brackets, their opponents and more.

Saturday, September 17

1:00 p.m. ET - First round begins

All seven divisions will be whittled down from 16 athletes to four. The first two rounds of the male divisions and the first round of the female division are scheduled on Saturday. Follow the action on FloGrappling, and watch the brackets unfold in real time on FloArena.

Sunday, September 18

2:00 p.m. ET - ADCC semifinal rounds begin

The medal rounds of ADCC are scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. EST. After the weight category finals, the absolute bracket will be drawn, during which time the Hall of Fame ceremony will commence; 15 legends of ADCC will become the first-ever inductees to the ADCC Hall of Fame.

The superfight between Andre Galvao & Gordon Ryan will be among the last matches of the day.

Get real time results and brackets on FloArena

ADCC will be streamed live on FloGrappling from the opening bell until the end. But if you miss a match, want to revisit any of the action, want to watch the bracket unfold visually in real time, or want notifications when specific athletes begin or end a match, visit FloArena, where you can find all of that and more!

Visit Arena here!

The most anticipated ADCC superfight in history: Andre Galvao vs Gordon Ryan

A rivalry which has been building for nearly a decade, a matchup made three years ago, will finally occupy a mat on Sunday. The most successful ADCC Champion of all time, Andre Galvao, will take on the reigning ADCC double gold champion, Gordon Ryan.

Galvao is a legend in the jiu-jitsu world, but especially in the ADCC ruleset, where he has won a record four consecutive superfights, adding to his two ADCC division medals to make six.

Ryan, on the other hand, is in his moment. He’s on a 60-match win streak, and has appeared nearly untouchable in his last several years of competition.

This match has the highest takes imaginable;; the winner can legitimately claim the status as the best ADCC competitor of all time. It may be called the most important match in ADCC’s 24-year history.

The ADCC storylines you need to know

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Five athletes stand to become the youngest-ever ADCC champion

Rafa Mendes and Kyra Gracie — both of whom have been nominated to the ADCC Hall of Fame — hold the titles for youngest ADCC male and female champion of all time. Those records are under siege this year, as five teenagers could claim that record with a championship weekend.

If Cole Abate wins the 66kg category, he earns the record by default, breaking the record held by his coach, Mendes, by nearly three years. Abate, 17, is already the youngest ADCC trials winner in history.

Three additional male athletes have an opportunity to take the record. Mica Galvao, 18, who holds the records for youngest IBJJF and AJP World Pro champion, could complete the trifecta if he wins the 77kg category. Kade Ruotolo, 19, could also set the record if he beats out Galvao for the 77kg title.

At 88kg, Tye Ruotolo is on track to set the record. As it stands, Ruotolo is the youngest in history to reach the ADCC semifinals; he was 16 years old when he took fourth place in the 66kg category in 2019.

In the women’s +60kg category, Giovanna Jara could defy all odds and usurp the four-time ADCC queen Gabi Garcia; in doing so, she would break Kyra Gracie’s record to become the youngest ever champion at ADCC.

Read: The Youngest and Oldest Athletes In Each ADCC Division

The biggest teams coming to ADCC

Many of ADCC’s most established teams are sending crowds to represent them. The biggest teams are Atos and Fight Sports, which each have squads of eight headed to the tournament. Atos has at least one athlete in all but one division, and multiple athletes in several categories.

Fight Sports is sending at least one athlete to each of the five male categories, including six ADCC South American Trials winners.

New Wave Jiu-Jitsu and 10th Planet each have seven athletes competing, while B-Team has five representatives, and Allianace has five.

Read the full article here.

More than half of the athletes will make their ADCC debuts

Fifty-one percent of the athletes competing at ADCC this year will be doing so for the first time. In each of the three lightest male categories, nine of the 16 grapplers will be making their debuts. In the women’s +60kg division, it’s seven of eight. See the full list of ADCC debutants here.

Vegas style: ADCC betting action in full swing

The bettting lines for each of the seven divisions and the superfight have been released, but the odds have already changed dramatically. See a breakdown of each of the opening lines here.

The Divisions

Men’s 66kg

FloGrappling bracket prediction here

None of the previous ADCC champions are returning to the 66kg division, leaving it wide open for a first-time gold medal winner to take the podium. Kennedy Maciel could be the man to beat, then, as he took the silver medal in 2019. AJ Agazarm is a returning silver medalist from 2017. But all eyes are on Garry Tonon, the 2019 bronze medalist at 77kg who is cutting down to the lightest weight category for the first time in his nearly decade-long ADCC tenure.

Just as the veterans are all aspiring for their first ADCC gold medals, so are the newcomers, and there are many young athletes with that title in this division. Cole Abate, the youngest of any athlete at ADCC, stands to make history with a gold medal, with the chance to become the youngest ADCC champion in history. But overall, this division is wide open for top level grapplers to take charge in their first ADCC appearances.

66kg athletes:

• 1st European Trials Winner: Ashley Williams (Draigh)
• 2nd European Trials Winner: Sam McNally (East Coast Jiu-JItsu) 
• 1st North American Trials Winner: Cole Abate (Art Of Jiu-Jitsu)
• 2nd North American Trials Winner: Keith Krikorian (10th Planet)
• 1st South American Trials Winner: Diogo Reis (Fight Sports)
• 2nd South American Trials Winner: Fabricio Andrey (Fight Sports)
• Asia & Oceania Trials Winner: Jeremy Skinner
• Invited: Kennedy Maciel (Alliance)
• Invited: Gabriel Sousa (Zr Team)
• Invited: Ethan Crelinsten (B-Team) 
• Invited: Geo Martinez (10th Planet)
• Invited: Diego "Pato" Oliveira (Dream Art) 
• Invited: Ruan Alvarenga (Alliance)
• Invited: AJ Agazarm 
• Invited: Joshua Cisneros (Ares BJJ)
• Invited: Garry Tonon (New Wave Jiu-Jitsu)

Men’s 77kg

FloGrappling bracket prediction here

Two-time ADCC champion JT Torres is back and looking to set his name in the history books. With a third gold medal run at ADCC, Torres could become the first American in history to earn three ADCC golds in the same division. But it will be no easy task.

Once Again, Torres Finds Himself In What Is Considered The Most Stacked Division Of The Tournament, Loaded With Athletes Like [p, Nicky Ryan, Renato Canuto, Kade Ruotolo, Dante Leon and Willia Tackett. But perhaps the most intriguing contender is Mica Galvao, the ADCC South American Trials winner who landed five submissions in less than ten minutes total mat time to earn his spot in this division.

Galvao is a phenomenon. He’s the youngest in history to win IBJJF Worlds, the youngest ever to win the AJP World Pro, and has the opportunity to become the youngest ADCC champion in history with another successful putting in this, his ADCC debut.

77kg athletes:

• Returning champion: JT Torres (Essential BJJ)
• 2nd European Trials Winner: Tommy Langaker
• 1st European Trials Winner: Oliver Taza (New Wave Jiu-Jitsu)
• 1st North American Trials Winner: Kade Ruotolo (Atos)
• 2nd North American Trials Winner: William Tackett (Checkmat)
• 1st South American Trials Winner: Micael Galvao (Fight Sports)
• 2nd South American Trials Winner: Roberto Jimenez
• Asia & Oceania Trials Winner: Kenta Iwamoto
• Invited: Lachlan Giles (Absolute MMA)
• Invited: Mateusz Szczecinski
• Invited: Magid Hage (Surfight)
• Invited: Nicky Ryan (B-Team)
• Invited: Dante Leon (Pedigo Submission Fighting)
• Invited: Renato Canuto (Checkmat)
• Invited: PJ Barch (10th Planet) 
• Invited: Andy Varela (10th Planet)

Men’s 88kg

FloGrappling bracket prediction here

The 88kg division will pit experience against youth at every turn; but the athlete who has both of those qualities on his side will be the favorite to win. The reigning champion, Matheus Diniz took gold in his first ADCC try in 2019, and his style proved next to perfect for the ADCC ruleset. Diniz is now an ADCC veteran, but his veteranship pales in comparison to some of his colleagues.

Xande Ribeiro, for example, will make a record eight appearance at the ADCC World Championships. He has more ADCC matches than any athlete in history, and a handful of medals to show for it. Vagner Rocha, another established ADCC veteran and multiple time medalist, is moving up in weight after years as a 77kg mainstay.

But the youth in this division will look to topple the old guard.

Tye Ruotolo could be at the head of the charge in his second ADCC appearance. After taking fourth in 2019 at just 16 years old, Ruotolo is now in a division 50 lbs heavier and looking, once again, to become an ADCC Champion.

But he’s not the only young star here. Trials winners like Jay Rodriguez, Giancarlo Bodoni and Izaak Michell will look to cash in on their opportunities to compete in the biggest grappling event ever. Even one powerful performance could put them at the forefront of the grappling universe.

88kg athletes:

• Returning champion: Matheus Diniz (Alliance)
• 2nd European Trials Winner: Santeri Ilius
• 1st European Trials Winner: Eoghan O’Flanagan 
• 1st North American Trials Winner: Giancarlo Bodoni (New Wave Jiu-Jitsu)
• 1st North American Trials Winner (qualified at -99kg): Mason Fowler (Brasa CTA)
• 2nd North American Trials Winner: Jay Rodriguez (B-Team)
• 1st South American Trials Winner: Isaque Bahiense (Dream Art)
• 2nd South American Trials Winner: Alexandre De Jesus "Robinho"
• Asia & Oceania Trials Winner: Roberto Dib Frias
• Asia & Oceania Trials Winner (qualified at -99kg): Izaak Michell (B-Team) 
• Invited: Xande Ribeiro (Six Blades)
• Invited: Josh Hinger (Atos)
• Invited: Tye Ruotolo (Atos)
• Invited: Vagner Rocha (Fight Sports)
• Invited: Lucas "Hulk" Barbosa (Atos)
• Invited: Pedro Marinho (Gracie Barra)

Men’s -99kg

FloGrappling bracket prediction here

The reigning -99kg champion, Gordon Ryan, won’t defend his 99kg crown, opting instead to chase the -99kg division. In his wake, +99kg champion Kaynan Duarte has cut down to try and take his second title in as many divisions.

Duarte faces a sea of established challengers, including two 2019 silver medalists, Craig Jones and Vinicius "Trator" Ferreira. But one of his most intriguing potential opponents is Nicholas Meregali, the multiple time gi World champion who embraced no-gi competition just a few months ago.

-99kg athletes:

• 1st European Trials Winner: Perttu Tepponen
• 2nd European Trials Winner: Luke Griffith (New Wave)
• 2nd North American Trials Winner: Paul Ardila-Ibarra (Jucao)
• 1st South American Trials Winner: Joao Costa (Fight Sports)
• 2nd South American Trials Winner: Henrique Ceconi
• 2nd North American Trials Winner: Kyle Boehm (10th Planet) (dropped from +99kg)
• Invited: Vinicius "Trator" Ferreira (Alliance) 
• Invited: Rafael Lovato Jr. (Six Blades)
• Invited: Kaynan Duarte (Atos)
• Invited: Yuri Simoes (Brasa CTA)
• Invited: Patrick Gaudio (GF Team)
• Invited: Nicholas Meregali (Dream Art) 
• Invited: Elder Cruz (Checkmat)
• Invited: Craig Jones (B-Team) 
• Invited: Devhonte Johnson (Unity) 
• Invited: Owen Livesey

Men’s +99kg

FloGrappling bracket prediction here

The moment he takes the mat, Gordon Ryan will be the first athlete ever to compete in a division and the ADCC superfight in the same year. If he wins the +99kg bracket, he could also be the first in history to win three weight categories, adding that to his absolute title for four golds (with a potential for five if he wins the superfight on Sunday).

But a slate of decorated ADCC veterans lie before him. In total, this division contains five prior ADCC champions and two previous silver medalists. There’s more hardware in this division than in any other this year. Ryan, Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu and Felipe Pena have each won an ADCC absolute title. Vinny Magalhaes and Orlando Sanchez have ADCC titles on their mantles. Nick Rodriguez and Joao Gabriel Rocha, the two silver medalists, are looking to one up their best performances with gold this time around. And a smattering of additional veterans and newcomers will each try for a breakout ADCC performance in a division with the best grappler of a generation.

+99kg athletes:

• 1st European Trials Winner: Heikki Jussila
• 2nd European Trials Winner: Dan Manasoiu (New Wave)
• 1st North American Trials Winner: John Hansen (Pedigo Submission Fighting)
• 1st South American Trials Winner: Roosevelt Sousa (Fight Sports)
• Asia & Oceania Trials Winner: Josh Saunders
• Invited: Gordon Ryan (New Wave Jiu-Jitsu)
• Invited: Nick Rodriguez (B-Team)
• Invited: Felipe Pena (Gracie Barra)
• Invited: Joao Gabriel Rocha (Alliance)
• Invited: Victor Hugo (Six Blades) 
• Invited: Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu (Fight Sports)
• Invited: Haisam Rida (Assembly Jiu-Jitsu)
• Invited: Orlando Sanchez (Gracie Barra) 
• Invited: Vinny Magalhaes (10th Planet)
• Invited: Max Gimenis (GF Team)
• Invited: Damon Ramos (Renzo Gracie)

Women’s -60kg

FloGrappling bracket prediction here

A trifecta of dangerous and experienced ADCC veterans will sit atop the pack of eight women at -60kg.

The pressure will be on Bianca Basilio, the reigning ADCC champion who won in her first ADCC campaign in 2019, collecting a nasty ankle lock in the final.

Beatriz Mesquita, too, may feel some pressure. She won the division in 2017, then had her arm snapped in 2019 in the semifinal; she’ll look to reclaim her throne, and with it, fortify her status as “Lady GOAT.”

Meanwhile, several newcomers will look to tear down the established frontrunners. Brianna Ste-Marie, for example, won 11 matches to qualify for this division, gaining stardom on her way. And multiple time IBJJF World Champion Mayssa Bastos will try to demonstrate that, although the smallest in this division, she is one of the best in the world. Currently undefeated in no-gi competition since 2019, Bastos will be facing the toughest test of her career.

-60kg athletes:

• Returning champion: Bianca Basilio (Atos)
• Invited: Beatriz Mesquita 
• Invited: Ffion Davies (Essential BJJ)
• Invited: Elvira Karppinen (10th Planet)
• American Trials Winner: Brianna Ste-Marie (Brazilian Top Team)
• South American Trials Winner: Mayssa Bastos (Unity)
• European Trials Winner: Julia Maele 
• Asia & Oceania Trials Winner: Adele Fornarino

Women’s +60kg

FloGrappling bracket prediction here

Of the eight women named to the women’s heavyweight category at ADCC 2022, only one has competed at a previous edition of the tournament. And that woman, Gabi Garcia, has been nearly unstoppable. In her long tenure as an ADCC veteran, Garcia has lost only one match, ahd has earned a record four ADCC titles. She’s the most successful female competitor in ADCC history, with four gold medals to her name.

This year, Garcia will try to fend off a pack of hungry up and comers, each of them trying to dethrone the queen to achieve a rare debut success at ADCC.

Perhaps the favorite to take it from her is Rafaela Guedes, the reigning Tezos WNO champ and reigning IBJJF No-Gi Worlds double gold champion. One of the eight Atos athletes at ADCC, Guedes' game appears perfectly crafted for the ADCC ruleset.

Invitees such as Elisabeth Clay and Kendall Reusing, could also do damage in this division.

There are four big question marks in this division: the Trials winners. Amy Campo, for example, has shown promise. Her style could take her far in this division, but she may have to avenge a Trials loss to Reusing. And Giovanna Jara is a relative unknown in this division, but riding on her success is the potential to make history. She’s one of five athletes who — with a victory — could become the youngest-ever ADCC champion.

+60kg athletes

• Returning champion: Gabi Garcia (Alliance)
• South American Trials Winner: Giovanna Jara (Dream Art)
• American Trials Winner: Amy Campo (Zenith)
• European Trials Winner: Eleftheria Christodolou  
• Invited: Rafaela Guedes (Atos) 
• Invited: Elisabeth Clay (Ares BJJ)
• Invited: Kendall Reusing (Gracie Barra)
• Asia & Oceania Trials Winner: Nikki Lloyd-Griffiths

Hall of Fame

Fifteen ADCC legends will be inducted into the ADCC Hall of Fame in its inaugural year. They are:

• Saulo Ribeiro
• Renzo Gracie
• Mark Kerr
• Baret Yoshida
• Mario Sperry
• Kyra Gracie
• Roger Gracie
• Royler Gracie
• Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles
• Braulio Estima
• Andre Galvao
• Marcelo Garcia
• Ricardo Arona
• Dean Lister
• Rafael Mendes