The IBJJF has released the brackets for the black belt absolute divisions coming to No-Gi Pans beginning at 11:30 am ET on Saturday, October 15.

The men’s absolute has no returning champion, meaning whoever wins the 20-deep absolute division this year will be a first-time No-Gi Pans open class champion.

No.2 seed Michael Perez recently hit the No-Gi Pans open class final; he closed out with teammate Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa in 2021.

Throughout his career, Perez has shown a particular skill against larger opponents. He’ll have to rely on that skill as he could face ultra heavyweights Igor Schneider or Helton Junior to make a return trip to the final this year.

The no.1 seed is Henrique Ceconi, the 2022 ADCC South American Trials winner who showed impressive wrestling in his opening round match last month against Nicholas Meregali. 

Ceconi shares the top side of the bracket with two rookie black belts: Felipe Costa and Elder Cruz.

Cruz, also an ADCC veteran, shouldn’t be counted out. He won No-Gi Pans and No-Gi Worlds in 2021 at brown belt, and has demonstrated tremendous wrestling throughout his career. A strong start in the absolute division on Saturday could put him on fire for the weekend, as he’ll be making his black belt debut in a loaded heavyweight division.

The women’s absolute bracket is headed up by two No-Gi World champs. Elisabeth Clay, the top seed, and Vedha Toscano, the no.2, seem destined to clash in the final. But Clay will have a tough first round draw, the rookie black belt Emily Fernandez.

Last year, Clay took double gold at No-Gi Pans, and appears hungry to repeat. Some of the super heavyweights who appeared potential threats to her campaign did not register for the open class.

The absolute divisions will run through the finals on Saturday. The finals will take place on Sunday in the final matches of the event.